Ashram merges architectures of temple, church and mosque

[suchandra]

National

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Ashram merges architectures of temple, church and mosque

 

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808181551.htm

posted August 18 2008

 

 

Tirupattur (Vellore) (PTI): With its structures reflecting a mixed architecture of a temple, church and a mosque, here is a unique ashram in the lush green landscape of this small town, showcasing secular values for its potential to attract people of all faiths.

The entrance of the ashram has a chapel built in the shape of a temple tower (gopuram) and a Cross on top of it. With Hindu architecture in front, it has mosque style structures inside, as well as a chapel.

It was built in 1933 by two missionaries, Dr Sourirayan Jesudasan and Dr Ernest Forrester Paton of the National Missionary Society, who were inspired by Gandhian philosophy.

During weekends, both Hindus and Christians visit the ashram and offer prayers. Bhajans and keertans alike are sung by the devout here.

Once inside, a visitor finds a hall with pillars akin to a Hindu temple and an altar decorated with flowers and a 'kuthuvilakku' (traditional lamp).

Ashram in-charge S Victor said while Christians visit the ashram for Sunday mass, Hindus recite bhajans on festive days.

He said the ashram, which has a hospital, provides free treatment to poor people of the surrounding areas and has set up a poultry and cattle farm to provide employment to local people.

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

 

He said the ashram, which has a hospital, provides free treatment to poor people of the surrounding areas and has set up a poultry and cattle farm to provide employment to local people.

 

In Kali yuga even religious organizations engage in sinful activity. Hiding churchs to look like temples is a cheap technique to convert Hindus to Christianity. It is clear they only have external similarities, because a temple would never run a factory killing chickens or cows.

[srikanthdk71]

 

In Kali yuga even religious organizations engage in sinful activity. Hiding churchs to look like temples is a cheap technique to convert Hindus to Christianity. It is clear they only have external similarities, because a temple would never run a factory killing chickens or cows.

 

Dear Jahnava Nitai Das, this is the absolute feeling you get when you read the post. There is one more point to add. As we all know, the Keralites are the most converted people to christianity in India. The other(hindus) mallus go to Ayyappa and Krishna temples. If the church in disguise is made to look like a traditional keralite style, there is a feeling that Mallus may be attracted towards it and thereby the other left over hindu population of the mallus can be cashed or else, in Vellore, why do you need a Kerala style of alter with a 'Kuthuvilakku'. Indeed a cheap technique but a very well sketched/plotted one.

[suchandra]

 

In Kali yuga even religious organizations engage in sinful activity. Hiding churchs to look like temples is a cheap technique to convert Hindus to Christianity. It is clear they only have external similarities, because a temple would never run a factory killing chickens or cows.

Fully agree, it is amazing tho how Hindus buy for this and walk credulously right into the trap. Wonder when McDonald's in India will open restaurants that look like a temple and people start to queue up?

[srikanthdk71]

 

Fully agree, it is amazing tho how Hindus buy for this and walk credulously right into the trap. Wonder when McDonald's in India will open restaurants that look like a temple and people start to queue up?

 

This is a great article and a good eye opener for all of us. We need more and more responses to your concern. Thanks Suchandra.

[suchandra]

 

This is a great article and a good eye opener for all of us. We need more and more responses to your concern. Thanks Suchandra.

 

Thanks Srikant here a pic of this temple