Spiritual congregation

Dalai Lama and several other revered saints and dignitaries are going to grace the release function of Encyclopedia of Hinduism in Rishikesh

Anjali Nauriyal

Maha Kumbha mela in Haridwar and Rishikesh takes place once in every 12 years. This year during Kumbh saints, sages and rishis are congregating for several important functions at Parmarth Niketan, informed Sadhvi Bhagwati.

The first is the special preview and blessings ceremony for the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, graced by the presence of H.H Dalai Lama.

On April 4 (today) there will be a special blessings ceremony for the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, the 11-volume compendium founded, inspired and blessed by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, and the historic, landmark project of India Heritage Research Foundation of which Swamiji is the founder chairman.

The Encyclopedia will encompass, for the first time in history, the depth and breadth of Hindu history, civilization, culture, art/architecture, spirituality and so much more! More than 1000 top scholars from across the world have come together over 15 years to bring forth this historic publication.

Other revered saints and dignitaries who will be present on the occasion include Swami Agnivesh, Muni Amrendra Muni, Swami Asanganand Saraswati, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Acharya Balkrishan, Sant Shri Morari Bapu, Brahmaswarup Brahmachari, Brahmavihari Swamiji Chidanand Saraswati, Chinmayanand Saraswati, Dayanand, Divyanand Teerth, Govind Giri, M.M. Swami Gurusharananand, Mahant Gyandas, M.M. Mahant Gyandev, M.M. Swami Hansdasji, M.M. SwamiHarichetananand, Mahant Swami Harinarayananand, to name only a few.

There will also be revered Shankaracharayas and many revered Mahamandaleshwars

Other distinguished dignitaries on the occasion would include L.K. Advani, Mohan Bhagavat, Nejma Heptullah, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Madan Kaushik, Indresh Kumar, Hema Malini, Dr. B.K. Modi, Prakash Pant, Dr. Ramesh Pokharial, Trivendra Singh Rawat, Ashok Singhal, Sushma Swaraj and Tarun Vijay.

The event will also include divine music by famous bhajan singer Anup Jalota. Renowned spiritual institutions and organizations which will be represented by their heads are All Akhara Parishad, Acharya Sabha, Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, Art of Living, Bharat Sadhu Samaj, Chinmaya Mission, Sannyasi Parishad and Sarva Dharma Sansad.

All events are going on at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh and in the heart of the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar. Today, April 4, there will also be a large inter-faith harmony gathering of leaders of various world religions, blessed also by the presence of H.H. Dalai Lama.