In the early 1970s we traveled to the Netherlands as a family. As an average family, our father worked as a laborer in the hospital and mother as a housewife. Together they took care of their nine children. After settling down and over the years, the need, the importance but also the necessity from the growing Hindu community to come together to practice faith became increasingly greater. Quite a challenge at that time because in a Western culture you had to work on acceptance and integration, and finding a location where you could perform all the rituals with accompanying singing and readings was a challenge in itself.
And in order to fulfill that need to be together (satsang) with the Surinamese Hindustani, our parents organized Jagyas in halls in Rotterdam. A few years later, our parents were confronted with a very traumatic event that had an impact on the entire family; this event was decisive for the moment when it was decided to build a Mandir, namely a SHIV MANDIR.
On March 4, 1980, the time had come, the doors of the Mandir were opened at Nozemanstraat 3 in Rotterdam - better known in those days as TIBITI Mandir - after the store of the same name that our family operated. From the beginning, the Mandir has been characterized by a strong connection with its own Surinamese Hindustani community and traditions and rituals, all based on the Sanatan Dharm principles. The Mandir occupies a leading position when it comes to representation in various social organizations, as well as the connection and cooperation with Surinamese Hindustani Priests and Priests from other countries such as India, America, Canada and the Caribbean.
From day one there has been a coming and going of believers and interested people. Over the years, the Mandir has welcomed sages and scholars from all corners of the world who preached the Hindu Sanatan Dharm.
Shri Shiv Mandir Rotterdam is the first and therefore oldest Mandir in the Netherlands. The location and location were chosen so carefully at the time that we are still amazed today at how far-sighted our parents' vision was. A few years ago, an article was written by the municipality of Rotterdam in which our Mandir, partly due to its location, was described as the most invisible prayer space. It means that as a house of worship we live in harmony with our environment, the people around us, regardless of their background, faith or culture. So peaceful and completely accepted.
Now after more than 37 years, our family continues the tradition started by our late parents Sriman and Srimatie Harinarain and passes it on to the next generation and community. We are proud that every Sunday there is a busy morning service in the Mandir with pooja – kirtan/bhajan and kathas. On Tuesdays there is Ramayan Satsang and all holidays such as the monthly Shivratrie, Navratrie, Janamasthmi etc. are celebrated exuberantly. All services and activities in our Mandir are based on the Sanatan Dharm; and precisely because we have always been able to translate Dharm into contemporary society over the past 37 years, our position and large following are characterized by more and more young people. In addition to these activities, we organize courses in yoga, meditation,
It is worth mentioning that our Mandir is a private initiative and is run together with and by the community. For this initiative and the efforts made, members of our family have now received the highest award from the municipality of Rotterdam twice and a Royal award has been presented once.
On behalf of the Shri Shiv Mandir, we cordially invite you to visit us and participate in one of our services and/or activities.
OM TRIAMBAKAM YAJAMAHE SUGANDHIM PUSHTI VARDANAM URVARUKAMIVA BANDHANAN MRITYOR MUKSHEEYA MAMRITAT
Jai Bholenath.
Harinarain family.