Marking a significant milestone in the spiritual landscape of Europe, the region’s largest Shiva Temple has come up in Estonia. The week-long consecration ceremony had started on June 4 and will conclude on June 13, with the main event scheduled for June 10.
The ceremonies, which will include traditional rituals, prayers, and cultural festivities, are expected to draw hundreds of guests from India and Europe. The consecration ceremony, or the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, will be conducted by two priest from Tamil Nadu, S Boopathi Shivacharya Swamigal and Venkatesh Jayaram.
Ingvar Villido Acharya Ishwarananda, founder of the Shiva Temple who also teaches Kriya Yoga, said: “The Shiva temple symbolises our dedication to the eternal teachings of Sanatana Dharma, following the footsteps of the great rishis and siddhas.“
Shiva is a major deity in Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. He’s also seen as the patron god of Yoga, meditation, and the arts.
The temple complex spans an impressive 5500 square metres and is situated in the picturesque region of Lilleoru, near the Estonian capital Tallinn. The temple’s construction has been based on the ancient Indian architectural principles of Aagama Silpa Saasthra. It has been designed by Dhanabal Mayilvel and Manivel Mayilvel from the Shri Thenkani Traditional Architecture Hindu Temple Construction & Sculpture Group in Tamil Nadu.
The temple houses numerous sacred statues representing deities such as Lord Shri Karpaga Nadhar, Mother Brahand Nayagi, Shri Ganapathy, Shri Bala Murugar, Saptha Rishis, Navanaths, 18 Siddhas, Navagrahas and others.
Interestingly, Estonia is known for being one of the least religious countries in the world. The small northern European country with a population of little over 1.3 million counts more than half of its population as atheists and about 25% of the people believe in Christianity. Historically, Estonians worshipped nature with thousands of ancient sacred places scattered throughout the country.
The Hindu population in Estonia is small, comprising a few hundred individuals. The community includes Estonians who have adopted Hindu practices, Indian expatriates, and students. Hinduism has influenced Estonian society in various ways, particularly through the popularity of Yoga and meditation. Many Estonians practise yoga and engage in spiritual practices derived from Hindu traditions.
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