Hinduism in Iran

Hinduism in Iran has a history stretching back to the middle ages. Presently, Hindus are known to travel to Iran, but the vast majority consist of migrant workers from India. This situation is similar across the Middle East, and information in that respect can be found in Hinduism in Arab states.

Hindus in Iran

Out of Iran's population of 68,017,860, there are 68,017 recorded Hindus, making them 0.1% of the total population (The percentage of Hindu population of Iran was taken from the United States Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report 2004 [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/] ). Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in Iran, spurred mainly by interest in New Age gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Mahesh Yogi. [ [http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/06/11/stories/2006061100030100.htm Many hues of a rainbow] The Hindu - June 11, 2006]

Hindu based Organisations in Iran prior to 1979

Prior to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, many Hindu-based missions such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and Transcendental meditation, had locations in Iran. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada traveled to Tehran in March 1975 and August 1976. After 1979, these said locations have been abandoned.

Although some Hindu converts in Iran have allegedly stayed since 1979, it is important to note that since conversion from Islam to another religion is apostasy punishable by death sentence in Iran, these remaining converts, if any, will most likely not identify themselves as such in public or on public record.

ee also

* List of Hindu temples
* Religious freedom in Iran

References

External links

* [http://www.refugee.org.nz/rsaa/text/docs/300-92.htm Refugee status given to Iranian Gaudiya Vaishnava immigrant]
* [http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/06/11/stories/2006061100030100.htm Iran is a cultural mosaic drawn from many sources]