Skanda Vale

Skanda Vale is home to four temples on its main site. These include the Lord Murugan Temple, the Maha Shakti Temple, the Sri Ranganatha Temple, and the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Additionally, there is the Somaskanda Temple and Ashram. Beyond the formal temple structures, several sacred sites dot the grounds, including the Samadhi of Guru Sri Subramanium, the ashram's founder, which serves as a place of veneration. A Hilltop Vel Shrine, along with shrines dedicated to Bhumi Ganesh, Dattatreya, St. Francis of Assisi, Durga, and Nagaraja, reflect the multi-faith character of the community. The presence of a shrine to St. Francis of Assisi alongside Hindu deities underscores the inclusive spiritual approach taken here.

Daily Worship and Ritual Life

Daily pujas are offered at Skanda Vale, with schedules available through the community's calendar. These rituals are central to the rhythm of life at the ashram. For those unable to visit in person, live-streamed broadcasts of pujas allow remote participation in worship. The community also organises Seva and Satsang weekends, which invite visitors to engage in selfless service and spiritual gatherings. Temple prasadam, the blessed food offering distributed after worship, can be requested by post for those at a distance.

Visiting Skanda Vale

Day visits are available to those wishing to experience the ashram and temples. The community also offers ashram accommodation for longer stays, and local accommodation through Skanda Hafan for visitors preferring nearby lodging. Educational visits can be arranged, and coach groups are accommodated through a dedicated booking process. Visitors should note that travel directions are provided for individual visitors, with separate arrangements for coach groups. The site emphasises that it welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Ashram and Broader Community Work

Beyond its role as a place of worship, Skanda Vale operates as a working ashram where residents engage in spiritual practice alongside community service. The ashram runs a hospice, reflecting a commitment to care during life's final stages. A Food Aid Project addresses hunger in surrounding areas, while an Animal Sanctuary provides refuge for creatures in need. The community maintains elephants on site, including recent arrivals from overseas facilities. These activities embody the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, that underpins the community's values.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

The ashram has invested in renewable energy infrastructure, including a 100-kilowatt wind turbine installed to support the community's goal of self-sufficiency. This commitment reflects the founder's vision of maintaining the temples, caring for animals, and keeping the doors open to all who seek refuge, while minimising environmental impact. The community documents its work through a Seva Hub, which highlights the thousands of hours of voluntary service that sustain operations.

Getting There

Skanda Vale is located in Wales at coordinates 51.965, -4.302. Detailed travel directions are available through the community's website, with specific guidance provided for those arriving by private vehicle. Visitors arriving by coach should use the dedicated group booking process. The pilgrim's guide, accessible through the ashram's website, provides practical information for planning a visit.