Russia’s biggest Vedic Culture center and largest Hindu Temple facing the threat of eviction in St Petersburg, regarding property dispute, saw its officials meeting Indian President, Pratibha Patil in a bid to seek support of late.
The temple located on over 500 square meters hall, accommodating more than 700 people has been involved in promoting the ancient Indian traditions including Sanskrit and Yoga studies since long. And in the times of crisis when it faces the threat of destruction, its officials who recently visited India, requested the diplomatic intervention, to avoid offending the feelings of believers.
Seeking a support from the Indian President, the letter written by Suren Karapetyam, Chairman of the Board of local religious organization, Vedic society for Spiritual Development reads, “We are writing to you on behalf of hundreds of thousands of St. Petersburg residents and visitors alike. Much is spoken in our country for freedom of conscience and the right of everyone to practice their chosen religion…Historically, the culture and religion of India in our country is of great interest. Many Russians share the philosophy and religion of Hinduism. Our city is known not only in Russia but throughout the world as a city of the highest intellectual culture, and it turned out that the biggest Hindu temple, and probably the only of such scale in Russia, is located in St. Petersburg. It is visited by thousands of city residents.”
