Breaking New Ground: US Army Welcomes Hindu Chaplain Shyam Maharaj Of Chinmaya Mission

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – In a landmark moment for religious diversity and spiritual representation in the U.S. Armed Forces, Pandit Shyam Maharaj has been appointed as a full-time active-duty Hindu chaplain in the United States Army. Commissioned on May 13, Maharaj becomes only the second Hindu chaplain in U.S. military history—an appointment hailed as a pivotal step forward in the integration of Hindu spiritual care into American institutional life.

The announcement was made by Chinmaya Mission West (CMW), which has served as the Department of Defense’s sole recognized endorser of Hindu chaplains since 1997. This milestone, the Mission emphasized, reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of Hindu chaplaincy across sectors, from military bases and hospitals to government agencies and interfaith organizations.

A Unique Blend of Tradition and Service

Born in California to a family of Fijian heritage, Chaplain Maharaj’s path to the U.S. Army has been deeply rooted in spiritual training and academic rigor. Having studied Sanskrit, pujas, and devotional music under the guidance of his gurus from a young age, Maharaj later earned a Master of Divinity from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology—bringing both a traditional and scholarly approach to his role.

“Hinduism offers profound wisdom on dharma, spiritual discipline, and service to others,” Maharaj stated. “The teachings of Hindu tradition can provide invaluable guidance for individuals navigating the complex moral and spiritual challenges inherent in military service.”

With prior experience as a hospital and hospice chaplain, Maharaj brings a well-rounded pastoral approach to the Army—offering support not only to Hindu soldiers but also to personnel of all faith backgrounds.

The Bhagavad Gita on the Battlefield

Maharaj’s mission is deeply informed by the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred Hindu text that itself takes place on a battlefield. Its teachings on righteous action, inner discipline, and selfless service are particularly resonant in a military context.

Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, offered his blessings and guidance to Chaplain Maharaj upon his commissioning. “Keep true to your daily spiritual practices and deep study of the Gita,” he advised. “This will foster resilience, moral clarity, and compassionate leadership in you, and will enable you to provide the most meaningful support to the soldiers.”

A Growing Field of Service

CMW has been at the forefront of introducing and institutionalizing Hindu chaplaincy in the U.S. for nearly three decades. According to Vilasini Balakrishnan, the Mission’s ecclesiastical endorser, more Hindu chaplains are now preparing to enter the field.

“Awareness of this field of service is steadily growing among Hindu chaplains,” Balakrishnan noted. “We expect to see several more with this calling to follow in Maharaj’s footsteps in the near future.”

Through partnerships with the Chinmaya International Foundation in Kerala, India, CMW offers a robust Certificate in Hindu Spiritual Care program that prepares chaplains to serve not only in military roles but also in healthcare, education, and broader community settings. For more: spiritualcare@chinmayamission.org