WORSHIPPERS came together at a Hindu temple to remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II at the weekend.

In a special memorial service at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Northam, visitors paid their respects.

The Sunday service involved prayers, worship, and lighting 96 candles, representing the age at which she passed away.

There were also four more candles signifying wealth, well-being, the future of the country, and hope.

There was then a ritual of offering food to the Hindu gods, which was then dished out to volunteers of the temple.

President Sanjay Chandarana told the Echo: "Everyone's devastated with the Queen's death.

"As one of the biggest Hindu institutions in the area, we are paying tribute for her 70 years of service.

"Our Sunday service is completely dedicated to the Queen. At the same time, we are saying that we support the new King, Charles III.

"We are giving prayers, praying for her, that she feels peace."

One of the organisers and assistant treasurer of the temple, Shraddha Bhatt, said: "We will have a meal dedicated to the volunteers of the temple as well. 

"The Queen has been a part of the community as well in her own way, so the service is in her memory.

"It's an inclusive community and we have always shown respect. She's a part of us now and we have always loved her for all the work she has done."

Priest Ritesh Bhatt added: "She has done so much for the country and for the world.

"We would like to pray to god for her eternal peace. Let her legacy remain."

Executive committee member, Riva Kaimal said that even though she was born in India, she works and lives in Southampton so will be paying her tributes.

"In India, we have been born, in this country, we have come. We are earning money here. We have to give respect to the place we are staying in," she said.

"It isn't just a Hindu temple here, we celebrate everyone."

Visitor Rituja Kalaskar, who has recently moved to Southampton, said: "It was difficult to digest the news. Just a little while ago, we were celebrating the Queen's Jubilee and birthday and I was telling my friends in India about it.

"I thought she would make it to a century. I will be praying for her soul to be resting in peace."

Also visiting were Shushil and Prateeksha Rai, who said: "It is not a good time, but she gave 70 years of service.

"She's a wonderful Queen and completes all the countries in the world. She's very liberal about all the religions."

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