Hindus Pray for Michael Jackson's Soul

Hindus have said that they would pray for the peace of the legendary entertainer Michael Jackson’s soul. US Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that Michael’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide “joy” to a large populace of the world through his music. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that one of the ancient Hindu scriptures Taittiriya Upanishad talking about “joy” says:

"From joy are born all creatures, by joy they grow, and to joy they return."

In 1999, Michael went to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden in northwest London and took off his shoes before entering the temple like all other devotees. He later visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, run by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) near Watford in UK. Rajan Zed points out that Michael’s fondness with poetry of Hindu Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore during the last days of his life, his being vegetarian, his knowledge of major Hindu deities, and his Hindu temple visits indicate his interest in Hinduism and its rich philosophy.

Michael Jackson last performed in India in 1996. According to newspaper reports, 'Jacko' was keen to perform in India one last time. But he passed away earlier today in Los Angeles leaving behind millions of fans wanting for more magical music from the ‘King of Pop’.

Before leaving India in 1996, Michael wrote: "India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair for I have to leave, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you India. Forever, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines on them. You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you."