Fire breaks out at Hare Krishna Temple

By Sadhana Karia

Firefighters were called out today (21) to contain a blaze at at the Hare Krishna Temple at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in the village of Aldenham, near Watford. 

Several bales of hay were well alight at the Goshala barn. The fire is believed to have begun at around 1 pm and firefighters arrived within ten minutes and managed to contain the fire. 

There were no injuries and all animals at the site were safe. 

The temple has confirmed that it will be closed until further notice and has apologised for any inconvenience caused. 

Managing director at Bhakdivedanta Manor, Gauri Das, said at least four fire engines were called to the scene and everyone was evacuated from the area. 

Mr Das said: "Everywhere is clear fortunately but a lot of hay is on fire. Crews have got water hoses out to try and put the fire out. It's a beautiful barn which thousands of Hindus come to visit." 

Guests reacted quickly to make sure any gas bottles or flammable items were kept away from the fire before they were forced to get away from the site by the emergency services. 

Police and paramedics were also present and some people were checked for smoke inhalation. 

The property was donated to the Hare Krishna movement in February 1973 by Beatles icon George Harrison, after the Radha Krishna Temple in central London had become inadequate to house the growing number of devotees. 

Harrison's donation included 17 acres of land, following which the estate was extended through the acquisition of neighbouring properties. Harrison had a close relationship with International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and visited him at the Manor on several occasions.