Today marked the 50th anniversary of the Nirvaan Diwas (year in which he attained Mahasamadhi and left his body) of the founder of Parmarth Niketan, Brahmleen HH Pujya Mahamandeleshwar Swami Shukdevanand Saraswatiji Maharaj.
The celebration was led with great devotion, eloquence and love graced by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and was graced by the presence of HH Pujya M.M. Swami Asanganand Saraswatiji, HH Pujya Swami Ramdevji, HH Pujya Brahmachari Brahmaswarupji , Jai Ram Ashram H.H. Pujya M.M. Swami Harinarayanandji, HH Pujya M.M. Swami Umakantanandji, Pujya M.M. Swami Harichetananandji, HH Pujya Baba Hath Yogiji, HH Pujya Mahant Ravindra Puri, as well as Mahamandaleshwars and the heads of nearly every major traditional ashram and lineage in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
It was agreed that the grand Nirvaan Divas was truly a Nirmaan Divas, a day for pilgrims and devotees to reflect in their lives of how we all can take the teachings and the divine message of HH Brahmleen Pujya M.M. Swami Shukdevanand Saraswatiji’s life to inspire and fill our own lives with meaning, reaffirming our commitment to be of service for the welfare of all (Parmarth). It was shared that he was a saint who personally oversaw the management and day to day activities of the ashram, tirelessly serving to ensure that Parmarth was a place that filled pilgrims and visitors with great devotion and inspired one to be of service. He diligently ensured that not even one piece of debris from construction would go to waste, saying that each piece would serve its part and be useful when the time was right. He was widely known for his ability to bring happiness and joy to all who came to him, removing all darkness and suffering, thus his name ‘Shukhdevanandji’ (the source of pure joy and bliss). He led a simple life but profound in his commitment to be and instrument of the Divine Grace.
The sangam (confluence) of some of India’s most respected saints included also a commitment to work together, share the universal message of oneness and peace that Sanatan Dharma brings and to strengthen the foundation and authenticity of the interpretation of its sacred scriptures, so as to prepare future generations of saints and scholars who could reflect and reveal the light, wisdom, peace and joy of this eternal and timeless dharma.
A green pledge was inspired by Pujya Swamiji to plant 51,000 fruit-bearing trees within the coming year, as an eco-friendly shraddhanjali (sacred offering) to Pujya Shukdevanandji as well as to feed thousands of children fresh fruits and to provide food to wild animals so that they do not have to leave the jungles in search of food.
A pledge was also taken to plant 2,000,000 trees with the partnership with the Indian Army to restore and protect the banks of Mother Ganga, forming green corridors along both sides of the National River.