The ‘rich’ Indian culture and spirituality has cast a spell on a four-member foreign delegation. Alice from Taiwan, Helen from Malaysia and Moon and Theresa from China, who were on a four-day visit to West Godavari district in pursuit of spiritual knowledge, were overwhelmed by the local temple architecture and rituals.
The grandeur of the Sri Chennakesava Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple at Sanivarapupeta and its imposing Rajagopuram, dating back to the East Chalukyan era, left the delegation awe-struck. They spent time on the temple premises doing meditation and learning about the design and history of the Rajagopuram, which is under renovation. Helen, the team leader, said the team would also visit Dwaraka Tirumala, the abode of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
Art of LivingThey were also drawn towards Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation. Helen said she had been a messenger of the foundation’s guiding principles of love and peace for the last three decades.
Moon and Theresa said Sri Sri Ravishankar’s message of universal love had helped them transcend all barriers to remain united with people across the globe. “After all, love knows no colour, race, religion and frontiers. We are trying to take it to people all over with all the warmth,” Helen said.
The team visited villages such as Ammapalem, Ankannagudem and Chodimella and mingled with the rural folks, while language failed to be any barrier. “India is a great source of spiritual knowledge. Don’t go out to seek it out elsewhere. It is very much here only, within your doorstep,” the team said.
