Hinduism in Hungary

Hinduism is a minor religion in Hungary.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) runs the Bhaktivedanta Theological College in Hungary. The Hungarian government donated a building for the Bhaktivedanta Theological College.

Krishna devotees first appeared in Hungary at the end of the 1970s, but only in the second wave of the mission, in the mid 1980s, did a viable community develop. Since 1989 the Community of the Hungarian Krishna conscious devotees (from now on ISKCON) is a registered religion in Hungary. At their incorporation they registered 50 persons. By 1993, half of the Hungarian population had heard of them.

The Parliament resolved that Hare Krishnas, Jehovah's Witnesses, The Hungarian Church of Scientology and the Unification Church being 'destructive sects', would not get government support.

In March 1994, the Parliament voted for governmental support of ISKCON and, by this, they withdrew the judgement of ISKCON as 'destructive' and recognised its religious life and charitable work

Hare Krishnas in Hungary

The leaders of ISKCON mention 8,000-12,000 devotees living in Hungary. According to Tamas Barabas (one of the leaders of the ISKCON), 190-200 live in temples, 700-900 practice their religion seriously, on the four festivals 9,000-10,000 persons gave their names, many of whom go to different Krishna programmes. Amongst them, the number of followers and non-followers, regular and less-regular practitioners is unknown.
The biggest ISKCON centre in Hungary is the rural community located in Somogyvamos, a small village in south-western Hungary.

Sivarama Swami is the official GBC representative in Hungary.

Hare Krishna centres in Hungary

Hare Krishnas have eight centres in Hungary.

Nandafalva Hindu Temple

In 1979, several young adherents of Hindu teachings led by Swami B.A. Narayan formed the Nandfalva Hindu Community in the farm country of Balastya. Swami B.A. Narayan was sent to Hungary by his spiritual master A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Nandafalva is named for the Indian holy place called Nandagram. After 20 years of activity, the Hindu Temple opened its doors in 2000. The building itself is a brilliant fusion of Hungarian and Hindu architectural styles made possible by architect Gyula Szigeti's plan to meld it into the Plains countryside. The temple porch, indicative of Plains structures, surrounds the Orissan style temple tower adorned with tiles. Traditional temple construction taking place even today in India, does not refrain from blending the architectural styles of different regions. The 100 kilo bell residing in the temple tower resounds daily in accordance with Hungarian custom. After of disappearance of the founder in 1993 the community is led by Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti.

The temple's Sanctuary Park presents the most significant figures of the Hindu pantheon. One monumental element is the two-ton, two-meter high, monolithic stone carving of the Pillar of Humility.

In the heart of Csongrad County, just 19 km from the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park lies the Hindu Temple of the Great Plain. Stations carved of red sandstone surround the temple, welcoming visitors to stroll the grounds.

REACHING THE LOCATION

The Nandafalva Hindu Temple can be reached from the road connecting Balastya with Forraskut. From Highway M5, take the exit toward Forraskut at the 146-km marker. It is only 2 kilometers from the exit.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.nandafalva.hu/index_en.htm

Yoga in Daily Life

Yoga in Daily Life has several Centres in Hungary.

Magyar Országos Jóga Unió www.joga-unio.hu 4028 Debrecen, Szigligeti u. 28.

Józsefvárosi Sport Club 1089 Budapest, Baross u. 121. www.joga.org vagy www.joga.hu.

Jóga a Mindennapi Életben Egyesület Szeged Szeged, Kálvária tér 16 www.jogaszeged.hu/joomla

Regionális Jóga a Mindennapi Életben Egyesület Érd 2030 Érd, Kutyavári út 34. www.jogaerd.hu

Ganga Baráti Kör 4025 Debrecen, Pásti u. 2. 4025 Debrecen, Külsővásártér 3. www.ganga.hu

"Jóga a Mindennapi Életben" Egyesület - Békéscsaba 5600. Békéscsaba Mester utca 45. www.bekesjoga.hu

Tatai Jógaegyesület 2890 Tata, Tavasz utca 45.

Kecskeméti Jóga Kör Inkubátorház 6000 Kecskemét, Ipoly u. 1/A.

Dunakeszi Joga and Physiotherapy Studio H-2120 Dunakeszi, Meder u. 6. www.gyogytorna-2120.hu

OM Vishwa Guru Deep Hindu Mandir 1094 Budapest, Bokréta u. 29. Fsz/2. www.mandir.hu

Brahma Kumaris Centres in Hungary

Brahma Kumaris has 4 Centres in Hungary

Centre 1- Main Centre- Budafoki ut 20. fsz/4, Budapest 1111

Centre 2- 1173 Rakoskeresztur, Ujlak utca 58, Budapest

Centre 3- Furedi ut. 49/a, II/8, Debrecen 4032

Centre 4- Petofi Sandor utca 3, Komlo 7300

External links