In the US, a Hindu priest performed a holy peace in the Rose Garden of the Rashtrapati Bhavan White House on National Prayer Day. This peace was read for the health, safety and well-being of every person affected by the Corona epidemic. Harish Brahmabhatta, a priest at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, New Jersey, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, arrived at the White House to offer prayers. The Swaminarayan Temple at Robbinsville is one of the largest temples of this sect outside India.
Lesson for peace
Before chanting in Sanskrit, Harish Brahmabhatta said in his brief address. ‘It is not normal for people to be concerned with physical distance and lockdown during this crisis of Corona. Shanti Path is a prayer that is not done for any desire for worldly wealth, success, fame or going to heaven. It is a beautiful Hindu prayer for peace. This is the Vedic prayer, which is described in the Yajurveda’. He also translated it into English and narrated it. Brahmabhatta said, ‘The sound of prayer for peace goes to heaven. Peace be in the heavens and the earth, peace in the water, peace be upon the herbs and trees. Peace is in all the crops. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti’.
President’s request – People should pray
After the peace lesson was over, President Trump thanked Harish Brahmabhatta. He said America is currently fighting a very terrible disease. Whenever any crisis or challenge has come, our people have expressed faith in the power of faith, prayer and the infinite glory of God. He further said, “I urge all Americans to pray wholeheartedly”.
First lady Melania Trump expressed condolences
On this occasion, America First Lady Melania Trump expressed condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this epidemic. They said, ‘Come! Let us pray for those who are suffering, and who are serving on the front. First in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for a collective prayer to the Americans. After this, every President has been calling National Prayer Day since 1952.
