Kochi, May 3, 2020: Sanskrit hymns, Christian prayers and Arabic chants were broadcast one after another through digital media on May 3, as major religious leaders came together for a joint prayer to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leaders of almost all Christian denominations, Imams, Muftis, Hindu scholars, sadhus and sanyasis were among those who prayed for the world.

Swami Chithanandapuri, head of Advaithasram Kozhikode, Swami Sadbhavanandha, head of Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Puranattukara, Swami Vishaalananda of Sivagiri Mutt, Sreemadh Vasudevananda brahmanandhabhooti, head of ThekkeMutt Thrissur and Sreemadh Achyuta Bharathikal of Thrissur Naduvil Madom conducted the Hindu prayers.

Representing Islam, Panakkad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, Kanthapuram A P Abubakkar Musaliar, Chief Imam of Kozhikode Palayam Juma Masjid Dr Husain Madavoor and V P Suhaib Maulavi, Imam of Palayam Thiruvanathapuram, conducted the prayers.

Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church, Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Baselius Marthoma II Catholicose, head of the Orthodox Church, Bishop Joseph Kariyil of Latin Catholic Church, Joseph Mar Gregorios, Trustee of the Jacobite Church, Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan, head of the Marthoma Church, Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam, moderator of CSI Church and Dr. Mar Aprem, Metropolitan of the East Syrian Church, Thrissur were the leaders of the Christian denominations that joined in the prayers.

Sreemadh Vasudevananda Brahmanandhabhooti chanted ‘Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu’ as his prayer. “It is a time when not only Sanyasis but everyone around the world is deep in prayers to overcome this calamity. Through this prayer we plead that good happens to everyone and everyone stay together in peace,” said Brahmanandhabhooti in the video telecasted at 3:30 pm.

Chief Imam of Kozhikode Palayam Juma Masjid Dr Husain Madavoor in the video said that prayer was not the only responsibility of the faithful. “Pray well and at the same time search for good treatment. We should understand and follow the directions of the Government and health workers who are involved preventive activities,” he said.

Cardinal George Alencherry said a welcome message and thanked the religious leaders for coming together to pray for the world at such a critical juncture.

The 45-minute video was recorded at various locations in the state, edited, compiled and aired through Youtube channels of various religious institutions apart from TV channels. The religious leaders had earlier given out a call to observe this Sunday as a Prayer day.

Source: The Times of India