By: Commander V. K. Jaitly
Let me share with you the highlights of a rare Hindu religious event which happened in Croatia last week. The event was conducted by Veda Union native European group who serves with a motive of “Uniting Europe through the Vedas”.
The event celebrates the 10 year anniversary of Sound of Veda Fellowship in Croatia
11th chanting location of the Veda Union Rudram 11 project, which is a goal to organize 11 times continuous chanting of Sri Rudram Camakam hymns at 11 different locations in Europe
(http://www.vedaunion.org/events/rudram11/zagreb/)
Event was attended by about 400 Europeans from about 15 countries who chant Vedas in open throat as group with highest discipline. Out of which 70% were ladies from age of 22 to 65 years. Traditionally dressed.
Water from 19 rivers were brought for Rudra Abhishekam. Milk abhishekam to Lord Shiva was conducted by everyone
Sahasralinga pooja was conducted by priests (Indian origin) who travelled from US. They explained via powepoint presentation the inner significance of the pooja and mantras while conducting.
The next big devotional project they are aiming to conduct this year is the Athi Rudra Maha Yajna, 11 day auspicious festival which is highest form of worship of Lord Shiva.
The founder of the Veda Union is a young gentlemen from Slovenia with a great vision. He learnt his first Vedas from Chennai. He now also has an Institute for Vedic culture called “Gopuram” in Slovenia to teach Vedas and Carnatic music.
(http://www.gopuram.org/sl/institut/ustanovitelja/vojkokercan/)
The post is written by an Indian Chennai boy who attended this event recently. He was born in a Vedic parambara Hindu Brahmin Iyer family and his forefathers were all Vedic scholars. He now plans to learn modern Vedas and Carnatic music in Europe, after successfully completing his traditional Brahmachari life, that is, school studies in English; engineering college; masters abroad; getting corporate work experience.
He writes: “I was getting delayed to the connecting flight and was worried. A German lady next to me says – Chant Gayathri, all will be fine”
Veda learning is important. Vedas are not just for priests, it is a gift given by God to the entire world. After claiming one’s right as Hindu or Brahmin, one should also try to live towards it to understand the real meaning of Life and be a good human being.