Rishikesh, April 18: Swami Chidanand Saraswati welcomed all pilgrims at the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. He emphasized that this journey should be viewed as a pilgrimage, not merely tourism.
Speaking in Rishikesh, Swami Chidanand noted that today also marks World Heritage Day. He extended his greetings to all groups departing for the Char Dham Yatra, assuring that Uttarakhand is safe for travelers.
He described Uttarakhand as divine and majestic, a land of gods and a place of purity and spirituality. According to him, the Char Dham Yatra is not just an external journey but also an internal one.
When pilgrims arrive at Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, they open not only the physical doors but also the doors within themselves. Here, the mind finds peace, and words become secondary. The environment, with its resonating rivers and meditative mountains, purifies life through the sounds of Vedic chants and mantras.
Swami Chidanand clarified that the Char Dham Yatra should not be regarded as mere tourism. It is a journey of spiritual cleansing, not entertainment.
He expressed that from Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, everyone is welcomed to this sacred land of the Himalayas. Swami noted that people come with deep faith, citing the Kumbh Mela as an example where faith surpasses organization. He praised the Uttarakhand government and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for their efforts in ensuring a smooth Char Dham Yatra experience.
He highlighted that this pilgrimage serves as a reminder of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. While faith is powerful, effective organization allows more people to experience the divinity of these sacred sites. It is a confluence of faith and organization.
Swami Chidanand referred to the Ganga as a lifeline and a mother, urging pilgrims to keep the riverbanks clean. He stated that worship and pollution cannot coexist.
He urged travelers to refrain from using single-use plastics during the Char Dham Yatra. If they must use them, they should take them back with them and not discard them. He also advised against leaving old clothes behind.
Swami emphasized that while the journey brings merit, a green journey brings even greater rewards. He encouraged travelers to plant as many trees as their age, rather than cutting them down.
He called on pilgrims to avoid polluting water bodies, meditate by the riverbanks, refrain from substance abuse, and approach the journey with peace, returning in the same spirit. No disturbances should be caused.
Leave a Comment