Hinduism in Iran

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Hinduism in Iran has a history stretching back to the middle ages. Presently, Hindus are known to travel to Iran, but the vast majority consist of migrant workers from India. This situation is similar across the Middle East, and information in that respect can be found in Hinduism in Arab states.

Hindu based Organisations in Iran prior to 1979

Prior to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, many Hindu-based missions that proselytize such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and Transcendental meditation, had locations in Iran. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada traveled to Tehran in March 1975 and August 1976. After 1979, these said locations have been abandoned.

Although some Hindu converts in Iran have allegedly stayed since 1979, it is important to note that since conversion from Islam to another religion is apostasy punishable by death sentence in Iran, these remaining converts, if any, will most likely have fled the country to other countries in the past 3 decades (most notably India and Western countries).

Iran's fastest-growing faith seems to be Hinduism of the New-Age guru variety. (Buddhism comes a close second). Sathya Sai Baba, Rajneesh, Mahesh Yogi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar are familiar figures in middle class drawing rooms. For many in the elite, Yoga is far more important than Haj.The Hindu

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    External links

    Hinduism in Asia
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