Lauding Victoria Govt. funding temple, Hindus urge Australia Govt. fund temples nationwide
Welcoming Victorian State Government for providing over $160,000 to Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple (Hindu Society of Victoria) in Carrum Downs for up-gradation, Hindus are urging Federal Government of Australia to finance Hindu temples in all the states and territories.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott stated in a release: “The upgrades to the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple will help our Hindu community enshrine and share their values of compassion, selflessness, harmony, tolerance and respect.” “Government is promoting an inclusive society where every Victorian can preserve and share their culture and traditions in spaces of their own heritage”, the release adds.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged the Federal Government of Australia to finance building of Hindu temples in areas with considerable Hindu population which still did not have Hindu temples, and help upgrading the existing Hindu temples nationwide.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Australian Hindu community had made lot of contributions to the nation and society. Australian Government; by providing financing for Hindu temples; should help them in their efforts to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society.
Rajan Zed suggested the Hindu-Australians to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc., amidst so many distractions; which was the reason for their success.
Hindu Society of Victoria was launched in 1982 and Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple was consecrated in 1994. It opens daily at 07:30 am. Besides the sanctuary, it also includes a “Divine Museum”, “Spiritual School”, library, Café; and conducts yoga classes. “Navagraha Homam” costs $351, “Milk Abishekam” $151 and “Car Pooja” $51. Dr. Koteswara Rao Sanagapalli is the President of its Executive Committee.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
