Hinduism in Greece

The following article is about contemporary followers of Hinduism in Greece. For information about the importance of Hinduism in Hellenistic Greece, see the article Indo-Greeks. For archeological evidence of Greek-born Hindus in the Hellenistic era, see Heliodorus pillar.

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Hinduism in Greece has a small following. On March 1, 2006, the Greek government passed a law allowing cremation.[1] This law was welcomed by the Indian community in Athens.

Indians in Greece

There is a tiny Hindu community in Athens. There are 25 PIOs and 12 NRIs in the city.

Indian organisations in Greece

Greek Indian Cultural and Welfare Association and Indo-Greek Business Foundation.[2] United Native Indian Community of Greece (UNICOG).

Hindu organisations in Greece

ISKCON, Satyananda Yoga, Sahaja Yoga, Brahma Kumari and Sathya Sai Baba organizations exists in Greece.

Satyananda Yoga in Greece

Yoga is gaining popularity in Greece especially Satyananda Yoga and Sahaja Yoga. Satyananda Yoga was founded by Swami Satyananda. Swami Satyananda assigned Swami Sivamurti to carry the message of yoga to Greece. Through his inspiration and guidance, in 1978 Swami Sivamurti instituted Satyanandashram Hellas (beginning at Kalamata and then expanding to Athens, Thessaloniki and other parts of the Greek mainland and islands). The present Ashram of Satyanandashram Hellas was established in 1984 outside the town of Paiania and inaugurated by Swami Satyananda the following year. In 1984 and 1985 Swami Satyananda]visited Greece and inspired countless spirants with the ancient message, 'Know Thyself'. During these tours, he expounded the wisdom of yoga and tantra in a series of sublime and profound teachings on spiritual life, and revealed yoga as the priceless heritage of humanility.

Garuda Hellas[3] publishing house was established in 2007 and is based in Thessaloniki, Greece. Small in size, Garuda Hellas offers clear educational and a personalized support through his books for each yoga student. It imports yoga books in English, primarily from the Bihar School of Yoga, India. Garuda Hellas also translates and publishes yoga books in Greek, so that the wisdom of yoga can be objectively and scientifically presented to all Greek speaking people.

ISKCON in Greece

ISKCON (acronym for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness) has few devotees in Greece. ISKCON established a branch in Athens, Greece. ISKCON Greece is located at 60 Kolokotroni Street, in Athens Greece (105 60). ISKCON Greece has the status of a small church, a "house of prayer" and is recognized as such from the Greek Ministry of Religion.[4]

References

  1. ↑ International Religious Freedom Report 2006, Greece
  2. ↑ GICWA (Indo-Greek)
  3. ↑ http://www.garudahellas.gr/
  4. ↑ https://diavgeia.gov.gr/doc/Β4ΜΠ9-9ΝΚ
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