VHP: Vishva Hindu Parishad Role and Activities

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is a global socio-religious organization profoundly dedicated to the protection, preservation, and propagation of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture worldwide. It fosters unity, social harmony, and selfless service (*Seva*) among Hindus, rooted deeply in the timeless principles of scriptural wisdom and profound national pride, working tirelessly for the Hindu cause.

The Imperative of Dharmic Vigilance: Introduction to VHP

In an age increasingly characterized by spiritual amnesia and cultural erosion, the establishment of the Vishva Hindu Parishad stands as a monumental response to the timeless call for Dharma Raksha – the protection of righteousness. Sanatan Dharma, with its profound philosophical depth and vibrant cultural tapestry, faces unique challenges in the modern era. The VHP emerged from the collective wisdom of revered saints and enlightened leaders who recognized the urgent need for a unified global Hindu voice to safeguard our ancestral heritage, promote social harmony, and inspire a renewed sense of pride and purpose among Hindus worldwide.

The VHP’s mission transcends mere organizational objectives; it is a sacred endeavor, echoing the eternal principles enunciated in our Vedas and Puranas, which mandate the preservation of Dharma for universal welfare. It serves as a spiritual bulwark, tirelessly working to ensure that the light of Sanatan Dharma continues to illuminate humanity, fostering a society rooted in values of truth (*Satya*), non-violence (*Ahimsa*), compassion (*Karuna*), and service.

The Genesis of Organized Dharma: Puranic Imperatives in Modern Context

While the Vishva Hindu Parishad is a contemporary organization, its foundational spirit resonates with the ancient injunctions for Dharma Samsthapana – the establishment and upholding of Dharma – as repeatedly emphasized in our sacred texts. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 8) famously declares: “Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam, Dharma Samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge” (परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् । धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥), meaning, “To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to re-establish Dharma, I manifest Myself from age to age.” This divine promise underscores the cyclical need for efforts to restore righteousness.

The establishment of VHP in 1964 was not an isolated event but a timely manifestation of this Dharmic imperative. It arose from the realization, during the Kumbh Mela of 1964, among leading Hindu spiritual masters and intellectuals like Swami Chinmayananda and M.S. Golwalkar, that Hindu society, despite its inherent strength and ancient wisdom, lacked a cohesive global platform to address contemporary challenges. These challenges included the decline of Dharmic values, external pressures on Hindu identity, and the need for social cohesion. The VHP sought to embody the spirit of united action, much like the combined efforts of Rishis and Devas described in the Devi Bhagavata Purana or the coordinated actions of righteous kings and sages documented in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, when Dharma faced threats.

Its formation was a conscious effort to revitalize the eternal spirit of Sanatan Dharma in the modern era, translating ancient wisdom into tangible action for the welfare of Hindu society globally, much like Adi Shankara’s efforts to consolidate Dharma across Bharat millennia ago.

Organizational Structure & Guiding Principles: The Architecture of Unity

The VHP’s strength lies not in monolithic authority but in its decentralized, yet deeply interconnected, global organizational structure – a testament to the Hindu principle of unity in diversity. With its headquarters in Delhi, Bharat, the VHP operates through a vast network of units, committees, and federations across over 60 countries. This structure allows for both global coordination and localized action, addressing specific regional needs while upholding universal Dharmic tenets.

At its core, VHP is guided by several immutable principles:

• Ekatmata (Unity): Fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among all Hindus, transcending caste, creed, language, or regional differences. This resonates with the Vedic concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam‘ (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) – the world is one family, beginning with Hindu society.
• Seva (Selfless Service): Engaging in humanitarian efforts, disaster relief, education, and healthcare, embodying the teaching of ‘Paropakaraya Punyaya‘ (परोपकाराय पुण्याय) – doing good to others is meritorious.
• Sanskriti Raksha (Cultural Preservation): Protecting and promoting Hindu traditions, arts, languages (especially Sanskrit), festivals, and spiritual practices.
• Dharma Prasar (Propagation of Dharma): Educating the younger generation and the wider society about the principles and practices of Sanatan Dharma.
• Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony): Working to eliminate social disparities and promote equality, ensuring that every Hindu feels respected and included.

The VHP’s organizational architecture is designed to be a transparent and democratic body, with elected representatives from various levels guiding its operations, ensuring that the voice of the grassroots devotee is heard and respected.

Key Activities & Dharmic Initiatives: Fulfilling the Mandate of Sanatan Dharma

The activities of the Vishva Hindu Parishad are diverse, comprehensive, and directly aligned with the holistic preservation and promotion of Sanatan Dharma. Each initiative is a practical application of scriptural wisdom to contemporary challenges:

1. Dharma Prasar evam Jagran (Propagation & Awakening of Dharma): Organizing Satsangs, Dharma Sabhas, youth camps (e.g., Bal Sanskar Kendras), and publishing literature to educate Hindus about their heritage and duties. This directly aids in imparting the wisdom found in the Upanishads and Puranas to the masses.
2. Gau Raksha (Cow Protection): A cornerstone of Hindu Dharma, VHP actively works for the protection and welfare of cows, establishing Goshālas and advocating for cow protection laws, in accordance with the reverence for the cow mentioned in the Atharva Veda and countless Puranic narratives.
3. Mandir Nirman evam Punaruddhar (Temple Construction & Renovation): Facilitating the construction of new temples and the restoration of ancient ones, thereby preserving sacred spaces for worship and cultural continuity. The movement for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, inspired by ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Ramayana, is a prominent example of this dedication.
4. Seva Karya (Social Service): Providing relief during natural calamities, running schools, hostels, and healthcare centers for the underprivileged, embodying the spirit of selfless service. This fulfills the Dharma-karya (righteous action) emphasized in the Karma Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita.
5. Sanskriti Raksha (Cultural Preservation): Promoting traditional Indian arts, music, dance, yoga, and the Sanskrit language. VHP organizes cultural events and workshops to ensure the vibrancy of Hindu culture.
6. Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony): Working tirelessly to eradicate social evils like untouchability, encouraging inter-caste dining, and promoting equality among all sections of Hindu society, aligning with the universal teachings of spiritual equality found in the Vedas.
7. Ghar Wapsi (Reaffirmation of Faith): Facilitating the return of individuals to the Sanatan Dharma fold who had previously converted to other faiths, emphasizing the inherent inclusivity and welcoming nature of Hinduism.

For more insights into VHP’s extensive work, particularly its global outreach and activities, visit Hindutva.online.

Mantras & Chants: Upholding Dharma with Sacred Vibrations

The work of VHP is underpinned by profound spiritual conviction, often invoked through sacred mantras and prayers. Devotees and members frequently chant verses that inspire unity, strength, and devotion:

• Mantra for Universal Peace and Welfare:
  “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.
  Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kaschit Dukha Bhag Bhavet.“
  (सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
  सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥)
  Meaning: May all be happy, may all be free from illness. May all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer.
• Mantra for Strength and Purpose:
  “Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanau Bhunaktu,
  Saha Viryam Karavavahai.
  Tejasvi Navadhitamastu, Ma Vidvishavahai.“
  (ॐ सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
  सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥)
  Meaning: Om. May He protect us both (teacher and student) together. May He nourish us both together. May we work together with great energy. May our study be brilliant; may we not hate each other. (This mantra fosters cooperation and mutual respect, essential for organizational unity).
• Jay Ghosh for Hindu Unity:
  “Jai Shree Ram! Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!“
  These powerful chants serve to unify, energize, and remind devotees of their Dharmic heritage and national pride.

Dos and Don’ts for the Sincere Devotee & Dharmic Activist

Engaging with the spirit of VHP’s mission calls for a conscious adherence to certain Dharmic principles:

• Do:
  • Actively participate in local VHP activities, Satsangs, and Seva projects.
  • Educate oneself and others about the rich heritage and philosophical depth of Sanatan Dharma.
  • Promote unity and harmony within Hindu society, respecting all traditions and sects.
  • Support Gau Raksha initiatives and advocate for the welfare of cows.
  • Practice and uphold personal Dharma (*Svadharma*) in daily life, embodying honesty, integrity, and compassion.
  • Visit Hindutva.online regularly for authentic insights and updates on Hindu affairs.
• Don’t:
  • Engage in divisive rhetoric or promote discord within Hindu society.
  • Disrespect individuals of other faiths; our Dharma teaches universal respect while firmly upholding our own.
  • Prioritize personal gain over collective Dharmic welfare.
  • Remain passive when Sanatan Dharma or Hindu society faces unjust attacks or misrepresentation.
  • Neglect one’s duties towards family, community, and nation in the name of activism.

What is the primary goal of Vishva Hindu Parishad?

The primary goal of the Vishva Hindu Parishad is the protection, preservation, and global propagation of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture. It aims to consolidate and strengthen Hindu society worldwide, fostering unity, social harmony, and selfless service, ultimately working towards the establishment of a Dharmic order for universal welfare.

How does VHP support Hindu temples and sacred sites?

VHP provides crucial support to Hindu temples and sacred sites through various means, including facilitating the construction of new temples (e.g., the historic Ayodhya Ram Mandir movement), renovating ancient shrines, organizing pilgrimage tours (*Tirtha Yatras*), and safeguarding temple lands and properties. It also educates devotees on the spiritual significance of these sites and promotes traditional worship practices.

Is VHP’s influence limited to Bharat, or does it operate globally?

The Vishva Hindu Parishad is a truly global organization. While deeply rooted in Bharat, its influence and operations extend across more than 60 countries. It establishes units, cultural centers, and Hindu temples abroad, serving the spiritual and cultural needs of the Hindu diaspora, organizing events, and engaging in advocacy for Hindu rights and issues on an international platform.

Dharmic Significance: The Eternal Relevance of Organized Hindu Action

The Vishva Hindu Parishad stands as a living testament to the enduring vitality of Sanatan Dharma and the collective resolve of Hindu society. In an era where cultural identities are often fluid and traditional values challenged, VHP provides an anchor, connecting millions of Hindus to their spiritual roots and fostering a profound sense of shared purpose. Its relentless pursuit of Dharma Raksha is not merely an organizational endeavor but a sacred obligation, ensuring that the wisdom of our ancient Rishis and the sacrifices of our ancestors are not forgotten.

By promoting unity (*Ekatmata*), inspiring selfless service (*Seva*), and diligently preserving our culture (*Sanskriti Raksha*), VHP is actively shaping the future of Sanatan Dharma, making it relevant and accessible to new generations. It embodies the principle that Dharma is not static but requires dynamic, organized effort to flourish. The work of VHP is thus paramount in preserving the Sanatani way of life, ensuring that the eternal light of Hindu Dharma continues to guide humanity towards truth, righteousness, and universal harmony for centuries to come.