President Droupadi Murmu visited ‘Parmarth Niketan,’ a renowned ashram in Rishikesh, to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday.
The President visited ‘Parmarth Niketan,’ among the largest ashrams, nestled amidst the verdant Himalayas, overlooking the banks of the Ganges in the yoga capital of the world. The ashram graciously hosted the President on Tuesday for a serene evening alongside Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sadhviji to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti.
The President received a traditional welcome from Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, International Director of Parmarth Niketan, amidst the tranquil atmosphere of Vedic chants, fragrant flower petals, and echoing conch shells. The event also saw the presence of Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmit Singh, the Governor of Uttarakhand.
The visit began with President Murmu presenting a sacred flower garland to Goddess Lakshmiji, signifying reverence and devotion to the divine feminine. Subsequent to this, engaging discussions took place with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in the serene garden of Pujya Swamiji, where they exchanged ideas on diverse spiritual and service-oriented endeavors.
President Murmu was briefed on numerous impactful charitable and humanitarian service initiatives led by Parmarth Niketan in collaboration with ‘The Divine Shakti Foundation.’ Additionally, she had the chance to meet with a select group of participants from various initiatives to learn more about their experiences.
The ‘Divyangta Mukt Bharat’ campaign supports young women, girls, and children, aiming to empower differently-abled individuals to lead lives of dignity. Initiatives such as the Parmarth Vijay Public School, catering to blind children in Uttarkashi, and the Parmarth Naari Shakti Kendra, which provides free skill development programs for women and girls, are instrumental in this endeavor.
The President was briefed on Parmarth’s efforts in water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental conservation through the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. This includes initiatives like the World Toilet College, aimed at improving sanitation standards and honoring sanitation workers, thereby transforming their lives. These endeavors embody the spirit of inclusive empowerment. The evening’s highlight was the renowned Ganga Aarti along the sacred banks of Maa Ganga, where President Murmu devoutly participated.
The evening began with prayers to Lord Hanuman at the Hanuman Ghat in Parmarth Niketan, followed by a display of patriotic spirit through the rendition of the National Anthem. The sacred ceremony also encompassed Ganga Puja and the Purnahuti of the Sacred Yagya for World Peace.
Immersed in the devotional ambiance, President Murmu joined the congregation for Harinam Sankirtan and Bhajan, and took part in the renowned Ganga Aarti with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, alongside the Parmarth Gurukul Rishikumars and pilgrims from around India and the world. In a gesture of appreciation and remembrance, President Murmu received a sacred Rudraksha sapling, a holy Rudraksha mala, and a beautiful deity of Hanumanji, honoring Hanuman Jayanti and marking the culmination of a blissful evening filled with warmth and spiritual inspiration.
President Droupdi Murmu’s gracious and dedicated presence deeply resonated with all those in attendance, leaving a lasting impression. Nestled amidst the majestic snow-clad Himalayas and along the sacred banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan stands as one of India’s largest ashrams and spiritual sanctuaries.
Founded in 1942 and committed to the utmost welfare of all beings, Parmarth Niketan is celebrated for its spiritual guidance, yoga and meditation courses, and humanitarian endeavors dedicated to nurturing global peace and harmony.