Skanda Vale: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Latest revision as of 02:11, 8 November 2023

Skanda Vale is a non-denominational spiritual centre and monastery located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, near the village of Llanpumsaint. Founded in 1973 by Guru Sri Subramanium,^[1] the monastery is inhabited and run by the Community of the Many Names of God, which also runs Somaskanda Ashram in Switzerland. Skanda Vale promotes a practical spirituality centred on devotion and selfless service.

Skanda Vale is a syncretic religious community, albeit one that is seen from the outside as being a Hindu ashram. The monastics take Franciscan Christian vows of poverty, obedience and chastity and wear Christian monk-style robes. The ethos is based on Krishna's teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and sanatana dharma.^[2] The main shrines are to Hindu deities, and the pujas are clearly Hindu, however most monks and nuns are from western backgrounds. The temples are a place of pilgrimage for Hindus from Tamil and South Indian backgrounds who worship Murugan. Gujuratis and Bengalis visit the temples of Vishnu and Shakti.^[3]

Skanda Vale is a registered charity in the UK and is funded entirely by donations.^[4] It is closely associated with the legally separate charity that sustains Skanda Vale Hospice.^[5]

History

Skanda Vale was founded in 1973 by Guru Sri Subramanium, who had previously been living and working in London while giving support and instruction to spiritual seekers of various backgrounds.^[6] The original property was previously a smallholding of 22 acres.^[6]

The original farmhouse was converted into the Subramanium Temple, dedicated primarily to Murugan (Skanda being one of Murugan's names), but also accommodating the veneration of other divinities such as Shiva, Kali, Vishnu, Jesus Christ and the Buddha.^[7] The monastic community known as the Community of the Many Names of God was established in Skanda Vale, and the ashram grew in area and population over the years.^[8] A second temple, the Maha Shakti temple, was established in 1991.^[9] This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali.

In 1993 Skanda Vale Hospice was set up by members of the Community of the Many Names of God. This hospice conducts palliative care for the terminally ill, in line with Skanda Vale's emphasis on the sanctity of life.^[10]

A third temple, the Sri Ranganatha Temple, was inaugurated in 1999.^[11] The founder of Skanda Vale, Guru Sri Subramanium, died in 2007.^[1]

Immediately following the death of its founder, Skanda Vale became embroiled in controversy regarding Shambo, a bull living in the care of the community. Shambo was tested positive for bovine tuberculosis.^[12] As a result, the Welsh government ordered him killed. The Community at Skanda Vale resisted this order, expressing their belief in the sanctity of life.^[13] The campaign to save Shambo and associated court battles reached international news, and drew involvement from the Hindu community in the UK and internationally.^[14] Shambo was ultimately confirmed killed on 27 July 2007.^[15]

Somaskanda Ashram in Switzerland was established in 2016 as a second ashram of the Community of the Many Names of God. The property had first been purchased by Swiss devotees in 1994, and was finally inaugurated as a fully-fledged temple in October 2016.^[16]

In the present day, Skanda Vale continues to operate as a spiritual centre and place of pilgrimage for people of a wide variety of backgrounds, as well as acting as an animal sanctuary, a centre for food aid distribution and as support for Skanda Vale Hospice. ^[4]

Ethos

Skanda Vale teaches and practices a practical spirituality suited to the varying inclinations of individual seekers, with an especial focus on devotion and selfless service, or bhakti yoga and karma yoga respectively, and integration with the Divine through direct experience in the course of daily living.^[4] As part of this practice, Skanda Vale upholds a belief in the sanctity of all life, based on an understanding of all life as expressions of universal Divinity.^[17]

The community's founder taught that all life emerged from an underlying non-dual timeless consciousness,^[4] broadly in line with the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. While based in this understanding, Skanda Vale celebrates a broad diversity of spiritual paths and approaches. The organisation adopts a liberal perennialist approach to the wide variety of spiritual inclinations and needs of individual seekers.^[4]

Activities

The ashram has three temples - the Subramanium Temple, Maha Shakti Temple and Sri Ranganatha Temple. There is a regular routine of six daily pujas spread across these three temples, punctuated by extended pujas on special occasions.^[18] Worship in these temples is led by members of the resident Community of the Many Names of God, but is open to participation by all visitors. All activity at Skanda Vale is funded entirely by anonymous donations, in line with the Community's policy of non-commercialism.^[19]

Skanda Vale reports receiving over 90,000 pilgrims a year.^[4] All of these pilgrims are given free meals, and many are accommodated in the ashram's accommodation. Skanda Vale provides emotional and spiritual support for visitors and devotees,^[20] and also holds spiritual seminars in London and in its child ashram in Switzerland.^[21]

Much of Skanda Vale's activity also relates to its belief in the sanctity of life. Based on this ethos, Skanda Vale supports Skanda Vale Hospice, and also operates an animal sanctuary on its land. Animals cared for at Skanda Vale include cattle, buffalo, horses, chickens and other birds and a pair of Asian elephants.^[22] Valli, Skanda Vale's original temple elephant, was given to the ashram's founder by Sri Lankan President Jayawardene, having previously been in an elephant orphanage.^[23]

The Community of the Many Names of God

The resident community at Skanda Vale and Somaskanda Ashram is known as the Community of the Many Names of God. The community is made up of about 25 monks and nuns and a small number of lay members.^[4]

All monastics take vows modelled on the Franciscan monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and wear a robe modelled on the Franciscan habit.^[4] The Community of the Many Names of God maintains a special relationship with Saint Francis of Assisi, holding a special service on his feast day every year.

Notes

^ ^a ^b "Guru Sri Subramanium Obituary". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ Hurn, Samantha (2016). "Animals as Producers, Consumers and Consumed: The Complexities of Trans-Species Sustenance in a Multi-Faith Community". Ethnos. 82 (2): 1–19. doi:10.1080/00141844.2015.1107611. hdl:10871/18431. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
^ Jones, Demelza (2015). "Being Tamil, being Hindu: Tamil migrants' negotiations of the absence of Tamil Hindu spaces in the West Midlands and South West of England". Religion. 46 (1): 1–22. doi:10.1080/0048721X.2015.1027968. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h "Skanda Vale - Frequently asked questions". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Skanda Vale Hospice - About Us". Skanda Vale Hospice. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ ^a ^b Weston, Michael (February 2009). Living with God - The Autobiography of Guru Sri Subramanium. Llandysul, Wales, UK: Gomer Press. p. 205. ISBN 978-81-7525-988-1.
^ "Skanda Vale - Lord Murugan Temple". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "History of Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Maha Shakti Temple - Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Skanda Vale Hospice - F.A.Q". Skanda Vale Hospice. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Skanda Vale - Sri Ranganatha Temple". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Shambo slaughter backed by courts". BBC News. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Latest update on Shambo, Bhakti's and Dakshini's story". Skanda Vale. Archived from the original on 8 February 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ Warrier, Maya (December 2009). "The Temple Bull Controversy at Skanda Vale and the Construction of Hindu Identity in Britain". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 13 (3): 261–78. doi:10.1007/s11407-010-9084-1. JSTOR 40608065.
^ "Shambo's lesions 'typical of TB'". BBC News. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Temple - Somaskanda Ashram". Somaskanda Ashram. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Ahimsa". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Puja Times and Calendar". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ Geaves, Ron (2007). Saivism in the Diaspora. Liverpool Hope University. p. 222. ISBN 9781845532345.
^ "Charity Information - Skanda Vale - The Community of the Many Names of God" (PDF). Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Spiritual seminars & retreats". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "Animal sanctuary". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
^ "The history of Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

External links

Skandavale.org

51°57′54″N 4°18′07″W / 51.965°N 4.302°W / 51.965; -4.302

[hinduism_today-1] "Guru Sri Subramanium Obituary". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[Hurn-2] Hurn, Samantha (2016). "Animals as Producers, Consumers and Consumed: The Complexities of Trans-Species Sustenance in a Multi-Faith Community". Ethnos. 82 (2): 1–19. doi:10.1080/00141844.2015.1107611. hdl:10871/18431. Retrieved 26 July 2021.

[3] Jones, Demelza (2015). "Being Tamil, being Hindu: Tamil migrants' negotiations of the absence of Tamil Hindu spaces in the West Midlands and South West of England". Religion. 46 (1): 1–22. doi:10.1080/0048721X.2015.1027968. Retrieved 26 July 2021.

[FAQ-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h "Skanda Vale - Frequently asked questions". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[5] "Skanda Vale Hospice - About Us". Skanda Vale Hospice. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[autobiography-6] Weston, Michael (February 2009). Living with God - The Autobiography of Guru Sri Subramanium. Llandysul, Wales, UK: Gomer Press. p. 205. ISBN 978-81-7525-988-1.

[7] "Skanda Vale - Lord Murugan Temple". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[8] "History of Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[9] "Maha Shakti Temple - Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[10] "Skanda Vale Hospice - F.A.Q". Skanda Vale Hospice. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[11] "Skanda Vale - Sri Ranganatha Temple". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[12] "Shambo slaughter backed by courts". BBC News. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[13] "Latest update on Shambo, Bhakti's and Dakshini's story". Skanda Vale. Archived from the original on 8 February 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[14] Warrier, Maya (December 2009). "The Temple Bull Controversy at Skanda Vale and the Construction of Hindu Identity in Britain". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 13 (3): 261–78. doi:10.1007/s11407-010-9084-1. JSTOR 40608065.

[15] "Shambo's lesions 'typical of TB'". BBC News. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[16] "Temple - Somaskanda Ashram". Somaskanda Ashram. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[17] "Ahimsa". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[18] "Puja Times and Calendar". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[19] Geaves, Ron (2007). Saivism in the Diaspora. Liverpool Hope University. p. 222. ISBN 9781845532345.

[20] "Charity Information - Skanda Vale - The Community of the Many Names of God" (PDF). Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[21] "Spiritual seminars & retreats". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[22] "Animal sanctuary". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[23] "The history of Skanda Vale". Skanda Vale. Retrieved 14 November 2018.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Hindu site in Carmarthenshire, Wales}}
-'''Skanda Vale''' ({{gbmapping|SN419320}}) is a Hindu and Multi Faith ashram and monastery founded by Guru Sri Subramanium in [[Carmarthenshire]], south-west [[Wales]]. The ashram houses 3 temples one each dedicated to lord Subramanium, Divine Mother and lord Vishnu.
+{{primary sources|date=February 2020}}
+{{Use British English|date=December 2014}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
+'''Skanda Vale''' is a non-denominational spiritual centre and [[Ashram|monastery]] located in [[Carmarthenshire]], [[Wales]], near the village of [[Llanpumsaint]]. Founded in 1973 by Guru Sri Subramanium,<ref name="hinduism today">{{cite web |title=Guru Sri Subramanium Obituary |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/blogs-news/hindu-press-international/guru-sri-subramanium--obituary/6905.html |website=Hinduism Today |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> the monastery is inhabited and run by the Community of the Many Names of God, which also runs Somaskanda Ashram in [[Switzerland]]. Skanda Vale promotes a practical spirituality centred on devotion and selfless service.
+Skanda Vale is a [[syncretic]] religious community, albeit one that is seen from the outside as being a [[Hindu]] ashram. The monastics take [[Franciscan]] Christian vows of poverty, obedience and chastity and wear Christian monk-style robes. The ethos is based on [[Krishna]]'s teachings from the [[Bhagavad Gita]] and [[sanatana dharma]].<ref name="Hurn">{{cite journal |last=Hurn |first=Samantha |date=2016 |title=Animals as Producers, Consumers and Consumed: The Complexities of Trans-Species Sustenance in a Multi-Faith Community| url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292677041_Animals_as_Producers_Consumers_and_Consumed_The_Complexities_of_Trans-Species_Sustenance_in_a_Multi-Faith_Community|url-status= |journal=Ethnos |volume=82 |issue=2 |pages=1-19 |doi=10.1080/00141844.2015.1107611|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=26 July 2021|hdl=10871/18431|hdl-access=free}}</ref> The main shrines are to Hindu deities, and the pujas are clearly Hindu, however most monks and nuns are from western backgrounds. The temples are a place of pilgrimage for Hindus from Tamil and South Indian backgrounds who worship Murugan. Gujuratis and Bengalis visit the temples of Vishnu and Shakti.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Jones |first=Demelza |date=2015 |title=Being Tamil, being Hindu: Tamil migrants’ negotiations of the absence of Tamil Hindu spaces in the West Midlands and South West of England|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281469598_Being_Tamil_being_Hindu_Tamil_migrants'_negotiations_of_the_absence_of_Tamil_Hindu_spaces_in_the_West_Midlands_and_South_West_of_England|url-status= |journal=Religion |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=1-22 |doi=10.1080/0048721X.2015.1027968|archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=26 July 2021|doi-access=free}}</ref>
-Skanda Vale is located in the valleys of West Wales, about {{convert|5|mi|km}} from the town of [[Carmarthen]], on the way to [[Lampeter]], the nearest village is Llanpumsaint. The road to the temple is very narrow (last 4 miles/6&nbsp;km), allowing just one vehicle to pass at a time. There are three [[temple]]s: The Murugan Temple, The Maha Shakti Temple, and the Ranganatha Temple. There are 6 Pujas performed in each of the temples everyday :
-:00 - Murugan Temple
-:30 - Maha Shakti Temple
-:30 - Ranganatha Temple
-:30 - Murugan Temple
-:00 - Maha Shakti Temple
-:00 - Murugan Temple
+Skanda Vale is a registered charity in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and is funded entirely by donations.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web |title=Skanda Vale - Frequently asked questions |url=https://www.skandavale.org/faq/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> It is closely associated with the legally separate charity that sustains [[Skanda Vale Hospice]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Skanda Vale Hospice - About Us |url=https://www.skandavalehospice.org/about-us/ |website=Skanda Vale Hospice |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
-Skanda Vale is an ashram, not a tourist destination. If you would like to visit, then you should come as a pilgrim, not a sightseer. In preparation for your pilgrimage, you must not consume any meat, poultry, fish or illegal drugs for at least three days before you come here. Please do not bring any of these things into the ashram, and remember that no smoking is permitted anywhere in Skanda Vale. If you have eaten meat in the last three days, then please sit on the terrace of the Shakti Temple, or sit at the back of the Murugan Temple. Ladies on their  menstrual period are asked  to do the same – please feel free to ask a member of the Community if you would like to know more about this.
-Most of the pilgrims have travelled a very long way to be here. Please grant them your respect by following these simple temple rules:
-• Turn off  phones
-. Mobile phones and tablets are not allowed anywhere in the ashram.
-• Sing, chant and worship God, but don’t talk during pujas.
-• No cameras are allowed anywhere in Skanda Vale. Please leave them at home.
-• Men and women sit separately.
-• Children must be supervised at all times, and must be quiet in the temples.
+[[File:Lord Ganesha at Skanda Vale.jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Ganesha]] at Skanda Vale Ashram, Wales]]
-In 2004  Skanda Vale Hospice Day Centre opened ; it’s a place where anyone with a life-threatening illness can be cared for, completely free of charge. Soon it will be developed into residential quarters where patients can spend their last days in peace and grace.
+==History==
-Between 17:30 and 20:00 on Saturday 1st March a beautiful murthi of Maha Saraswati was stolen from The Sri Ranganatha Temple at Skanda Vale. The absence was first noticed at around 21:00.
+Skanda Vale was founded in 1973 by Guru Sri Subramanium, who had previously been living and working in London while giving support and instruction to spiritual seekers of various backgrounds.<ref name="autobiography">{{cite book |last1=Weston |first1=Michael |title=Living with God - The Autobiography of Guru Sri Subramanium |date=February 2009 |publisher=Gomer Press |location=Llandysul, Wales, UK |isbn=978-81-7525-988-1 |page=205}}</ref> The original property was previously a [[smallholding]] of 22 acres.<ref name="autobiography"/>
+The original farmhouse was converted into the Subramanium Temple, dedicated primarily to [[Kartikeya|Murugan]] (Skanda being one of Murugan's names), but also accommodating the veneration of other divinities such as [[Shiva]], [[Kali]], [[Vishnu]], [[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Buddha]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Skanda Vale - Lord Murugan Temple |url=https://www.skandavale.org/lord-murugan-temple/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> The monastic community known as the Community of the Many Names of God was established in Skanda Vale, and the ashram grew in area and population over the years.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Skanda Vale |url=https://www.skandavale.org/history/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> A second temple, the Maha Shakti temple, was established in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maha Shakti Temple - Skanda Vale |url=https://www.skandavale.org/maha-shakti-temple/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> This temple is dedicated to the goddess [[Kali]].
-A variety of animals are kept on the grounds of the temple including an [[elephant]]. In April 2007, there was controversy when the sacred [[Cattle|bullock]], [[Shambo]], tested positive for [[bovine TB]], and the government ruled that he must be destroyed. An international campaign was mounted to save him.<ref>Morris, Steven. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/animalrights/story/0,,2116237,00.html "Monks and nuns prepare to confront health officials in life or death showdown over Shambo the bull"], ''The Guardian'', July 2, 2007.</ref> On 16 July 2007, the [[High Court of Justice|High Court]] in [[Cardiff]] quashed the ruling made by the [[National Assembly for Wales]], and that it had not in its decision to slaughter Shambo: ''"given the serious infringement of the community's rights under Article Nine of the [[European Convention on Human Rights]] that slaughter would involve."''.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6898460.stm 'Sacred' bullock Shambo is saved] BBCNews, 16 July 2007</ref> However after 23 July 2007 Shambo again faced execution, after the Court of Appeal ruled that he should be slaughtered.<ref>[http://lists.riseup.net/www/arc/arc-uk/2007-07/msg00003.html  Sacred bull condemned to death] Animal Rights Calendar quoting Daily Express 24 July 2007</ref> Shambo was euthanized on July 26, 2007, via a lethal injection. Welsh authorities have since reported that signs of TB were present upon postmortem examination.
+In 1993 Skanda Vale Hospice was set up by members of the Community of the Many Names of God. This [[hospice]] conducts palliative care for the terminally ill, in line with Skanda Vale's emphasis on the sanctity of life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skanda Vale Hospice - F.A.Q |url=https://www.skandavalehospice.org/faq/ |website=Skanda Vale Hospice |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
+A third temple, the Sri [[Ranganatha]] Temple, was inaugurated in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skanda Vale - Sri Ranganatha Temple |url=https://www.skandavale.org/sri-ranganatha-temple/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> The founder of Skanda Vale, Guru Sri Subramanium, died in 2007.<ref name="hinduism today"/>
+Immediately following the death of its founder, Skanda Vale became embroiled in controversy regarding [[Shambo]], a bull living in the care of the community. Shambo was tested positive for bovine [[tuberculosis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shambo slaughter backed by courts |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6911378.stm |website=BBC News |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> As a result, the Welsh government ordered him killed. The Community at Skanda Vale resisted this order, expressing their belief in the sanctity of life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Latest update on Shambo, Bhakti's and Dakshini's story |url=http://www.skandavale.org/shambo.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208212126/http://www.skandavale.org/shambo.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2008 |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> The campaign to save Shambo and associated court battles reached international news, and drew involvement from the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] community in the UK and internationally.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Warrier |first1=Maya |title=The Temple Bull Controversy at Skanda Vale and the Construction of Hindu Identity in Britain |journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies |date=December 2009 |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=261–78 |jstor=40608065 |doi=10.1007/s11407-010-9084-1 }}</ref> Shambo was ultimately confirmed killed on 27 July 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shambo's lesions 'typical of TB' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6918618.stm |website=BBC News |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
-==See also==
-*[[Shambo]]
+Somaskanda Ashram in Switzerland was established in 2016 as a second ashram of the Community of the Many Names of God. The property had first been purchased by Swiss devotees in 1994, and was finally inaugurated as a fully-fledged temple in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Temple - Somaskanda Ashram |url=https://somaskanda.org/temple/ |website=Somaskanda Ashram |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
+In the present day, Skanda Vale continues to operate as a spiritual centre and place of pilgrimage for people of a wide variety of backgrounds, as well as acting as an animal sanctuary, a centre for food aid distribution and as support for Skanda Vale Hospice. <ref name="FAQ"/>
+==Ethos==
+Skanda Vale teaches and practices a practical spirituality suited to the varying inclinations of individual seekers, with an especial focus on devotion and selfless service, or [[bhakti yoga]] and [[karma yoga]] respectively, and integration with the Divine through direct experience in the course of daily living.<ref name="FAQ"/> As part of this practice, Skanda Vale upholds a belief in the sanctity of all life, based on an understanding of all life as expressions of universal Divinity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ahimsa |url=https://www.skandavale.org/ahimsa/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
+The community's founder taught that all life emerged from an underlying [[Nonduality (spirituality)|non-dual]] timeless consciousness,<ref name="FAQ"/> broadly in line with the teachings of [[Advaita Vedanta]]. While based in this understanding, Skanda Vale celebrates a broad diversity of spiritual paths and approaches. The organisation adopts a liberal [[Perennial philosophy|perennialist]] approach to the wide variety of spiritual inclinations and needs of individual seekers.<ref name="FAQ"/>
+==Activities==
+The ashram has three temples - the Subramanium Temple, Maha Shakti Temple and Sri Ranganatha Temple. There is a regular routine of six daily pujas spread across these three temples, punctuated by extended pujas on special occasions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Puja Times and Calendar |url=https://www.skandavale.org/puja-times/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> Worship in these temples is led by members of the resident Community of the Many Names of God, but is open to participation by all visitors. All activity at Skanda Vale is funded entirely by anonymous donations, in line with the Community's policy of non-commercialism.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Geaves |first1=Ron |author-link1=Ron Geaves|title=Saivism in the Diaspora |date=2007 |publisher=Liverpool Hope University |isbn=9781845532345 |pages=222}}</ref>
+Skanda Vale reports receiving over 90,000 pilgrims a year.<ref name="FAQ"/> All of these pilgrims are given free meals, and many are accommodated in the ashram's accommodation. Skanda Vale provides emotional and spiritual support for visitors and devotees,<ref>{{cite web |title=Charity Information - Skanda Vale - The Community of the Many Names of God |url=https://www.skandavale.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Charity-information.pdf |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> and also holds spiritual seminars in London and in its child ashram in Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spiritual seminars & retreats |url=https://www.skandavale.org/spiritual-seminars-retreats/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
+Much of Skanda Vale's activity also relates to its belief in the sanctity of life. Based on this ethos, Skanda Vale supports Skanda Vale Hospice, and also operates an animal sanctuary on its land. Animals cared for at Skanda Vale include cattle, buffalo, horses, chickens and other birds and a pair of Asian elephants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal sanctuary |url=https://www.skandavale.org/animal-sanctuary/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> Valli, Skanda Vale's original temple elephant, was given to the ashram's founder by [[Sri Lanka]]n [[J. R. Jayewardene|President Jayawardene]], having previously been in an elephant orphanage.<ref>{{cite web |title=The history of Skanda Vale |url=https://www.skandavale.org/history/3/ |website=Skanda Vale |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref>
+==The Community of the Many Names of God==
+The resident community at Skanda Vale and Somaskanda Ashram is known as the Community of the Many Names of God. The community is made up of about 25 monks and nuns and a small number of lay members.<ref name="FAQ"/>
+All monastics take vows modelled on the [[Franciscans|Franciscan]] monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and wear a robe modelled on the Franciscan habit.<ref name="FAQ"/> The Community of the Many Names of God maintains a special relationship with [[Saint Francis of Assisi]], holding a special service on his feast day every year.
 ==Notes==
@@ Line 33: / Line 47: @@
 ==External links==
-*[http://www.skandavale.org/index.htm Skandavale.org]
+*[https://www.skandavale.org/ Skandavale.org]
 {{coord|51.965|N|4.302|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
@@ Line 41: / Line 55: @@
 [[Category:Hindu temples in Wales]]
 [[Category:Buildings and structures in Carmarthenshire]]
-[[Category:Murugan temples]]
+[[Category:Ashrams]]

v t e Hindu temples in the United Kingdom
England	BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London Bhaktivedanta Manor Shree Jalaram Prarthana Mandal Swaminarayan Temple, East London Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden Sree Ganapathy Temple, Wimbledon Tividale Tirupathy Balaji Temple Swaminarayan Temple, Harrow Swaminarayan Temple, Oldham Swaminarayan Temple, Brighton Swaminarayan Temple, Bolton Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir
Wales	Skanda Vale Swaminarayan Temple, Cardiff
Others	Gibraltar Scotland Northern Ireland