‘Jagat Jyoti Mandir’ : Perfect brotherhood or Perfect deception

“Om”, the religious symbol representing Lord Shiva, signifying cosmic energy, adorns the roof, and a cross on top completes the picture. But what is most striking is its altar.

The idol showcases Jesus Christ in a sitting posture with his right index finger touching the thumb, looking like the Lord Buddhaon meditation.

And the gesture too is Buddhist, symbolising divine protection and blessing tohe devotees.

The Christian touch comes in the form of a crucifix placed next to the idol.

According to many parishioners, it confuses one’s mind at the first sight but soon one can come to term with the innate spiritual meaning of the whole structure.

“I have never come across such a thing in my life. When I came here for the first time, during the inauguration… a lot of Hindushad gathered here. And they said this place was just like their temple.

“I felt a bit perturbed and made some enquiries among those who know the legends and the like. They said OM is a divine word and you cannot attribute any particular religion to that,” said Ruby, a Christian devotee.

“Moreover, this place depicts Jesus sitting under a Peepal tree. Since this kind of a church was there never before, we were a bit worried. When I talked to learned people in the Christian community they said this was only a tradition, which existed a long time back,” Ruby added.

The way in which the prayers are offered too is different, with the devotees sitting on the floor and singing hymns, like a temple custom.

The windowpanes too have some rare features.

A picture of ‘Last Supper’ shows Christ and his disciples seated on floor with folded hands with plantain leaves in front, instead of plates.

Hindus also come to the ‘church’ and offer prayers.

“Here all can come and pray. There is no restriction to anyone. People of other religions also come here,” said Sukesan, a Hindu devotee.

Father Romanzo Antony, the parish priest, said that the aim was to set an example of brotherhood and love in a country.

“India is a land of religion and many religions have come here and settled down. We have recurrent communal riots, religious furore…so we thought it was good to have a centre where people of all religions can come and share their experiences,” said Fr. Antony.