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Main spiritual
leaders at world level associated themselves to the commemorations
initiated yesterday. Sant Shri Morari Bapu and Swami Chidanand
Saraswatiji are two of the main leaders of the Hindu religion who
are in Portugal to associate themselves to the festivities which
mark the 20 years of this community in our country.
The opening ceremony took place yesterday at the Radha-Krishna
temple in Lisbon, presided over by the Mayor Pedro Santana Lopes.
The religious rites were presided over by the Ambassador of India
(Ms Madhu Badhuri).
To welcome the main spiritual leaders means, to the Portuguese Hindu
community, to live one of the highest moments of their theological
life. It is like the Catholics welcoming the Pope.
Sant Shri Morari Bapu is a respected specialist in Hindu scriptures
and a renowned world-level orator. Up to (August) 4th he will be
every day in the temple, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., reciting the 'Ramayan',
one of the most important epics of that religious tradition, which
narrates the story, message and teachings of Rama, a divine
incarnation of great devotion.
His Holiness Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (Muniji), leader of one of
the most important spiritual institutions of India and one of the
most respected spiritual leaders of that country, will present the
recital of 'Katha', having by his side Kantilal Jamnadas, president
of the Hindu Community and its spokesman in Portugal.
'Katha', which means Divine Story, is a spiritual epics novena which
has been assembling thousands of faithful whenever it is recited,
either in India or anywhere else in the world. The big affluence of
believers is also justified by the fact that, according to
tradition, to witness the reading of the story, life and message of
the divine incarnations allows one to attain the path of peace and
salvation.
It is to be referred that, in the scope of these commemorations,
besides a series of programmes of cultural nights and excursions to
historical sites, a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Fatima is also
envisaged. The Virgin (Mary) is revered as a divine figure by some
members of the community.
These celebrations take place at a time of great hope for the
believers. According to the religious calendar, right now one is
entering the era of 'Kalki' which evokes technology and futurology.
Hinduism believes that an incarnation of God on the earth is near,
for the salvation of humanity. Thus they expect to witness the
reinstatement of certain values like understanding, tolerance,
respect, morality, sense of family, etc.
The community, numbering eight thousand members in Portugal, will
continue the festivities until the 4th. About five thousand people
are expected at the temple over this weekend, and the presence of
around three thousand on any other day.
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