RSS to help building Fifth Dham in Cambodia by popularizing Indian culture

New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is helping the 1008 Names of Shiva Association, a voluntary outfit based in Cambodia, to organize a congregation of people having faith in Sanatana Dharma at Siem Reap in Cambodia on May 30 and May 31, 2018 to develop Angkor Wat as the Fifth Dham of Hindu religion.

This congregation will be represented by the national executive member of the RSS Indresh Kumar and international coordination of Sewa International and general secretary Antarashtriya Sahyog Parishad Keshav Govind Parande. They will participate in it along with total nine representatives of the RSS.

The organizers say that this is an attempt to provide the world platform to Sanatanies to connect the proposed Fifth Dham in Cambodia. The RSS has been involved in many such activities in the world but this is the first such activity in South-East Asia. Guruji Kumaranswami, who is the organiser of the programme in Cambodia, works in South-East Asia for Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Religion). Swamiji decided to organize this mega festival in Siem Reap with the help and blessings of the RSS.

One of the RSS representatives in the programme and convener of the programme Shailesh Vats told OneIndia that Swami ji sees the possibility of the Fifth Dham (sacred place) in South-East Asia. So in this regard a programme is being organized where people belonging to the faith are reaching from across the world.

Vats said, "This is an attempt of cultural development outside India which will once again connect the life style of south-east Asian people with the Indian Society.

As per the concept note of the programme, Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist society but retains strong links with Hinduism, idolatry and Hindu mythology. The pervading influence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Indian architecture are borne out by the magnificent structure at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Phrom and other religious and historical sites in Cambodia. Vats said that the 1008 Name of Shiva Association was set up to popularize Hindu religion in South-East Asia. This is to promote and teach Hindu way of life. They want to build a full scale temple and a centre to perform religious ceremonies and perform social cultural and educational activities.

In this programme dignitaries from many countries will participate. Vats informed that a minister from Ghana, Malaysia, culture and education minister of Cambodia will participate in this programme. Several Buddhists priests including chief priest of Colombo Temple will participate in it. He is the most powerful Buddhist face in Sri Lanka. Dr Kirnde Assaji the resident monk of Gangaramaya Temple will also be present there. Many other important dignitaries will also be there.