Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam

Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Latest News

The 151-year-old Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam temple in Durban, a national monument, faces potential discontinuation of civic services due to a pending bill amid fraud allegations.

About Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam

• It is a Hindu temple located in Durban, South Africa.
• Built in 1875, it was established by indentured labourers who arrived in Durban from India. 
• It is the oldest Hindu temple on the African continent.
• It is also known as the Cato Manor Second River Temple and is situated on a hill amongst lush vegetation in Cato Manor. 
• The temple complex is home to three deities – the first temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known as Ambalavaanar; the second in honour of the ‘mother’, is known as Sri Draupadi Alayam; and the third is the Phutu (Phutuvan) Temple.
• The temple’s architecture reflects traditional South Indian design, featuring intricate carvings and vibrant colors. 
• Over the years, the temple has been known as ‘the temple that refused to die’ because of the many challenges it faced.
• It was declared a National Heritage Site in 1980 by the apartheid-era National Monuments Council.

Source: DEVD

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