International Guru to Visit Darnestown Temple

If your morning commute takes you through the center of Darnestown, prepare for some company on the road on Monday.

As many as 300 people are expected to descend on Darnestown on Monday morning, all coming to welcome their spiritual guru.

Dr. Vishwa Mitter Ji Maharaj, leader of the international Hindu organization, Shree Ram Sharnam, traveled from Delhi, India on Sunday to inaugurate the first ever Shree Ram Sharnam center in the U.S., which happens to be right here in Darnestown.

Located on Darnestown Road across from , the unassuming house was abuzz with excitement this weekend as volunteers decorated the front lawn with flags and a "Welcome" sign, and set up a tent behind the house to host the festivities.

While many members arrived to greet Dr. Vishwa on Sunday night, the official program begins Monday.

The ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. when several members will gather around a holy fire to make an offering, said Mr. Amrit Nayyar, a local Shree Ram Sharnam leader. At 10 a.m., Dr. Vishwa will officially inaugurate the temple and lead the gathering members in prayer. Festivities will continue through Tuesday evening.

Founded in 1928 by Shree Swami Satyanand Ji Maharaj, Shree Ram Sharnam advocates simplicity and service. On the organization's website, its philosophy is described as "selfless service to humanity and spiritual enhancement while performing routine duties...through the 'maha-mantra' of 'RAM-NAAM.'"

Dr. Vishwa is the third leader of Shree Ram Sharnam, preceded by Shree Prem Ji Maharaj. According to his bio, Dr. Vishwa was a leading ocular microbiologist in Asia, but renounced everything to guide his spiritual followers.

During his last visit to the area in 1999, Dr. Vishwa suggested to his local followers that they create their own place of worship in the area, Mrs. Rup Nayyar, a Shree Ram Sharman volunteer, told Patch.

“He said, ‘When you create your own place to worship, I will come to inaugurate it’,” said Mrs. Nayyar, who remembers first meeting Dr. Vishwa as a child.

Local members acquired the house on Dec. 13, 2009, Mr. Nayyar said. With Dr. Vishwa's blessing, this week, it officially becomes a Shree Ram Sharnam temple.

Event attendees will park on the lawn behind the house, along the road and in the Harris Teeter. On Tuesday, parking will also be available at .