Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Sri Ramalayam, Manchester, a Hindu temple and spiritual centre dedicated to promoting devotion, spiritual education, cultural heritage, community welfare and charitable service.

Sri Ramalayam operates under Jeeyar Educational Trust UK (JETUK), a registered charity in England and Wales.

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of our website, participation in temple activities, donations, religious services, volunteering and visits to the temple premises.

By accessing our website, making a donation, booking a religious service or participating in temple activities, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions, insofar as they apply to the relevant activity.

We encourage all visitors and devotees to familiarise themselves with these terms.

Sri Ramalayam is guided by the principles of Sanathana Dharma and the teachings of our Acharya, His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

Our guiding philosophy is:

"Serve All Beings As Service To God. Worship Your Own, Respect All."

We are committed to:

• Promoting spiritual learning and devotion.
• Preserving and sharing Hindu traditions and cultural heritage.
• Encouraging charitable activities and community service.
• Providing educational opportunities for children and adults.
• Supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families.
• Maintaining a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment.

Visitors are expected to respect these values while participating in temple activities.

The Sri Ramalayam website provides information about temple services, religious ceremonies, events, educational activities, volunteering opportunities and charitable initiatives.

Users agree to:

• Use the website for lawful purposes.
• Provide accurate information when completing forms or bookings.
• Respect the intellectual property and privacy rights of others.
• Refrain from attempting unauthorised access to website systems.
• Avoid uploading or transmitting malicious software or harmful content.
• Refrain from using the website for fraudulent, misleading or commercial activities without permission.

We reserve the right to restrict access to website services where misuse is identified.

We aim to keep information accurate and current. However, website content may be updated or corrected without prior notice.

Sri Ramalayam welcomes devotees, families and visitors who wish to participate respectfully in its spiritual and cultural activities.

Visitors are expected to:

• Respect the sanctity of the temple and its religious traditions.
• Follow instructions provided by priests, trustees and authorised volunteers.
• Maintain appropriate behaviour within the temple premises.
• Dress respectfully in accordance with published temple guidelines.
• Supervise children under their care.
• Respect other visitors’ privacy and personal space.
• Maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste responsibly.
• Follow designated arrangements for footwear, food and restricted areas.
• Observe all health, safety and emergency instructions.

Smoking, vaping, alcohol, recreational drugs, threatening behaviour, harassment and deliberate damage to temple property are prohibited.

Visitors must not enter restricted areas without authorisation.

Sri Ramalayam reserves the right to refuse admission or require individuals to leave where reasonably necessary to protect safety, maintain order, prevent harassment or preserve the religious character of the premises, subject to applicable law.

Temple opening hours, darshan timings and religious service schedules are published on our website.

These timings may change due to:

• Religious festivals and special ceremonies.
• Maintenance or renovation work.
• Private or scheduled religious activities.
• Health and safety considerations.
• Emergencies or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Visitors are encouraged to check the website before travelling.

We cannot guarantee that every religious service or facility will be available at all published times.

Sri Ramalayam may offer opportunities to book religious ceremonies, sevas, pujas and other devotional services.

6.1 Booking Requests

Bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by the temple.

Submitting a booking request does not automatically guarantee a reservation.

A booking becomes confirmed when the temple communicates its acceptance.

6.2 Booking Information

Devotees may be asked to provide relevant information, including:

• Name and contact details.
• Preferred date and time.
• Type of seva or religious ceremony.
• Information required for the requested religious service.

Information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

6.3 Changes to Bookings

Sri Ramalayam may need to reschedule or modify bookings due to religious requirements, priest availability, operational circumstances or unforeseen events.

Where reasonably practicable, affected devotees will be contacted and offered suitable alternatives.

6.4 Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation and refund arrangements will depend on the nature of the booking.

Where a payment is made for a specific service, applicable cancellation conditions will be communicated before the booking is confirmed.

If the temple cancels a paid service and cannot provide an agreed alternative, an appropriate refund will be offered in accordance with applicable law.

Payments that are genuine charitable donations are governed separately by the donation provisions below.

Nothing in these terms limits any statutory consumer rights that may apply.

Sri Ramalayam relies on the generosity of devotees, supporters and well-wishers to maintain its facilities and deliver its charitable activities.

Donations may support:

• Temple development and maintenance.
• Religious and spiritual activities.
• Educational and cultural programmes.
• Annadanam and community welfare.
• Charitable initiatives administered by JETUK.
• Other projects consistent with the charity’s objectives.

7.1 Voluntary Donations

Unless expressly stated otherwise, donations are voluntary gifts made without an expectation of financial return.

Donors should ensure that they understand the purpose of an appeal before contributing.

7.2 Use of Donations

Unrestricted donations may be used for the charitable purposes of JETUK, as determined by its trustees.

Donations accepted for a specific restricted purpose will be applied in accordance with that restriction and applicable charity law.

If a particular fundraising appeal cannot proceed, or if funds remain after its objectives have been achieved, the trustees will deal with those funds in accordance with the appeal terms and applicable charity law.

Where appropriate, donors may be contacted regarding alternative uses of restricted funds.

7.3 Donation Refunds

Charitable donations are generally intended to be final.

However, requests for refunds will be considered where appropriate, including circumstances involving:

• Duplicate payments.
• Incorrect payment amounts.
• Unauthorised transactions.
• Errors in payment processing.
• Other circumstances where a refund is required or permitted by law.

Refund requests should be submitted with relevant transaction details.

Any decision to return a donation will be made in accordance with applicable charity law and the trustees’ responsibilities.

7.4 Gift Aid

Where eligible, UK taxpayers may be able to increase the value of their donations through Gift Aid.

Gift Aid will only be claimed where the relevant HMRC requirements are satisfied and a valid declaration has been obtained.

Payments for services, event admission or other benefits may not qualify as charitable donations for Gift Aid purposes.

Donors are responsible for ensuring that their Gift Aid declarations are accurate.

7.5 Financial Transparency

JETUK is committed to responsible financial management and appropriate record keeping.

Charitable funds will be managed in accordance with the charity’s governing document, applicable legislation and trustee responsibilities.

Sri Ramalayam may conduct fundraising campaigns for specific projects, including temple development, renovations, educational facilities and community welfare initiatives.

Fundraising communications will aim to clearly explain:

• The purpose of the appeal.
• Any applicable fundraising target.
• Whether donations are restricted to a particular purpose.
• Any material conditions attached to contributions.
• How funds will be handled if an appeal cannot proceed as planned.

Donors should not assume that a contribution provides ownership, financial interest or decision-making authority within the charity.

Any donor recognition, sponsorship arrangement or membership benefit must be governed by the specific terms communicated for that arrangement.

Sri Ramalayam may organise religious festivals, cultural celebrations, educational programmes, workshops, community gatherings and other charitable activities.

Participation may require advance registration.

Event organisers may establish additional conditions relating to:

• Age requirements.
• Registration and attendance.
• Parental consent.
• Health and safety.
• Photography and recording.
• Participant conduct.
• Event fees and cancellations.

Where applicable, these conditions will be communicated during registration.

Sri Ramalayam reserves the right to modify, postpone or cancel events where reasonably necessary.

Where a paid event is cancelled, applicable refund rights will be respected.

Sri Ramalayam is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising children during general temple visits unless the child has been formally accepted into an organised, supervised activity.

Children participating in educational programmes or youth activities must comply with the relevant registration and safeguarding arrangements.

Where required, parental or guardian consent must be obtained.

All activities involving children are subject to the Sri Ramalayam Safeguarding Policy.

Volunteers play an important role in supporting the temple’s religious, educational and charitable activities.

Individuals volunteering with Sri Ramalayam are expected to:

• Follow temple policies and procedures.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Maintain confidentiality where required.
• Follow safeguarding and health and safety instructions.
• Undertake relevant training.
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest.
• Carry out only those responsibilities for which they are authorised.

Volunteer appointments may be subject to appropriate suitability checks.

Volunteering does not automatically create an employment relationship.

The temple may discontinue a volunteering arrangement where reasonably necessary, including for safeguarding, conduct or operational reasons.

Photography and video recording may take place during temple events and public celebrations.

Sri Ramalayam may use authorised photographs and recordings for legitimate purposes, including documenting events, promoting charitable activities and communicating with the community.

We will handle personal information and identifiable images in accordance with applicable data protection law.

Additional safeguards apply to photographs and recordings involving children and adults at risk.

Visitors must not photograph or record individuals in circumstances that infringe their privacy, dignity or safety.

Photography may be restricted in designated areas or during particular religious ceremonies.

Sri Ramalayam may provide prasadam and food during religious ceremonies, festivals and community activities.

Food preparation and distribution will be managed in accordance with applicable food safety requirements.

Visitors with food allergies, intolerances or specific dietary requirements should seek information from authorised volunteers before consuming food.

Allergen information will be provided as required by law.

Visitors must follow food distribution arrangements and hygiene instructions.

Sri Ramalayam aims to provide a safe and accessible environment for visitors.

Reasonable measures will be taken to manage foreseeable risks associated with temple activities.

Visitors must:

• Follow fire safety and evacuation instructions.
• Avoid obstructing entrances, exits and emergency routes.
• Report hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Use temple facilities responsibly.
• Follow instructions relating to restricted areas or equipment.

Visitors requiring accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact the temple in advance.

Nothing in these terms excludes or restricts any duty or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

Sri Ramalayam respects the privacy of devotees, donors, volunteers and website users.

Personal information may be collected for purposes such as:

• Processing donations and bookings.
• Managing events and registrations.
• Responding to enquiries.
• Administering volunteering activities.
• Maintaining appropriate financial and operational records.
• Communicating temple updates where permitted.

Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and our published Privacy Policy.

Unless otherwise stated, website content, original photographs, graphics, designs, written materials and other original content belong to JETUK or are used with appropriate permission.

Visitors may access and use website content for personal, non-commercial purposes.

Reproduction, modification, commercial distribution or unauthorised use of protected content requires permission from the relevant rights holder.

This provision does not claim ownership over traditional scriptures, prayers, religious teachings or other materials that are in the public domain.

Our website may contain links to external websites, payment processors, booking platforms or other third-party services.

These services may operate under their own terms and privacy policies.

Sri Ramalayam is not responsible for third-party content or services outside its control.

Visitors should review the relevant terms before using external services.

We welcome constructive feedback and aim to address concerns fairly and respectfully.

Complaints may relate to temple facilities, services, events, volunteer conduct or other operational matters.

Complaints should be submitted through the temple’s official contact channels.

We will acknowledge and review complaints in a reasonable manner, taking account of their nature and seriousness.

Safeguarding concerns will be handled under the separate Safeguarding Policy and referred to appropriate authorities where necessary.

Sri Ramalayam will take reasonable care in delivering its activities and maintaining its premises.

However, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access to our website or the availability of every advertised activity.

To the extent permitted by law, we are not responsible for losses arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Nothing in these terms excludes liability for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Nothing in these terms affects statutory rights.

Sri Ramalayam may update these Terms and Conditions to reflect changes in legislation, operational arrangements, temple activities or website services.

The latest version will be published on our website.

Material changes affecting existing paid bookings or other contractual arrangements will be handled in accordance with applicable law.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts, without prejudice to any mandatory rights available to consumers.

For enquiries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

Registered Charity Number: 1139951