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Date:1st of October 2003 - 31st of October 2003 (c.)
Description:The Guru Ravidass Bhawan in Union Row is located off the Soho Road. The new building which was opened in 1992 sits on the site of the old temple which was burned in a fire in the 1980's. The old Bhawan was formerly a Methodist church that was bought by the Ravidassia community of Birmingham in 1972. The Guru Ravidass Bhawan is one example among many in Handsworth and elsewhere in Birmingham that illustrate the remaking of inner-city landscapes and buildings by the post-war migrant settlers.
The Guru Ravidass Bhawan is a place of worship and prayer for Ravidassias - followers of the teachings of Guru Ravidass. Guru Ravidass was born in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in India around 1377 A.D. He was born into an untouchable caste as a shoemaker – a chammar. Untouchable castes in India have historically suffered discrimination and oppression from the higher castes and were deemed as unfit and impure for practicing religion and spirituality. Guru Ravidass promoted the equality of mankind through his life experience and scriptures and advocated that God was attainable by all, irrespective of social class or caste, through good deeds and meditation.
The architecture of the new building is a combination of both Western and Indian building practices and designs. Intricate and elaborate patterns are set into the modern brick work. A large golden shape dome sits on top of the building and can be seen from miles around the Handsworth skyline. Smaller white marbled domes adorn the perimeter walls of the Bhawan and these are lit up with lights on important religious occasions throughout the year, such as during Guru Ravidass’ birthday celebrations in the month of February each year.