Gayatri Mantra read at the National Day of Prayer event in Nevada

Adhik Vaishakh Krushna Ashtami, Kaliyug Varsha 5112

From Our Correspondent

Gayatri Mantra, most sacred mantra of Hinduism from the oldest scripture Rig-Veda, was read at the Washoe County’s 5th Annual National Day of Prayer Celebration in Reno (Nevada, USA) on May six.

Besides Rig-Veda, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed also read from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayers. He started and ended the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.

Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said, “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya”, which he then translated as “Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, Lead me from death to Immortality.” Participants repeated “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” after him which he translated as “Peace, Peace, Peace be unto all”.

The theme of this year’s event was “Prayer—For Such A Time As This”. Pastor Ric Fehr offered prayer for the “Church”, while Pastor Bob Franknel for the “Men and Women in Our Armed Forces”, Pastor Dan Simpa for “Government”, Pastor Tony Slavin for “Family”, Pastor Rob Bagley for “Media”, and Pastor Gabriel Rodriguez for “Education”. Other participants included Robert Larkin and Bonnie Weber, both County Commissioners; Melissa Rodriguez; Pastor Roger Canary; Pastor Paul Holland; etc.

Washoe County issued a “proclamation” for the occasion, which said: Washoe County residents from diverse socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds will unite to give thanks for our many blessings and ask God to strengthen our families, our schools and our government. Proclamation from Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons was also read on the occasion.

Also See

	Dharma Jagruti Sabhas Dhama Jagruti Sabhas is creating mass awareness among Hindus about various problems affecting Hindu Dharma. Read more
	Save temples from Anti-Hindus Temples are the centres of Hindu Dharma. Anti Hindu forces like Muslims, Congress, Christians has constantly targetted them. HJS is fighting against these forces.  Read more