Religious recitals galore

Hindu Heritage Society’s celebrated the annual Shri Hari Gita Gyan Yagna Sanskriti Diwas 2011 on July 15. In his opening speech, Pandit Narayan Bhatt, President of the Hindu Heritage Society said, “The Bhagawat Geeta is one of the most important scriptures of mankind. It occupies a unique place among the followers of Hinduism. So far no one has placed before the world a concise, unambiguous, yet the divine path being Parmataman.

Pandit Bhatt further explained, “Sri Geeta is regarded as an Upnishad’s Bhagavat Geetastu. It presents a synthesis of all the elements and beliefs of Hinduism, be they major or minor, gross or subtle. Sri Geeta refines and reconciles the conflicts inherent in various thoughts, the Vedic sacrifices, Puranic theism, transcendental or immortal nature of the Brahman in the Upnishads, dualism and non-dualism of the philosophical schools and yoga meditation etc. Sri Geeta provides a solution for these conflicting ideas which is acceptable to all the adherents of Hinduism.” the cream of nectar of all spiritual knowledge as the Bhagavad Geeta. It is easy and intelligible for all.” He added that in the holy book, Shri Krishna promised that the highest goal of realisation of God can be achieved through the following divine paths of Bhakti (Devotion), Karam (Action) and Gyan (Knowledge),

Guru Purnima was further celebrated with the recital of the 18 Chapters of Shri Hari Geeta at the Granville Town Hall. Various religious leaders of the community took part in the narration, recital and explanation of each Chapter. Of special significance was the launch of Panch Dev Poojan Vidi, a book that explains the importance and methodology of performing religious rituals of Panch Dev. Honourable guests were Shri Dhan Raj Chaudhary of Chinmaya Mission in Sydney and Shri Rajeshwar Lala, an entrepreneur and businessman in Sydney.

The entire programme was presented in melodious music. The evening not only gave scholars of Shri Geeta an opportunity for self-study and selfevaluation, but it also offered inspiration to children to understand the spiritual teachings of Sri Geeta. Various individuals and religious groups offered prayers and performed religious rituals at the event.

The Society’s Publicity Officer thanked devotees who took part in the yagya, as well as the various groups who extended a helping hand to make the occasion a success, despite inclement weather conditions. She said it was interesting to observe the presence of so many parents with their young children at the event, which clearly was a strong signal that, as parents, they were only too eager to develop spirituality amongst these youngsters. The audience viewed a fine display of the works of various saints and sages who have played a vital role in the teachings of Shri Geeta.

The Hindu Heritage Society aims to introduce all Hindu faith organisations to each other by supporting their activities. Guru Purnima or Sanskriti Diwas has been an annual event for many years now, and the attendees are mature, informative members of the Indian community who would like to know more about their religious heritage. In the past, the Society has organised a Sarva Dharma Sammelan in 1999, an exhibition on its sects and gurus in 2000, 108 Maha Shiv Linga Abhishekam, 108 Vishnu Sahastra Naam Archana and 108 Kundi Maha Yagya in 2007.

To obtain a copy of the Panch Dev Poojan Vidi, one can register their interest with Pandit Narayan Bhatt, President, Hindu Heritage Society Inc on 0430 338 770. Panditji is a Purohit, a Registered Civil Marriage Celebrant, as well as a Minister of Religion.

Lalita Singh