இலண்டன் சைவ மாநாடு (சிறப்புமலர்)

7வது சைவ மாநாடு இலண்டன் 2004 the life style in the western countries is very much different. Full of tension, stress and pre-occupied with many activities whether it be long hours of work or taking the children for various classes, social functions, temple worships etc. Therefore, it is vital that any ceremony in Temples is reduced to an acceptable level. At many quarters, people question the wisdom as to whether do we need so many Saiva Temples in and around London. It is true that, there is an old saying that "do not live where no temple exist". Even accepting this and also the fact, in a rat race life of London, people are unable to travel to far distance, yet in proportion to the Saiva Tamil Population living here, too many temples exist. Would it be possible for the younger generation to sustain them. Saiva Temples must not merely be a place of worship but also play a useful role in providing Community Service. It is true to say that Saiva Temples whether they be in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore or elsewhere had been, for centuries, fulfilling this important obligations. Even some of the Saiva Temples in U.K. have undertaken Community Service. But there is concern that they are in the minority. I would appeal to all the Saiva Temples to undertake Community Service. There is another important issue which need to be addressed by all the Saiva Temples in U.K. This relate to co-ordinating and agreeing on a common and appropriate day to celebrate days of religious significance to name a few such as Thai Pongal, Tamil Hindu New Year, Navarathiri, Sivarathiri, Deepavali etc. Different Temples observe on different dates. This is not only causing confusion in the minds of the elders but more so among the younger generation. I would also like to see that, we the devotees, discipline ourselves and behave properly and in a descent way when we go to pray at Saiva Temples. We are expected to observe absolute silence, which would help to create a peaceful environment to pray. It is equally important that trustees, executive committee members and others who manage and run the Temples conduct and behave in a civilised and cultured way. Those who come forward to these positions must be transparent, act according to their conscience with dedication and commitment. They must be persons of high integrity and morals free of influence, corruption etc. In short, they should set an example to the rest of the community. Another matter of concern is about religious conversion. This need to be addressed as an urgent issue. What is important is to look at the cause rather than the symptoms. It is being said that conversion happens when they are most vulnerable. It could be, physically, psycho- logically, socially or economically. It is therefore, necessary to put in place projects and mechanism to help such people in order to prevent any forced conversion. 83 I have referred to various matters, which I considered relevant to practice Hindu religion and propagate saivism in a proper and effective way. It is not intended to undermine anyone's feelings or sentiment. Charity to all and malice to none. I