Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 11 Jun: In a powerful and historic celebration of devotion, transformation, and unwavering spiritual commitment, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, International Director of Parmarth Niketan and President of Divine Shakti Foundation, today marked 25 years since taking Sanyas Diksha at Parmarth Niketan, on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga in Rishikesh.
The silver jubilee celebration was held on Parmarth Niketan’s Shri Rama Katha stage. Seers and spiritual leaders were present including Swami Chidanand Saraswati, her Guru and the one who initiated her into Sanyas; Swami Ramdev; Swami Rajendra Das; Swami Ravindra Puri; Swami Harichetnanand; Sant Murlidhar; Acharya Balkrishan; Dr Chinmaya Pandya; Ajay Bhai; and many others.
Their presence, blessings, and messages offered a powerful testament to the spiritual depth and national significance of this milestone.
What makes this occasion especially remarkable is that a young, well-educated American woman—raised in Los Angeles, a Stanford graduate with a PhD in psychology — adopted the tradition of Sanatana Dharma, chose the path of renunciation and has stayed steadfast in India for nearly three decades. The Sadhvi’s life has been dedicated to serving humanity and Sanatana Dharma with extraordinary devotion and impact.
Over these decades, Sadhvi has become a leading voice of Indian spirituality on the global stage, speaking at the United Nations and international forums across six continents. Her service has included the following roles: International Director, Parmarth Niketan; Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA); President, Divine Shakti Foundation; Co-Chair, Multifaith Advisory Council to the United Nations; Co-President, Religions for Peace; Board Member, World Council of Religious Leaders; Steering Committee Member, International Partnership for Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD); and Director, International Yoga Festival, Parmarth Niketan.
Her teachings—rooted in Vedic wisdom but accessible to the modern mind—have reached innumerable people across the world through her bestselling books, ‘Hollywood to the Himalayas’, ‘Come Home to Yourself’ and her global lectures, satsangs, and online platforms.
To mark this occasion in the spirit of seva, a free, multi-specialty medical camp was also organised by Medanta Hospital, providing care to hundreds of pilgrims, sadhus and local people of the Himalayan region.
The Sadhvi’s life is a living bridge—between East and West, science and spirituality, renunciation and service. Her unwavering commitment is a shining example of Sanatana Dharma’s power to not only transform lives, but to attract and anchor seekers from around the world.
Swami Ramdev stated on the occasion, “In Gurukul I knew of Bhagwan and when I came to Parmarth, I came to know of divine shakti Bhagawati. This whole universe and creation are a manifestation of Bhagawati. My spiritual sister Sadhvi Bhagwati is an embodiment of the divine Mother. She is a true testament to absolute devotion and dedication.”
Swami Chidanand affirmed, “Pujya Sadhviji’s great dedication to Sanatana Dharma, and her tireless contribution as the Managing Editor of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism are laudable. I have seen how beautifully her own understanding of Santana Dharma has made her a lighthouse of this wisdom for so many seekers.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati shared, “I am so overwhelmed as I speak today because it is not in a million years that I would have even dreamt that I would have led such a blessed and divine life. I truly don’t feel that I live in Bharat, but that Bharat lives in me. Bharat has taught me that it is not how much we have in life but how much we are able to share in life that makes us truly wealthy and truly healthy. It is this land that has taught me that it is not the external sadhan (resources/possessions) but the sadhana (devotion) that truly matters. It is truly by the grace of this sacred land and the blessings of the saints that I am who I am today. It is with every cell of being I offer my humble pranaams to our revered and respected saints and Maa Ganga.”
All the seers present also expressed their views on her journey of sadhana on the occasion.
