Her Grace Visakha Dasi, President of the iconic Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple in Watford, Hertfordshire, will be representing the Hindu faith at the Coronation of King Charles III this weekend.
She told iGlobal: “Hare Krishna. On the historic occasion of His Majesty’s Coronation, I'm honoured to be representing the Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple. And I feel privileged and delighted to be standing together with respected leaders of diverse spiritual paths.
“The King’s continued championing of interfaith harmony and his respect for followers of all spiritual paths is renowned. It's wonderful that this ethos will be celebrated at the Coronation and is part of the King’s ongoing commitment to evoking harmony amidst diverse communities.”
Buckingham Palace had announced earlier that the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6 will have a strong multi-faith symbolism, with Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish communities all represented at the historic event.
In the run-up to the momentous occasion, Bhaktivedanta Manor itself hosted a “pre-coronation tea” for faith leaders this week (pictured above). The event was attended by over 30 religious organisations from Hertfordshire, who collectively represented a dozen faiths.
Bhaktivedanta Manor this year celebrates its 50th anniversary — it was 50 years ago that George Harrison of the Beatles donated the temple to the Hare Krishna community.
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Robert Voss, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, said that “faith is a central part of the King’s priorities and Hertfordshire’s diversity is something to celebrate. Hosting this tea will bring faith leaders together to form strong links to bring about change in our community”.
Visakha Dasi added: “We are grateful to have the privilege of hosting this interfaith event at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Cooperation and collaboration between our many and diverse spiritual communities will be strongest when there’s positive communication between us.”
Vinay Tanna, Head of Manor Communications and a Deputy Lieutenant said in his welcome speech to the faith leaders that “coming to a spiritual place like this; walking around the gardens and lake or feeding the cows, is about strengthening one’s own faith”.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor is a spiritual sanctuary spread over 78 acres of land with plentiful gardens, an organic farm, a protected herd of cows, a temple, a monastery and a community of spiritual seekers.
*Info: Bhaktivedanta Manor