Shri Guru Ravidass Temple, Foleshill, Coventry

Image: © A J Paxton Taken: 2 Sep 2021

The temple occupies a former warehouse on Foleshill Road, adjoining an engineering factory, but is seen here from a pocket park on Livingstone Road, looking onto its side elevation. Shops on Foleshill Road, including the Chaiiwala teahouse, can be seen in the distance. The city council website describes it as a 'multicultural temple' of the 'Sikh-Ravidassia' faith, that offers 'Solemnisation of marriages, auspicious, inauspicious gatherings, punjabi classes, NHS classes for people living with long term conditions. Interpretation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Learning of tabla.' https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory_record/15183/shree_guru_ravidass_temple Members revere the 15th century poet and contemplative Shri Guru Ravidass Ji, who was a chamar or leather-worker and therefore outside the Hindu caste system and 'untouchable'. He nevertheless developed a wide following and influenced the Sikhs, whose first guru, Nanak, he is believed to have met. The Wikipedia article on Ravidas(s) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravidas includes, besides an account of his life, a photo of the front elevation of the Foleshill temple and a description of the complex relationship of Ravidas' followers with the Sikhs, which has led to the two traditions parting company in the early 21st century. The website of the temple itself can be found here http://www.ravidassji.org.uk/index.htm .

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