Thus asked few Americans.
For the first time in its history, the 218-year US Senate opened its session on Thursday with recitation of Hindu prayers. Hindu priest Rajan Zed, Director of Public Affairs and Interfaith Relations of Hindu Temple in Northern Nevada, recited the prayers. However, the prayer was marred by protests by a handful of persons, one of whom shouted "we are Christians and patriots." (from here)
Some reactions are quite interesting.
From here:
A prominent Christian historian and constitutional expert, David Barton, is expressing concern that the U.S. Senate will be opened up for the first time with a non-monotheistic prayer. David Barton is questioning why the U.S. government is seeking the invocation of a non-monotheistic god. Barton points out that since Hindus worship multiple gods, the prayer will be completely outside the American paradigm, flying in the face of the American motto "One Nation Under God."
Barton says given the fact that Hindus are a tiny constituency of the American public, he questions the motivation of Senate leaders. "This is not a religion that has produced great things in the world," he observes. "You look at India, you look at Nepal -- there's persecution going in both of those countries that is gendered by the religious belief that is present there, and Hindu dominates in both of those countries."
(You can also have a look at many reader's comments.)
It cannot be the matter of pride for a religion, that has been around for tens of centuries and centuries, if its prayers are recited in a couple-of-hundreds old institution.
The most significant thing is to note these: reactions, the mode of reactions, and the ignorance and/or understanding.
The influence of religion on politics can never be underestimated; more so in this age of manipulation through media.
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