Purohit Services

Shri Pdt. Narayan Bhatt obtained his Shastri degree from Sampurnanand University of Varanasi in 1986 and a master's degree (MA) in Sanskrit from Gurukul University of Haridwar, Uttaranchal. He has studied Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Gita, Chanda Shastras, Kavya Shastras, and other related Sanskrit literature, and is known for his captivating narrations of the Ramayana, Bhagwatam, and Devi Bhagwatam.

Shri Bhatt ji has also completed practical training in Karmakanda of various sanskars and Anusthans, conducted by the Ministry of Human Resources in India. He has lived a priestly life since his teenage years and has served the Hindu communities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra since arriving in Australia. Fluent in Hindi, English, Nepali, Gujarati, and Sanskrit, he has helped and guided numerous organizations in achieving their goals.

He founded the 'Hindu Heritage Society Inc,' a charitable organization dedicated to promoting education, arts, and Hindu religious heritage. Under his leadership, the organization works to uphold and spread Hindu values in Australia, supported by a strong and dedicated team. The Hindu Heritage Society Inc has grown significantly and is well-received by the community, flourishing under his guidance and the blessings of Almighty God.

 Apart from his community engagements and priestly services, his passion lies in reading religious books and composing texts for daily practice. He has compiled several valuable books, including:

1. Kalidas Mahakavye Ram (कालिदास      महाकाव्ये राम:) - MA research dissertation.
2. Satya Narayan Vrat Katha - Published in 2013.
3. Panchdev Puja Vidhi (Hindi & English) - Published in      2011.
4. Saral Bhajnaawali - A collection of useful bhajans,      published in 2007.
5. Vishnu Sahasranama - Published in 2006.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Hinduism.
7. Together with his team, he publishes the      quarterly Divya Darshan magazine.

Pandit Jagdish Maharaj, son of the late Shri Parmeshwar Dutt Maharaj and Srimati Jasoda Maharaj, and grandson of Pundit Gajadhar Maharaj, was born in Nasinu, Fiji. His grandfather came to Fiji from Ayodhya, India, under the Indenture system in 1914 and had also traveled to Rangoon, Burma, and South Africa.

In 1992, Pandit Jagdish moved to Sydney, Australia. He is a co-founder and trustee of the Hindu Heritage Society Inc., and serves as the Vice Patron of the Sanatan Dharma Brahman Purohit Maha Sabha of Australia. He co-authored numerous pooja texts and edits "Divya Darshan," a quarterly magazine by the Hindu Heritage Society.

Panditji is a respected public speaker and has represented the Hindu Heritage Society at various Hindu council meetings. He has dedicatedly served the Hindu community in Sydney, conducting poojas, yagnas, and promoting Sanatan Dharma. He performed his first Satyanarayan Katha and Hanuman Roth Poojan at the age of 14. He is a scholar of Hindi and Sanskrit, with a deep understanding of the Ramayana, Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, and other Hindu texts.

Acknowledged for his significant contributions to the Hindu community, Pandit Jagdish Maharaj has received awards from the Hindu Council of Australia, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and other organizations.

Pundit Sukhendra Shandil, a third-generation Fiji Indian now residing in Sydney, Australia, continues his family's legacy of community service. His great grandparents, Pt. Ramdin Shandil and Pt. Sarju Prasad Shandil, arrived in Fiji from Dauesh district, Kamhari Thana, Sagoui village, India, on 27 March 1904. Initially settling in Samabula, Suva, they later moved to Vanua Levu, where they served as Hindu priests.

His grandparents and parents were instrumental in establishing temples, schools, and Ramayan Mandalis in Fiji to preserve and promote Hindu culture and religion. Pt. Sukhendra, the youngest son of the late Pt. Muni Prasad and Basuda Shandil, continues this tradition as a practicing Hindu priest. He is married to Padma Shandil, and they have two children and two grandchildren.

• Past President of Suva Jaycees
• Past Vice President of Fiji Jaycees
• Past Member of Sanatan Dharam, Suva, Fiji
• Past Secretary of Navyuak Satsangh Ramayan Mandali
• Member of Hindu Heritage Society
• Member of Australian Council of Hindu Clergy
• General Secretary of Brahman Purohit Maha Sabha of Australia
• Recipient of Youth Exchange program to Queensland, Australia, 1984
• Recipient of Rotary International student exchange program, Oregon, USA, 1985

Pundit Sukhendra's dedicated efforts in various organizations reflect his commitment to preserving Hindu traditions and serving the community, both in Fiji and Australia.

My grandfather, Pundit Ram Charitar Maharaj, arrived in Fiji in 1913 under the British Indenture system. After completing five years of indentured labor, he was granted land by the Colonial Sugar Refinery Company and settled in Fiji. He often walked long distances to perform poojas, with my elder brother and me accompanying him.

My father, Pandit Ram Dutt Maharaj, was one of five brothers. My maternal grandfather, Pundit Mahadeo Maharaj, was born in Fiji, while my maternal great-grandfather, Pundit Ram Bharos Maharaj, was born in India, though details of his origins are lost. I am grateful to my grandparents and parents for preserving and passing on our Hindu religion and culture. In 2010, my uncle, Pundit Hari Dutt Sharma, traced our ancestral roots back to Gorakhpur.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of the South Pacific. In 1989, I moved to Australia with my wife Malti and our two sons, Kavish and Akshay. Kavish is married to Saras, and they have a son, Aryan. Akshay is married to Vikantha.

In Australia, we have been affiliated with Ramayan Madalis, allowing us to celebrate Hindu festivals such as Holi, Ram Navami, Krishna Ashtami, Navratri, and Diwali, and keeping our cultural heritage alive.

Since 2006, my family and I have been closely associated with Pt Narayan Bhatt ji and the Hindu Heritage Society (HHS), a non-profit organization promoting Hindu religion, language, and culture. Although my dear wife Malti is no longer with us, I continue our work with HHS to fulfill her wish of preserving our heritage for future generations.

Seva, derived from the Sanskrit root "sev" meaning "to attend to" or "to go towards," translates to "selfless service" in English. A selfless person prioritizes the well-being of others over personal gain or achievement. This principle may seem unfamiliar to those taught that life's primary goals are to outcompete others and achieve personal success.

A more harmonious way of living aligns with nature's examples: the Sun shines on all equally, supporting the growth of all beings; rivers flow for others; and trees provide fruits they never consume themselves, living solely for the benefit of others.

Our Shastras emphasize this ethos:

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Nir-aamayaah
Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu, Maa Kashchid-Dukha-Bhaag-Bhavet

Translation:May all become happy; may all be free from illness; may all see what is auspicious; let no one suffer.

This teaching embodies the spirit of "Love All, Serve All," encouraging a life of selfless service and universal compassion.

The Hindu Heritage Society was founded to preserve the great values of our beloved Dharma. It is dedicated to promoting "Adhyatmik" (spiritual) education, divine arts, and religious heritage. As one of the many arms of the Virat Purush, we contribute according to our capacity.

We provide guidance to students, religious services to families, and participate in community activities while supporting sister organizations. Our aim is to help the needy and ensure our community has access to necessary resources and information.

This website exemplifies our seva (selfless service), established to consolidate relevant information and make understanding Hinduism easier for our readers. It is a purely voluntary service by our members, who dedicate countless hours to research, hold meetings with community leaders, assist those in need, and publish free books and articles.