On the bank of the River Almond, in the Perthshire countryside, a beacon of hope has begun to rise in the form of the Gouranga Garden Temple. A spirited 70-year-old devotee began the construction of this sanctuary for meditation, study and contemplation, on behalf of the Krishna-conscious community of Scotland. But this humble wooden structure represents more than just a building; it is a space dedicated for our growing sangha to gather inspiration to carry on in their mission and engage in our fundamental right to serve and help our fellow human beings. The Gouranga Garden Temple represents our shared vision for a more enlightened society.

Our community work together; and we offer loving service to all, manifesting this commitment through positive initiatives such as Kafé Krishna, a pay-by-donation vegetarian community café in Perth; free vegan meals for homeless hostels in Glasgow; free-to-attend uplifting and energising, alcohol and drug-free music events all over Scotland; and the Radha-Krishna Spiritual Centre in Perth.  

Our most recent endeavour however, the Gouranga Garden-Temple, has met with unexpected opposition from local authorities, Perth and Kinross Council, who have put its construction to a halt, and have asked for the half-completed garden-temple structure to be demolished, for the reason that our ashram, located at Bridgton Brae, Almondbank, is a Grade C listed building.

We recognise and respect the importance of listed buildings, and preserving our Scottish heritage but we would proffer to state that the Gouranga Garden-Temple, at the rear of the property in the back garden, does not interfere with the front elevation.  

On behalf of Krishna Community SCIO,  the new charity dedicated to serving the needs of devotees, who are supporting the opening of new small temples in towns and villages throughout Scotland, we are fighting to save this new tiny temple in rural Perthshire.  

The structure has been exposed to the elements with no progress having been made for over a year because of this bureaucracy.  We respectfully request Perth and Kinross Council to reconsider their decision and grant the necessary permissions for the swift completion of the Gouranga Garden-Temple. 

By signing this petition, you lend your voice to the cause of individual spiritual expression and the protection of religious rights within personal spaces. It's not just about us, but for anyone facing a similar limitation in the pursuit of their personal faith. Let's champion a society that values the preservation of history but also respects personal faith, religious freedom and cultural diversity. 

Therefore, we implore your support in the form of signing this petition. Help us illustrate to Perth and Kinross Council the significance and scope of our project, so they might reconsider their objection. Let's all unite and advocate for the freedom of spiritual practices, for a sacred sanctuary amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, and for the freedom to let the Gouranga Garden-Temple flourish! 

The Gouranga Garden Temple is endorsed by Bhakti-Govinda Swami and Bhakti- Svarup Damodar Swami of the Radha-Kripa Mission of Rouen, France.