“Universal truth seekers welcome!” That is what Swami Ghanananda Saraswati wanted to tell people when he established the Hindu Monastery of Africa. The Hindu Monastery of Africa stands as a testament to the universality of faith. Located in Odorkor, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, it is the first African Hindu monastery.
Founded in 1975 by Swami Ghanananda, the Hindu Monastery of Africa welcomes all faiths. Swami Ghanananda, originally named Guide Kwesi Essel, sought universal truth. He found it in Hinduism and became the “First African Hindu Monk.”
Born in Ghana, Swami Ghanananda was inspired by Swami Krishnananda Saraswati. His guru encouraged him to establish a monastery in Accra. He returned to Ghana to find no Hindu temple existed. So, he started the Hindu Monastery of Africa. Swami Ghanananda wanted to help people find universal truth. People from various faiths visit the monastery to find peace.
The Hindu Monastery of Africa faced initial resistance. Some residents worried about Hinduism’s influence. Yet, the monastery continued to attract truth-seekers. Since 1975, Swami Ghanananda established five temples in Ghana. A branch of the Hindu Monastery of Africa even exists in Togo.
The Hindu Monastery of Africa emphasizes Shiva reverence. Devotees gather for morning and evening prayers. They make Bhoga offerings after prayers. A picture of Jesus Christ sits among Hindu idols to represent inter-faith harmony.
Devotees follow strict religious practices. They adhere to the Hindu principle of ahimsa or non-violence. This means they avoid harming any living organism. They abstain from eating meat. The community values asceticism.
Swami Ghanananda believed in reminding people of their responsibilities. He taught that Hinduism is more than temple visits. It is a way of life. The Indian community in Ghana participates in the African Hindu Monastery. They also have their own temples, mostly for the Sindhi community.
Today, Hinduism is growing fast in Ghana. About 250,000 people practice Hinduism in Ghana. Around 2 million people practice it in Africa as a whole. The Hindu Monastery of Africa remains a vital center for Hindu worship. It stands as a symbol of faith and inclusivity in West Africa.