Parmarth Niketan's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Since the country went under lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Parmarth Niketan and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance have been actively engaged in helping in a way possible, and has continued to serve both those within the ashram as well as those under lockdown in the surrounding area. Some of our service has included:
Feeding the Hungry During Lockdown
From the very beginning of the lockdown Parmarth Niketan has been engaged in feeding the hungry. It began with feeding the hundreds of sadhus and homeless sisters and brothers. Click here to read more!
Providing Food Rations
Swami Shukdevanand Hospital, Nature Cure Centers & Yoga Halls at Parmarth Niketan
Preparing Personal Protective Suits (PP Suits) in Partnership with Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
Production of Masks
The women and girls of our Divine Shakti Foundation vocational training center have made hundreds of high quality durable masks so far and are continuing to produce them daily by hand.
Organizing the Interfaith Response to Coronavirus
Parmarth Niketan & the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, WSSCC, Eros Now, Sanskar Channel and other organizations, have brought together eminent faith leaders of the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist community on the faith response to COVID-19, including:
- Interfaith Response to COVID-19 Webinar
- Proactive Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis in Africa and India in Responding to Covid-19 Webinar
- Earth Day 2020: Planting Seeds for a New Normal Panel
- Ramazan, Jaan Aur Jahan Webinar
- Africa’s Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis: Ramadan Response to COVID-19 Panel
- Maintaining an Aviral (Free Flowing) and Nirmal (Clean) Ganga Post COVID-19 Special Ganga Dussehra Webinar
- World Environment Day 2020: United Nations to a United Creation Webinar
- Global Handwashing Day Webinar
These gatherings aim to inspire leaders to inspire their communities to behave responsibly during this time, teach proper ways to stop the spread of the virus, and to eliminate any misconceptions about who can be infected, and erase any stigmas between race or religions.
Additionally, in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, and WSSCC, GIWA has put together videos from faith leaders regarding the response to COVID-19 for massive social media sharing, to use the power of faith to encourage people to make smart decisions with regard to their health and safety, as well as the health of their community, the nation, and the world. This includes messages from faith leaders on topics such as staying at home, stopping the spread, and taking the pandemic seriously, and reminding people that the coronavirus doesn’t impact only people of a certain religion or race.
These videos aim to remove any stigma or discrimination against people or groups of people surrounding the coronavirus, as such discrimination only further creates borders and boundaries in this global fight against the virus.
Providing Uplifting Inspiration for People Locked Down at Home
For our global family locked down around the world, we are providing online through our social media channels a full-day of yoga, satsang, meditation, Ganga Aarti, inspiring videos, and special celebrations (such as live recordings of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, Easter celebrations, etc.) to help them stay peaceful, calm, connected and grounded during this challenging time.
Creating a Covid Secure Gurukul
As we move towards a New Normal, the ashram is instituting measures of greater sanitation, hygiene and health to ensure that we prevent and curb the spread of Covid-19 as well as boost our immunity and promote a greater sense of wellness. Click here to see NDTV coverage of the Covid-19 measures we are undertaking at the Parmarth Gurukul!
Helping Poverty-Stricken Areas During COVID-19
In addition to the devastating sickness and the tragic loss of life, one of the major effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been its economic effect on impoverished and indigent groups and the loss of livelihoods and life’s essentials. Parmarth Niketan has undertaken bi-weekly visits to some of Uttarakhand’s poorest neighborhoods, including those within Rishikesh, to provide much-needed assistance to our most-deserving and most disenfranchised neighbors.
Offering Prayers & Support
Since the beginning of the lockdown, Parmarth has held a number of special prayer ceremonies for the healing of the world, including Special Prayers of Healing, Prayers for Corona Frontline Workers, and Lights of Hope & Healing in Times of Corona.
Divine Messages & Blessings in the Time of Coronavirus
During this uncertain time of the coronavirus, Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, and all of Parmarth Niketan are sending our heartfelt prayers and blessings to everyone around the world. Please see below to watch special inspirational messages from Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Sadhviji, and Parmarth.
Prayers in Response to Coronavirus
Pujya Swamiji’s Divine Message & Blessings in the time of Coronavirus
In a time of uncertainty and strife, the calming and beautiful chanting of Pujya Swamiji provides a balm for the soul and hope for the heart to see us – together! – through whatever may come. We invite you to experience His beautiful words and His divine wisdom, and to use their soothing tones as a mantra of strength and courage in the days and weeks ahead.
Pujya Sadhviji’s Prayers for Divine Healing in the Time of Coronavirus
In the beautiful Yoga Garden of Parmarth Niketan, at the feet of our divine Lord Shiva, Pujya Sadhviji offers soothing words of comfort and support in a heart-felt prayer for all of our brothers and sisters around the world during our current period of strife. May her beautiful words provide the strength and courage you need to see you through whatever lies ahead.
Prayer from Himalayas for Corona Frontline Workers
Beautiful prayer and appreciation ceremony took place on the banks of Maa Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas, at Parmarth Niketan with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in support of the #JantaCurfew and appreciation of all the frontline workers who are serving tirelessly during this time.
Lights of Hope & Healing in Times of Corona
Parmarth Niketan joined in solidarity with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi ji and the entire nation as we switched off and turned on earth lamps and diyas across the Ashram premises for a spectacular symbol of hope, healing and resilience in the times of the Corona Virus.
Mataji’s Chants for Global Healing
Mataji lent her divine voice by offering sublime chants and mantras for the return to health of our global community. Her beautiful voice is the perfect tonic to ease the stress and worries burdening our brothers and sisters around the world!
World Peace and Health Yagna
Join us for our World Peace Yagna as we pray for the health and well being of the world free from the Corona Virus. We also offer prayers to all of our Corona Warriors and frontline workers working tirelessly around the world.
Special Webinars & Panels in Response to Coronavirus
Interfaith Response to COVID-19: LIVE Online Forum
A beautiful Webinar on the “INTERFAITH RESPONSE TO COVID-19” hosted by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) in collaboration with Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and with the technical support of UNICEF India on how Faith Leaders and Faith Based Organisations are responding, serving and working together in light of the Corona Virus pandemic.
Special Online Webinar on “Proactive Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis in Africa and India in Responding to Covid-19”
Hosted by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, in partnership with UNICEF Tanzania.
Earth Day 2020: Planting Seeds For A New Normal
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Parmarth Niketan and GIWA brought together Faith Leaders, the United Nations and Leading Faith Based Organisations from all over the world to unite with one vision of how humanity can move forward from this Covid 19 crisis into a period of healing and harmony with ourselves and Mother Nature.
Ramazan, Jaan Aur Jahan
A special and powerful online panel entitled “Ramazan, Jaan aur Jahan” was organised by Parmarth Niketan and GIWA, presided and inspired by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, to encourage positive messages and crucial appeals by India’s prominent Muslim leaders calling to their followers and congregations to observe Ramazan from their homes during the Lockdown.
Ganga Dussehra Webinar on Maintaining an Aviral (Free Flowing) & Nirmal (Clean) Ganga Post Covid-19
Tune into a beautiful, interactive conversation on Mother Ganga, now and post lockdown & Covid-19, on how can we maintain an Aviral & Nirmal (clean & free flowing) river for all.
World Environment Day 2020 Webinar: United Nations to a United Creation
The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and Parmarth Niketan hosted a celebration of Biodiversity, uniting the worlds of science and spirituality for a healthy, sustainable future for our Mother Earth, as they bring together revered interfaith leaders from across the globe, leaders of the United Nations and WSSCC, and world-renowned scientists on World Environment Day 2020.
Menstrual Health and Hygiene: During COVID-19
Join Sadhviji on Menstrual Hygiene Day for a special webinar hosted by WSSCC to share about how #MenstruationMatters, periods don’t stop in pandemics, and that #ItsTimeForAction!
One World: Together at Home – United in Faith
Pujya Swamiji blesses the Global Citizen Festival One World Together At Home initiative in which millions of voices around the world joined together in harmony and love to support the World Health Organization (WHO) to honour our health care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Pujya Swamiji Joins the Coronaspection Discussion
Pujya Swamiji was glad to be a part of a new project showcasing a series of interviews with global interfaith leaders in which they share wisdom and spiritual advice as we jointly face the worldwide Covid-19 crisis.
Sadhviji Joins the Coronaspection Discussion
Sadhviji was a part of Elijah Interfaith’s wonderful new project, Coronaspection, an amazing opportunity for the world’s foremost religious leaders to reflect on the spiritual challenges and opportunities of Coronavirus.
Managing Fear & Anxiety During Times of Covid-19
Join GIWA in an inspiring and uplifting session on Managing Fear & Anxiety During Times of Covid-19, presented in a virtual session hosted by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and AUM Capital.
Global Handwashing Day Webinar
Join us for a special webinar on Global Handwashing Day, organised by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and the Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).
Inspiring & Informational Messages Regarding Coronavirus
Covid-19: Our Global Reset Button
Pujya Swamiji explains how this pandemic is an opportunity to go within, reflect, introspect and improve ourselves.
Stay Healthy & Boost Your Immunity: Health Tips From Pujya Swamiji
Pujya Swamiji encourages us to Stay Healthy whilst we Stay Home – to have a balanced diet, drink lots of water, and practice yoga, meditation and pranayama.
Precautions Against the Corona Virus
Pujya Swamiji shares with us precautions we each must take to address this critical challenge of the Corona Virus. He shares that we must stay home, protect ourselves, wash our hands, maintain social distancing and reminds us not to panic but to take precautions.
How to Survive a Layoff
As the Coronavirus ravages lives and the economy, more and more people are being faced with layoffs and structural changes that are drastically altering both the social landscape and our self-image and sense of place in the world. Sadhviji explains that in order to cope, it’s important to recognize that these changes are not because there is something wrong with us, but are an exciting, albeit not easy or necessarily pleasant, opportunity to take our lives and even our connection to God to the next level.
Eating for the Health of Body, Mind, Spirit and Planet
During this new and life-changing period of Covid-19, we are faced with so many choices about how to live even the most basic elements our lives. This includes what and how we eat, and the most important thing to remember as we face the virus is to eat healthfully. Sadhviji shares with us how to eat in a way that keeps our immunity at its highest!
Precautions Against the Corona Virus
Pujya Sadhviji explains so beautifully that the challenging time of the Coronavirus has given us the opportunity to shift from Corona to Compassion. What are the things we can do so that we may not risk our lives, the lives of our loved ones, our communities, our societies & do our best to stop Coronavirus from spreading further?
Corona Virus: Facts and Faith
The world is facing something that most of us haven’t witnessed in our lifetimes. Sadhviji brilliantly explains the spiritual cause of the disease, and the ways that we can spiritually cope with it for maximum benefit to our bodies and our Selves.
Corona Virus: A Wake-up Call
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, and the global health and economic crisis deepens, it’s easy to lose heart and hope. But, Pujya Sadhviji shares that in the midst of this crisis is an extraordinary lesson: It’s a Global Wake-Up Call.
Mother Earth is Telling Us Something
Pujya Sadhviji shares her Divine Wisdom as to what Mother Earth is trying to convey in the time of Coronavirus & sincerely prays that we co-create a planetary wellness & health, wellness, wholeness & togetherness.
Appeal To Fight The Coronavirus By Following The Lockdown & Leave No One Behind
Pujya Swamiji shares with us the crucial importance of following the lockdown and urges us to follow the guidelines given. He warns us that Corona Virus doesn’t see our race or religion, caste or creed – it doesn’t discriminate and urges us also not to discriminate and be biased towards certain vulnerable populations. He urges us to stay at home and stay safe.
Follow Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Seven Appeals
Pujya Swamiji shares the crucial importance of following the Government’s advisories and that all faith leaders and faith-based leaders must come forward to ensure citizens and their congregations follow the seven appeals of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the extended lockdown.
Prepare and Repair during 21 Days of Total Lockdown (in English)
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji addresses guests and devotees staying at the Ashram for the next 21 days in total lockdown in India. The wisdom and drops of nectar that He shares is applicable to everyone. He reminds us that this time is gifted to us to stay home, go within and to really prepare and repair ourselves for the time to come. Watch and share this inspiring message with your loved ones to shed light during our efforts to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.
Pujya Swamiji on How to Spend 21 Days of Lockdown (in Hindi)
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji shares many beautiful ways we can spend these 21 days in total lockdown, including satsang, yoga, meditation and other creative ways to look at and do things we hadn’t had time to do before.
How to Spend This Time in Lockdown? (in Hindi)
A beautiful zoom interview with Rohit Vishwakarma on his Youtube Channel Desh Online in which an inspiring and uplifting conversation took place with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji on how best to spend this time in lockdown.
Is Coronavirus God’s Punishment?
Is Coronavirus God’s Punishment to the human race? Is Mother Earth Punishing Us for exploiting the natural resources? Is God sending this kind of suffering out of vengeance?
Dealing with Isolation in the time of Coronavirus
How do we deal with the Isolation that we all are going through in this period of Coronavirus while we are home quarantined? And What do we do to make the most of it?
Quarantine – An Opportunity to Dive Deep
As we are kept from venturing out externally and as the energy of fear, anxiety, stress & concern is building up each moment, there are so many ways we can go about this entire situation. How do we make the most of the quarantine period? How do we make it most conducive for our spiritual growth?
Simple Lockdown Tips for Kids
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji gives beautiful advice for parents to make the lockdown fun and safe for children. Children need extra guidance, love and attention during this challenging time. She offers tips to keep them engaged, connected and happy in this uncertain and confusing time.
Coping with the Coronavirus Anxiety
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, and the global health and economic crisis deepens, it’s easy to lose heart and hope. But, Pujya Sadhviji shares her Divine Wisdom & shows us a way during these times that’ll help us deal with the anxiety and the fear that is gripping us at the moment.
Make Your Home A Temple
Tips to Bolster Immunity at This Time of Coronavirus
How to bolster our #immunity at this time of #COVID? What to eat? What to do? So many of our traditional Indian foods and herbs are exactly right these days for immunity. But our thoughts, emotions & beliefs can also be great for immune support!
Being Grateful in the Midst of Tragedy
At this time of fear and contraction, ask yourself “What am I blessed with?” The question that arises next is, what can we do? How can we help?
Earth Day Musings
For us locked down, it’s as if Mother Earth has metaphorically sent us all to our rooms until we learn our lesson. We need to find a way to live in balance, harmony, and love for Her. Sadhviji discusses how we must move from the old “normal” of abusing, consuming and exploiting Mother Earth and our sisters and brothers with whom we share this sacred planet, into a new normal of embodied oneness, wholeness and health together, for all.
Calm the Restlessness of the Mind & the Body During Lockdown
Pujya Sadhviji talks about techniques to deal with the stress, the boredom & the frustration during this time of lockdown, and how to train our minds and bodies to go through this period grounded & anchored.
Holiday Blessings & Messages in the Time of Coronavirus
Pujya Swamiji’s Devrishi Narad Jayanti Discourse: Don’t Spread Fake News
On Narad Jayanti, we celebrate the birthday of Devrishi Naradaji, who was both a Vedic sage, the son of Lord Brahma – and, the universe’s first journalist. He was the news bringer – he made the news and brought the news and shared the news and whatever he shared was always for the betterment of humanity. Pujya Swamiji so beautifully linked the traditional story of Devrishi Narad Muniji to our current times, saying that – because news is so rapidly and readily available online – it is easy to spread fake news and misinformation. Pledge that we will not spread or proliferate fake or inauthentic news! Rather, share only the news that brings health and faith and trust and wellness to people’s lives.
Celebrating Akshay Tritiya in Lockdown
Pujya Swamiji offers a profound and beautiful message on Akshaya Tritiya inspiring us to stay at home, not to engage in any mass marriages or large gatherings, and honouring the lockdown.
World Health Day Blessings
Special World Health Day blessings from Pujya Swamiji honouring & appreciating the tremendous dedication & services of the nurses, midwives, health practitioners & doctors who are serving us selflessly during this time of Coronavirus pandemic. He appeals for everyone to offer their respect & their appreciation to these front-line workers, appealing for all of us to follow advisories & guidelines given by our respective governments to insure that we too can move from being possible Corona Carriers to #CoronaWarriors doing our bit to STOP the spread of this highly contagious pathogen.
Divine Blessings on Ram Navami (in English)
Beautiful Blessings and Message from Pujya Swamiji on the auspicious and beautiful occasion of Ram Navami. He shares that Lord Shri Ram was the embodiment of truth, love, light and compassion. He encourages us to reflect and introspect on what is the lesson we can learn from the Corona Virus Pandemic. He inspires us to live in love and compassion in our homes and with our families, especially in this time of total lockdown.
Ram Navami Blessings & Message (In Hindi)
Beautiful Blessings and Message from Pujya Swamiji on the auspicious and beautiful occasion of Ram Navami, encouraging us to “Be Positive” and make the most of this time to go within and to spend quality time with our families in prayer, meditation, yoga, satsang and other constructive activities and projects. He also inspires us to take the money or the gifts we would give on Kanhya Pujan and offer them to the doctors, nurses, the healthcare practitioners, sanitation workers and service providers who are working day and night to serve those in need.
The Sacred Ram Navami Message
Sadhviji beautifully describes the story of how Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for 14 years where He had to forage for food and shelter, He went without hesitation, without complaining or grumbling or looking for a way to cut corners. We are now, during our Corona Lockdown Challenge, being asked to go not to the forest for 14 years, but the comfort, safety and privilege of our own homes. Let us give birth to Lord Rama in our own hearts and lives and truly live His message. When we emerge from our quarantine we will create together Ram Rajya, the reign of Righteousness, of integrity, of Dharma, Truth, Love, Oneness and Health not only here but all across the planet.
Dhanteras & Diwali – A Time of Giving at Parmarth
We welcomed a group of some the most disadvantaged and impoverished families of Swargashram, Rishikesh for an offering of love and light – plus, some essentials to help make their holiday brighter during the pandemic!
In the Media
LIVE Dharma Sammelan on IndiaTV
Join Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji on India TV with Pankajji as He appreciates India TV’s efforts to bring interfaith leaders together and emphasizes that humanity is at the core of all religions. He gives us tips to stay grounded and anchored even during Covid-19 with Yoga and Meditation and lauds Corona Warriors effusively for their tireless and tenacious efforts.
Spiritual Talks: Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji With Devi Chitralekhaji
Watch and listen to Pujya Swamiji with Devi Chitralekhaji discuss topics ranging from responding to the Covid-19 Challenge from a spiritual perspective, lessons to learn from lockdown, returning to our values and roots, environmental preservation, keeping Mother Ganga clean and nurturing interfaith harmony and oneness in the nation and the world.
एक संत ने आखिर पीएम मोदी को क्यों कहा संत Upendra Rai
Pujya Swamiji gave an awe-inspiring interview on Sahara Samay with Shri Upendra Rai and explained how the Ganga, our sacred rivers, and Mother Nature are rejoicing at this time. He also shared why He knows Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji serves like a saint for the welfare and well being of all. Watch & share this special, loving and heart filled conversation.
Pujya Swamiji LIVE on Zee Network
At a live event on Zee Network, Pujya Swamiji says that whenever crisis has come upon the nation, the saints have dedicated themselves. It should not be about gold but surrender!
मंदिरों के सोने पर Puchta Hai Bharat, Pujya Swamiji Arnab के साथ
On the program “Ask asks India”, the live program of Republic India, Pujya Swamiji says that saints have always stepped in during times of crisis in the nation.
Seva at Parmarth on Sanskar TV
Sanskar TV recently filmed a beautiful feature about Parmarth Niketan and the divine seva that is being done here with Pujya Swamiji’s blessing and vision. Watch the video for a stunning Darshan of Mother Ganga, and to view Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji’s and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s insightful comments about Parmarth in the time of Covid-19.
कोरोना से बचाव : स्वामी चिदानंद सरस्वती , परमार्थ निकेतन , ऋषिकेश
Pujya Swamiji’s message to Nation via Sudarshan News During COVID-19
“What You Can Do During 21-Days Lockdown?” On Khoj Khabar
“Some Consequences For Not Obeying Coronavirus Lockdown” On Khoj Khabar
Pujya Swamiji on TV9 Bharatvarsh Panel Discussion of Coronavirus
Pujya Swamiji on TV9 Bharatvarsh Panel Discussion of Coronavirus
Namaste India Program Dedicated to Maa Ganga and Maa Yamuna
Creating a Covid Secure Gurukul – NDTV and Banega Swasth India Interview Pujya Swamiji
NDTV & Dettol India showcased our partnership towards a Covid Secure Gurukul. As we move towards a New Normal, the ashram is instituting measures of greater sanitation, hygiene and health to ensure that we prevent and curb the spread of Covid-19 as well as boost our immunity and promote a greater sense of wellness. In addition to infrastructure we are also committed to capacity building and behaviour change, so you can see our Rishikumars in a special session on handwashing with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji.