Why Many Indians Are Returning to Their Hindu Roots Through Gharwapsi

Why do some individuals choose to embrace Sanatan Dharma after exploring other faiths? Discover the story behind India's growing Gharwapsi movement.

The recent buzz across India about Gharwapsi (returning to ancestral roots) has included many different individuals who decided to change their religion back to Hinduism. One individual who has gained much media attention in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, is Bilal, who chose to convert from Islam to Hinduism and take on the name of Vishal. His journey illustrates a growing interest in Sanatan Dharma, including its tenets of compassion, spiritual freedom, and cultural heritage.

A Khandwa Man's Journey from Bilal to Vishal

In Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district, a recent Gharwapsi ceremony has ignited controversy. A young man named Bilal converted from Islam to Hinduism in part because he was horrified at the animal sacrifice performed by some during Eid al-Adha, better known as Bakrid.

After completing the traditional Hindu rituals, he took the name Vishal and publicly announced his allegiance to Sanatan Dharma. Reports indicate that Vishal is a childhood employee of Rajesh Sarang, who, over the years, has treated him like family. This relationship has opened up the world of Hindu customs, traditions, and spirituality to Vishal.

Vishal explained that he believes that the teachings of Hinduism have significantly affected his perception of himself and the process of reconnecting with what he considers to be his real spiritual identity.

The Principle of Compassion That Inspired Change

One of the key points that Vishal shared about why he turned to Hinduism was the concept of having compassion for all beings.

He was particularly inspired by the famous Sanskrit prayer:

"सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥"

"May all beings be happy, may all be free from disease, may all experience auspiciousness, and may none suffer."

This ancient prayer embodies one of the foundational aspects of Sanatan Dharma, which is to promote the good of all, as well as provide compassion. Many people that seek after truth find that these teachings touch them deeply in an emotional/spiritual sense.

Readers of Sanatangyan frequently see that these time-tested principles continue to be very significant in today's society, as kindness and respect for all forms of life are greatly prized.

Animal Compassion and Spiritual Reflection

When Vishal saw the suffering of the innocent animals that were sacrificed during Bakrid, he was profoundly troubled. This led him to contemplate the issues of compassion and non-violence.

There is much scriptural evidence within the Hindu scriptures to support treating all living beings with kindness. One such well-known teaching states:

"अहिंसा परमो धर्मः"

Non-violence is the highest form of dharma.

Each community does have different interpretations of their own religious practices, however the underlying principle that Vishal felt very strongly about was that of having compassion for all beings, and this is one of the reasons that he made his decision to convert to Hinduism.

What Is Gharwapsi?

The term Gharwapsi, which literally means "to return home", is often used for people who choose to reconnect with Hindu beliefs & traditions after having previously followed a different faith.

Gharwapsi supporters believe that it returns them to their heritage and family tree as well as their spiritual roots and culture. Rituals for Gharwapsi usually consist of purifying rituals, prayers, and receiving the religion of Hinduism.

Everyone has their individual experiences, however most who made Gharwapsi happen said it was their spiritual, private experience rather than just that they had joined a social or cultural group.

The Rituals Performed During the Ceremony

To formally embrace Hinduism, Vishal participated in several Gharwapsi-specific rituals at a Khandwa temple dedicated to Gharwapsi.

The process included:

• Worship of Lord Shiva

• Participation in a sacred yajna (fire ritual)

• Head shaving as a symbol of spiritual renewal

• Multiple forms of ritual bathing

Some of the items contained in the Gangajal, cow milk, panch amrit, tulsi dust, fruit, metals, panchgavya and several other ceremonial items for purification were used as part of the ceremonial bath.

Upon completion of the ceremony, he placed the Ramcharitmanas on his forehead in devotion, and dedicated himself to reading the scriptures.

Why Sanatan Dharma Appeals to Many Seekers

Over the last few years, many people have become very interested in each of them exploring their own understandings of philosophy related to Hinduism. The inclusiveness and spirituality of Sanatan Dharma is attractive to them.

One popular verse from the Bhagavad Gita explains the fact that all things are divine:

"ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम्।" - (भगवद्गीता 4.11)

As people approach the Divine, the Divine responds to them accordingly.

Because there is this openness in Sanatan Dharma, it allows people to explore spirituality through darkness, meditation, knowledge, service or yoga; thus making it attractive to people of all different backgrounds.

The teachings of Sanatangyan encourage individual spirituality instead of forcing someone into a mold like some religions impose.

As indicated by the journey Vishal has gone through, there are many who continue to find inspiration from the teachings of Guru, the instructions provided in Shastra, and the value of conducting oneself with compassion towards others through practicing spirituality. Those looking for a deeper spiritual connection and returning to their roots will find that the path of self-discovery, faith, and inner peace is possible through Sanatan Dharma.