SGB Recent Events & Religious Ceremonies in Birmingham
Chaturved MahaYagya 2019
Shree Geeta Bhawan, Birmingham, West Midlands
His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, KG, GCVO, SSI, GCStJ was invited to Shree Geeta Bhawan for the Mandir's 50th Anniversary on 12th September 2017.
RFA Wave Ruler hosts Hindu religious ceremony
|
Members of the British Hindu community gathered aboard a Naval Service ship for an historic ceremony at sea. Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Ruler hosted members of the Armed Forces Hindu Network and some of the congregation from a Hindu temple in Birmingham for the immersion of an idol –
|
the first time such a ceremony has taken place aboard a Naval Service vessel. Representatives of Hindu communities throughout England also attended the ceremony, which saw a 5ft tall 800kg white marble figure – Lord Narayana – laid to rest off the Dorset coast.
|
The idol immersion ceremony – known as Murti Visarjan – was requested by members of the Shree Geeta Bhawan Hindu Temple. The idol was damaged and, according to Hindu tradition, should be immersed in free, flowing water where it will not be recovered or used for any further purpose.
|
Acharya Dharm Dutt Vasistha doing the last Rituals before Murti Visarjan
|
On Thursday 12 May 2016, the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary facilitated a Hindu Murti Visarjan (idol immersion) ceremony at sea on-board RFA Wave Ruler, in partnership with Shree Geeta Bhawan Hindu Temple, Birmingham. This is a unique and historic occasion and we are so grateful to the Naval Service for this wonderful ceremony. Before embarking on the Fast Fleet Tanker at Portland, members of the Hindu community held a fire service in the pouring rain on the dockside. As Wave Ruler headed out to Weymouth Bay, the visitors gathered on the deck for the ceremony, conducted by the Hindu Chaplain to the Armed Forces, Acharya Krishan Kant Attri ji, accompanied by the Birmingham temple's priest Acharya Dharm Dutt Vashista ji. |
Hindus then offered Chrysanthemums and water to the idol before the senior Royal Naval officer present, Commodore Dain Morritt, was asked to smash a coconut on the deck of the ship – the fruit has a deep meaning to the religion as it represents food, water and space. Six members of Wave Ruler's crew then carried out the immersion, lifting the ornately decorated idol on a board by crane and gently lowering it over the side. The sun broke through the grey clouds as the idol was released into the sea. "This is a unique and historic occasion and we are so grateful to the Naval Service for this wonderful ceremony," said Acharya Krishan Kant Attri ji. Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Manish Tayal, chair of the Armed Forces Hindu Network, who organised the event, said:"The |
ceremony honours the relationship between the Maritime Services and the British Hindu community, part of a long and proud tradition of Hindu contribution to UK maritime defence." Lord Narayana is one of the many names of Vishnu, the Preserver or Overseer within the Hindu Trinity, who supports the entire universe. At times of troubles, Narayana is believed to manifest on Earth to destroy evil and uphold virtue. Commodore Morritt said: "I think this is a piece of history. It is fantastic seeing members of the Hindu community on board. The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary are inclusive organisations." |
Multifaith Peace Conference at Shree Geeta BhawanAcharya Dharm Dutt Vashist successfully hosted Multifaith Peace Conference on Thursday 19th March 2015.
In the conference several important factors for Peaceful coexistence were highlighted such as freedom of religion, variety of faiths, beliefs, convictions and we have to come together to learn from each other. |
Speakers includes
|
|
Vedic Homatmak Maha Rudra Yagya
The Rudra Yagya is the most sacred and powerful among all the Maha Yagya's encompassing two Nishkama Karmas, namely, Deiva Yagya (worship of Shiva and Other divinities), and Manushya Yagya (performed with Large devotees who partake prasadam or grace of the Lord).
It is very rare that a Yagya of this significance and magnitude can be witnessed. Equally rare is the opportunity for the people to actually participate in the worship. It is also done particularly for the sake of washing away ones sins and afflictions, for bringing peace, prosperity and happiness, along with family togetherness. It is said that Lord Shiva after Bhasmasura was killed with the Help of Lord Maha Vishnu performed the Tandava Dance and then performed the "Rudra Yagya" for the Betterment of Humanity, this Place where the Rudra Yagya was performed is where the SriKalahasti Temple stands now, this temple also has one of the 12 Jyothirlingas of Parameshwara. |
Armed Forces Diwali Event
‘Diwali’ the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of good over evil and to be the ‘Force for Good’. This is represented by lighting ‘diyas’ (lamps) to illuminate the darkest night in the Hindu calendar. As seamen, soldiers and airmen, it is the time to reflect on our commitment to society as we are the wick in the ‘diyas’ that support the glow of the light. It is through our selfless act and dedication that darkness can be defeated. ‘Diwali’ hence carries an even more pertinent meaning to all serving in the UK Armed Forces.
|
Maha Vishnu Yagya 2015 - Shree Geeta Bhawan Birmingham UK
18th to 21st June 2015
18th to 21st June 2015
Maha Vishnu Yagya was conducted by our Head Priest Shri Dharm Dutt Ji & 21 well known other scholars.
