In today’s age, it may be hard for many to find a common ground among the world’s diverse religions. However, the Punyasthala Ashrama, located in Chennagiri taluk, Davanagere district, seems to have found a commonality for all the religions to converge together. The ashrama is devoted to all religions and it stands out for its unique Panch Pavitra Dharma Granth Mandira, which displays the holy books of various religions like the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran, Guru Granth Sahib, the Mahapuranas and a text on Buddhism. Built in 1993, the mandira was conceptualised by Raghavendra Guruji, the founder of the ashrama, with an aim to revere the knowledge encased in all the sacred texts.
Shahajada Begum, a resident of Davanagere, donated the central stage of the ashrama. Acknowledging this gesture, Guruji named this stage after her as Shahajada Sabha Mantapa. Every year, interfaith conventions are held at this mantapa under the banner of Bharateeya Dharma Parishath. Many inter-religious conferences have been held here and more than 4,000 mass marriages have been conducted.
The ashrama is running a school for the poor and needy children. Every day, evening prayers of all the religions are conducted here. Every Sunday, a special function is arranged to discuss the importance of the teachings of all the religions.
Through all these activities, the ashrama is able to spread the knowledge that enlightens the humankind.
Published 29 May 2017, 15:47 IST