Rajiv Malik, Hinduism Today New Delhi Correspondent
NEW DELHI, INDIA, July 1, 2003: A special function was organized by Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, at Yoga Shakti Peeth, Mehrauli, New Delhi on July 1, 2003, to honor those undertaking the pilgrimage to Lake Mansarovar. A large number of saints, politicians, media persons and pilgrims attended the function. His Holiness, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, affectionately known as Muniji, under whose leadership and guidance the Mansarovar Yatra is taking place, addressed the gathering. Under the auspices of India Heritage Research Foundation and Parmarth Niketan he has undertaken the tasks of building an ashram, tourist rest house, and medical clinic on the holy banks of Lake Mansarovar for the welfare of the pilgrims as well as the local Tibetans. The building will be formally inaugurated on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, July 13, 2003. “My dream is that a day would come when we would hold a Kumbha Mela at the banks of the Holy Mansarovar Lake,” Swami told the group. Muniji profusely thanked the Chinese Government for all the cooperation they extended in connection with the setting up of the buildings and also the arrangements of the holy pilgrimage.