The ancient Hindu temple at Prambanan, dating back to the 9th century, was built to honor the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). The structure is breathtaking and its impact on my mind, is profound. This ancient relic, among the oldest Hindu temples in the world is weather beaten, yet majestic.
The hundreds of small temples around the main temples destroyed in 2006 by the wrath of nature in the earthquake that devastated this nation. The process of rebuilding each temple is arduous, and challenging. Its broken images today symbolic of an era gone by.
It says volume about a country that allocates scarce resources, and boundless energy, to restore ancient Hindu and Buddhist relics when 85 percent of the population is Muslim. It’s the kind of tolerance that warms the heart and touches the soul.
We can all learn from this secular perspective that celebrates religious freedom and peoples rights to believe in the Gods’ of their choosing.
More religious freedom, less stereotypes, greater tolerance, less war.
We all win……..
About Hemant Rustogi