Hindu priests pray for long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Monday, 16 April 2007, 4:07 p.m.
 His Holiness at the puja organised by a joint committee of eight associations of local Indians (Photo:Sangay Kep) |
Dharamshala: Scores of Hindu priests, seated round sacred fires, offering oblations to the chants of mantras, ardently invoked Goddess Gayatri for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, here at the courtyard of Tsuglakhang this morning.
A joint committee of eight associations, backed in turn by 50-odd other fraternities, is organising the grand puja on behalf of Indians in and around here.
The committee led by India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS) has solicited the service of Haridwar Gayatri Parivar for a two-day ritual of Akhanda Japa and Gayatri Havan that began yesterday at 9 a.m.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also graced today’s puja with his presence, in addition to several hundreds of both Tibetans and non-Tibetans, who enthusiastically followed the lead in reciting the mantras.
 Tibetan dignitaries at the puja (Photo:Sangay Kep) |
Addressing the crowd, the president of ITFS, Ajay Mankotia, said that “although the Lord of Compassion, bestowed with divine power, has no need for prayers, the puja was performed in conformity with the Hindu tradition, wherein such pujas were performed for Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, for their success, well being and victory.”
Saying that His Holiness’ presence has been a boon to the place, both economically and spiritually, Mr Mankotia besieged His Holiness the Dalai Lama to pledge that His Holiness would live a long, long life.
In order to live in peace and harmony in an increasingly materialistic world, the local populace seek the continued guidance of His Holiness’ wisdom, Mr Mankotia added.
 (Photo:Sangay Kep) |
Appreciating the solidarity of Indian community, His Holiness underlined that for nearly half a century Indian and Tibetan communities have lived in perfect accord.
His Holiness also said that the close affinity between Hinduism and Buddhism is like that of twin brother/sister–a fact he said is evident from the way rituals of havan and fire puja are performed by Hindus and Buddhists respectively.
Tibetan dignitaries present at the puja were the Chief Justice Commissioner and Justice Commissioners, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Kalon for Religion and Culture, members of the Tibetan Parliament and NGOs, etc.
The associations in the organising committee also included Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch, taxi unions, auto rickshaw union, beopar mandal, Gorkha association and local pradhans of village panchayats.
