A Hindu temple joins Christmas celebrations (from Hindunet)

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A Hindu temple joins Christmas celebrations

 

2003-12-23 Published by Hindusthan Times Gathered by Staff Reporter

 

 

BHOPAL,DECEMBER 23: Hindu temple in Madhya Pradesh, is gearing up to join

churches across the State in celebrating Christmas this year, with a tableau

depicting Jesus Christ's birth joining its idols of gods and goddesses. The

grand temple dedicated to Balaji, an incarnation of Krishna, Hinduism's most

revered god, has been decorated with the tableau and a big Christmas tree,

festooned with balloons, ribbons and toys. With Christmas only two days

away, many of the temple's priests have given up their saffron robes to

dress as Santa Claus as they perform religious ceremonies. The tableau,

placed in front of the temple's huge edifice with the idols of Hindu gods

and goddesses inside, has become the talk of the town in Betul. "The number

of people visiting the temple has increased since the tableau and the tree

were set up," said a temple official. None other than the temple's priests

toiled day and night to decorate the Christmas tree. Till a few days back,

one could see the saffron-clad priests busy hanging balloons and ribbons on

the tree. Apart from Hindu devotional songs, one can hear Christmas carols

at the temple. On Tuesday, a priest dressed as Santa Claus was seen

distributing toffees and small gifts to children visiting the temple. This

is the first time that Christmas is being celebrated in the Balaji temple.

The temple's owner Sam Verma, a famous industrialist and aviator of Madhya

Pradesh, mooted the idea for the celebration. "In the present times, when

society is being divided on communal lines, we are trying to set an example

for unity and harmony," said Anil Mishra, the temple's manager.

 

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[Guest guest]

Namah Shivaya,

Divine Mother, may the joy that arises from all celebrations offered

to God be in the hearts of all seekers. May the differences that are

only a creation of the mind begin to fade, and may we see You in all.

Jai Ma!

Omana

 

"In the present times, when society is being divided on communal

lines, we are trying to set an example for unity and harmony," said

Anil Mishra, the temple's manager.