The Shri Sanatan Dharma Netherlands Foundation was established as a larger body to be able to carry out all possible activities related to passing on good knowledge about Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma.
The original start was in 2004 through the Muhurta Institute by Acharya Shankar Upadhyae, a Vedic priest from India. In India, as a Brahmin, he received a traditional education from father to son. He also completed academic training in India at the University of Gorakhpur and the University of Jaunpur. Now he works as Acharya, teacher in the Hindu sciences
hindu philosophy, vedic astrology, sanskrit, vedic architecture - Vaastu.
He is committed to providing knowledge and education regarding 'Hinduism' as it was originally intended.
There appears to be a great need, both within the Hindustani community in the Netherlands and among others
other interested parties, to get good information about this.
There are many interpretations and abuses regarding the actual knowledge and implementation of, among other things. the Vedas, the basis of Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma and the aim is to provide unambiguous information and knowledge of the original meaning. The average Dutch person's perception of 'Hinduism' needs to be adjusted. 'Hinduism' is often placed in a row as a religion next to other religions and this in itself constitutes a growing obstacle to the image and understanding of what 'Hinduism' actually is and aims to be.
Hinduism (Hindu literally means from India) does not exist as such, but Sanatan Dharma does exist, not a faith or religion but a way of life based on knowledge of universal laws that are expressed in the Vedas, among others.
The use of Vedic astrology has been associated with this way of life since ancient times to this day.
The knowledge of the influences of planets has an important role in the life of the Sanatani or the person who lives according to the principle of Sanatan Dharma.
The Shri Sanatan Dharma Netherlands Foundation focuses on the goal of spreading knowledge about 'Hinduism / Sanatan Dharma through lectures, education, both in the Ashram and Mandir, at other locations and via the internet, YouTube, etc.
She also wants to help people become aware of each other's existential norms and values and work together in as many areas as possible, based on various life visions and/or (religious) beliefs, with the common goal of being able to interact with each other in a loving and respectful manner, without the differences but the similarities count.
Developments, the expanding objectives, the often organized activities and services on a voluntary basis and the need for the opportunity to recruit donors, funds and subsidies have promoted the choice to establish this foundation.
Mandir Shri Sitaram Dhaam in Amsterdam Zuidoost moved to Nieuwer Ter Aa on July 1, 2017 and continues there as an Ashram with the name: Shri Dutcheswar Dhaam. Please view the supplemented policy plan for insight into the goals of the foundation and the objectives of the Ashram. Subsequently, a new location in Kornhorn was put into use on September 1, 2019, namely Mandir 'Shri Ketumaleshwar Dhaam'.
Financially, it is clear that money is needed for the activities to be organised. Become a friend of our Foundation by supporting us by making a one-off or periodic donation. You can easily arrange the latter yourself if you use internet banking or ask us for an authorization form. See also the donation page.
We often need people who want to translate from Hindi or English into Dutch.
Come and help with the various activities as a volunteer.
Maybe you have a nice idea or initiative to support us, let us know.
Let us know which themes and activities you are interested in so that we can create a great program.
In 2021, our beloved board member and chairman Kris Manna died from the consequences of the corona virus.
We also lost Pt Krishna Biharie, who passed away this summer after illness.
They were both involved as pandits in Sunday services and other activities.
and we will miss them enormously and many with us.