Draft:Shree Peetha Nilaya

Shree Peetha Nilaya is a Hindu ashram and temple from the community Bhakti Marga centred in Heidenrod-Springen (near Wiesbaden). It has been opened in 2008 by the Bhakti Marga community, which has transformed a former educational institution of the Verdi trade union into a spiritual centre. Approximately 80 individuals permanently reside at this centre, following the guiding and teachings of their leader "Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda".

The Temple Since June 2018 of this year, the centre has had a new temple, the construction of which cost more than one million euros. The German newspaper FAZ reported about the opening-ceremony in following words: "Carved intricate teakwood sculptures, made in India, colourful wall paintings, and reliefs from the mythology of the Vaishnava tradition (followers of Lord Vishnu), along with a sophisticated light and sound concept, give the temple its unique aura." Thousands of followers from around the world attended the multi-day opening ceremony. The main deities of the temple are Narasimha, Radha Krishna, Ranganatha, Lakshmi as well as Mahavatar Bababji and Ramanuja Acharya.

Connection to Christianity Bhakti Marga, founded in 2005 by Swami Vishwananda, has expanded to include over 300 groups worldwide. It identifies itself as a path of love and devotion, emphasizing a spiritual journey from the mind to the heart. While rooted in Hindu culture, the community distinguishes itself from being a religion. It maintains respect for various religious teachings, including Christianity, and holds a profound connection to Jesus, whom they view as a divine incarnation. The ashram therefore also has a Christian-orthodox chapel.

Climate protection

Since 2017, Heidenrod-Springen is one of Germany`s Fairtrade-Towns. The foundation "Klimaschutz bei uns" has reported how Shree Peetha Nilaya has contributed to this achievement: "In addition to the extensive spiritual aspects, Bhakti Marga is also deeply committed to the environment and responsible resource management. Besides growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers for their own use, while maintaining a 100% vegetarian lifestyle, they also keep dairy cows for their dairy products which are used for temple-rituals." In accordance with the Hindu principle Ahimsa (non-violence) cows are treated with reverence, awe, and gratitude; they are not slaughtered but allowed to spend their seemingly "unproductive" twilight years at the ashram. The foundation "Klimaschutz bei uns" continues to explain how Shree Peetha Nilaya seems to be an exemplary model of a respectful and balanced approach of body, mind, nature, and climate protection. This is represented in sustainable heating and energy concepts (solar, wood, combined heat and power), sustainable irrigation practices (rainwater collection), and sustainable dietary practices (vegetarianism, self-production).

Annual Activities The community hosts "Just Love" festivals that annually attract thousands of visitors and organizes an Open Day to offer neighbours insights into the Ashram. Their integration into the local community is exemplified by having a representative in the local council of Heidenrod-Springen. In 2019, Shree Peetha Nilaya organized a "Fairtade-Christmas Celebration" in connection to Fairtrade-Town campaign to foster local relationships and promote values of climate protection. The Bhakti Marga community therefore fosters a harmonious relationship with the local municipality and its neighbours. Their presence brings economic benefits to the region, with thousands of pilgrims visiting the area.

Prominent visitors

Among the pilgrims, some prominent persons have come to Shree Peetha Nilaya, such as Anthony Kiedis (lead singer of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Rui Patricio (goalkeeper of Portugese football-team) , Maithili Thakur (Indian singer) , Mother Meera (Indian guru) , Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami (Indian scholar) , Mohanji (Indian guru) , and Parvati Baul (Indian singer and guru).