Britain’s Hindu temple prays for world peace

LONDON: A Hindu chaplain of Britain’s armed forces led religious leaders of different faiths in four-day prayers for world peace and unity at a temple in north England.

The event, organised by Acharya Krishan K. Attri - the first Hindu chaplain of the armed forces, included performing the Shri Shat Chandi Mahayagya, which was conducted by 20 priests, of who two were from India.

The event in Newcastle’s Hindu Temple last week was attended by the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Martin Wharton, leaders representing Buddhism, Baha’i, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Christian faiths.

The gathering signed a common statement pledging their commitment to harmony in the region. It was the first pledge of its kind organised in Britain, according to Attri.

The event also included a musical evening led by noted film composer Ravindra Jain. Jain told The Journal: “It is the first time an event of this magnitude has been organised in the north and even in the whole of the country. People from all over the UK and from far away as India attended and it was a huge success”.

“It has generated a new spirit in the region and everyone is united like one family. All of the leaders were there in person and there was a genuine appreciation of the event. The whole community listened and appreciated.”