Hindu Group Criticizes Damage To Ancient Otomi Temple In Mexico

A US-based Hindu group has condemned the reported damaging of ancient Otomi Indian religious site deep in the forest in Hidalgo State of Mexico.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that it was sad to learn about the reported toppling of stone altars; scattering of offerings; and damages to carved stones, images and paintings at the remote mountain shrine known as Mayonihka, one of rare functioning ancient site of its kind.

Despite belonging to various religions and denominations, with seriously different faith traditions, we all should learn to live together harmoniously and be respectful to others beliefs, monuments and sanctuaries, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed.

According to reports, this site was used by Indians from various states of Mexico for weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies. It appears to be an attack on religious freedom, Rajan Zed noted.

Zed urged Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto and Hidalgo Governor José Francisco Olvera Ruiz to take swift action regarding this vandalism and offer protection to such ceremonial sites, as many had already been destroyed or built-over, so that believers in these traditions could freely practice their beliefs.

Rajan Zed further said that existence of different religions was a sign of God’s bountifulness and a true relationship with God could exist in the religious traditions of “others” also. We should learn from each other and love each other as we were headed in the same direction.