Hindus laud China for provision of religious service center at Guangzhou Asian Games

Nevada (US), Sept 16 (ANI): Hindus have applauded China for providing multi-religion religious service center and other facilities for religious services at the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou (China) from November 12 to 27.

Commending the provision of various facilities for religious practices of participants, eminent Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, described it as a "step in the right direction".

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that we must take religion seriously as it was a most powerful force in human society. Religions stress the wholeness of existence and the significance of loving and peaceful inter-relationship.

According to reports, besides the religious service center at the Athletes' Village, the 16th Asian Games at Guangzhou has designated 28 religious spots throughout the city and two Christian youth associations to provide private areas of worship for the participants.

Center will have seven religious service rooms for varied faiths "including Buddhism, Muslim, Catholicism, Christianity and Hinduism, as well as a non-denominational serenity room".

In advance of the Games, a number of places of worship are undergoing renovation, including Liurong Temple, the Temple of the Great Buddha (Dafo Temple) and the Mausoleum of Moslem Masters. In addition, the 600-year-old Chenghuang Temple (or Town's God Temple), will undergo a thorough renovation and will be used for gathering of Taoist activities after the conclusion of the Asian Games. An active branch of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also located in the Tianhe District. (ANI)