Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

First crematorium in UK to have dedicated Shiva shrine

First crematorium in UK to have dedicated Shiva shrine

A Leicestershire crematorium claims to be the first in the UK to have a dedicated shrine to Shiva.

The Great Glen Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, an independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 sites nationwide.


Local businessman Sailesh Raja has donated a white marble statue of Lord Shiva.

"I thought having a dedicated shrine would be a great service to the local community," he said. "Most crematoriums have temporary shrines, but I believe this was the first to have a permanent one.

It is very important to the local community, as it is said that Lord Shiva is an inhabitant of the cremation ground."

Site Manager at Great Glen Crematorium, Harvey Watson, said: “At Great Glen, we have fantastic support from the Hindu and Sikh communities. I believe it’s important that we do what we can to offer them an opportunity to honor their lost loved ones in a way that is reflective of their beliefs.

Great Glen Crematorium opened in 2017 and is set within 30 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.

More For You

Train-stabbings

Crime scene investigators walk along a train platform at Huntingdon Station on November 2, 2025 in Huntingdon, after a stabbing attack on a train. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ten injured in stabbing on London-bound train; police arrest two suspects

Highlights:

  • Ten people injured in stabbing on train from Doncaster to London
  • Nine victims reported to be in critical condition
  • Two suspects arrested; counter-terrorism police assisting
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls incident “deeply concerning”

POLICE are investigating a mass stabbing on a London-bound train that left 10 people injured, including nine in critical condition. Two people were arrested following the incident.

Keep ReadingShow less