As part of a feature before Christmas, the Jeremy Vine Show (Channel 5 talk show) showcased and awarded outstanding community services from across the UK. The Jalaram Soup Kitchen (JSK), which is run by the Shree Jalaram Temple Greenford was recognised for its achievements in distributing meals to the homeless.Over the past 8 years, JSK has distributed over a million meals at Charing Cross on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. JSK works with supermarkets to collect unwanted food.
One of many British Hindu temples that operate a soup kitchen for the homeless and needy, the JSK draws its inspiration from Saint Jalaram Bapa who lived in Gujarat between 1799-1881. Jalaram Bapa and his wife Virbai dedicated their lives to running a Sadavrat at their village of Virpur.
Like modern soup kitchens, a Sadavrat is an ancient Hindu tradition of feeding those in need. Nobody was turned away from their door and they endured personal hardships to ensure their work would continue. In addition to helping the poor, places of Sadavrat gave shelter for wandering sadhus, travellers and pilgrims and Gujarat’s Saurashtra region in particular (where Virpur is located) is noted for several Sadavrat centres.
In modern Gujarat and the diaspora, Jalaram Bapa is revered akin to a deity, many attribute miracles to his name. Far from seeking personal glory, Jalaram Bapa and Virbai Mata lived humble lives, dedicated to the service of Shri Rama. The greatest miracle is perhaps the manner in which Jalaram’s descendants continue his work. Thousands continue to be fed at Virpur today; irrespective of religion or caste background. Since 2000 the temple at Jalaram’s birthplace stopped accepting donations as Virpur’s Managing Trust has received enough funds for it to remain self-sufficient and has even aided other charitable initiatives across Gujarat.