Members of an Indian socio-spiritual group offered collective prayers at their homes across continents for "rain and relief," amid catastrophic fires in Australia.
Hundreds of followers in India, US, Europe and Australia, of Mumbai-based Maitribodh Parivaar (Family of friends) dropped everything they were doing and simultaneously offered prayers on Tuesday.
“I and my friends sat together at my home and chanted a mantra for 108 times, praying for divine intervention and protection to those affected by the fires,” said Ms Sharma.
The 31-year-old added that it “miraculously rained in Sydney the following day instilling my faith in the powers of collective prayer.”
We prayed and it rained. Some may call it a coincidence, but for me, it was nothing short of divine intervention.
Founded by a 42-year-old guru identified as ‘Divine Friend-Dadashreeji,’ Maitribodh Parivaar is a group that defines itself as a “Family of friends bonded by a common mission to develop, nurture and strengthen the human bond of love and friendship.”
Headquartered in Karjat, a place near Mumbai, the followers believe in the notion of “One World, One Community and One Truth.”
The organiser of the event, Harsh Bhalla said, “As awakened citizens of the world, we all should stand united for the people of Australia.”
“The local authorities are doing all that they can to put out the fires, but there’s no visible end to the devastation yet. At such times, we must get together and do our bit by praying-the strongest weapon given to mankind by the divine,” added Mr Bhalla.
At least 21 people have lost their lives and about half a billion animals have been killed across New South Wales since October as a result of the devastating bushfires that have burned through more than five million hectares and destroyed more than 2100 homes.
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