In March/April of 2010, on the holy banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh & Haridwar there is the greatest spiritual fair in the world, the Maha Kumbha Mela. Taking place every twelve years, the Kumbha regularly draws crowds of more than fifty million pilgrims from across the world. It is a time when the spiritual masters of all the different traditions and lineages come together to bestow their darshan and wisdom upon the masses. The Kumbha of 2010 will also mark a historic event - the release of the long awaited Encyclopedia of Hinduism, compiled by India Heritage Research Foundation. H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Sri Shankaracharaya of Kanchi Peeth, Swami Jayendra Saraswati, Swami Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sant Shri Rameshbhai Oza, Sant Shri Morari Bapu and many more revered saints have already confirmed their presence at this auspicious event.

Celebration in honor of the upcoming and long awaited Encyclopedia of Hinduism was held at Cedar Gardens Banquets in Hamilton, NJ on October 10, 2009. The function was blessed by the presence of the founder of IHRF and inspirer of Encyclopedia of Hinduism, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. He is the president and spiritual head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India

The Encyclopedia of Hinduism has aptly been termed, “The Project of the Third Millennium.” Under the divine vision and guidance of India’s leading saint, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the Encyclopedia will mark the first time in history that the vast panorama of Indian culture is encapsulated in one complete work.

India’s cultural heritage is multistranded and complex, forming an intricate tapestry of wisdom, insight and tradition. The timeless truths are available and beneficial to people of all religions, all faiths and all walks of life. Hinduism is not a dogma, but rather a way of life that brings depth, richness, integrity, understanding and meaning to our daily lives.

To encapsulate an entire cosmos in a literary portfolio is an enormous task. Nevertheless, under the divine inspiration of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the India Heritage Research Foundation has undertaken the divine and momentous challenge of publishing the first, complete, authentic multi-volume Encyclopedia of Hinduism. This project will provide the first thorough and comprehensive compilation, integrating the vast ocean of knowledge, history and experience that is Indian culture.

Despite the influence of Hinduism across the globe, this spiritual tradition is widely misunderstood in the West. It has become imperative to provide an authentic, objective, scholarly, standardized and comprehensive source of reference and information.

The Encyclopedia will provide a better understanding of Hindu traditions, deepen inter-cultural dialogue and serve as a standard reference for students, teachers, seekers and anyone interested in the world’s oldest living tradition. The Encyclopedia will include approximately 7000 articles, ranging in length from 250 to over 5000 words, covering the depth and breadth of Hindu culture, tradition and civilization. The articles span twelve main subject areas: art, Hinduism in global context, history, historiography and geography, language and literature, philosophy, polity, religion and spirituality, sciences, social institutions and movements, spiritual disciplines, scholarship in Hindu studies and role of Hindu women.

The Encyclopedia has been prepared by over 1000 scholars all across the globe. Headquarters for EH were located at the University of South Carolina, Columbia where all articles from all satellite offices around the world were sent for approval and editing. Final operations of editing and review shifted to India in 2003. Under the guidance of Chief Editor Dr. K.L. Seshagiri Rao and Executive Editor Dr. Kapil Kapoor and Executive Editors in USA and India, the work is nearly complete. The articles have all been written and received by the Encyclopedia offices across the world and are now in the final stage of proofreading by Rupa & Co. publishers and the executive editorial team in Delhi.

The manuscript work is nearly complete, including the selection and matching of illustrations to articles.  

Highlights of EH
First comprehensive Encyclopedia of Hinduism in history. Extensively researched & documented. Authentic, authoritative & illuminating. 12 main subject areas, 11 Volumes. 7500 original entries.Approx. 6 million words.Thousands of Illustrations. Cross referenced. Complete Index & Glossary.A product of the cooperative research of more than 1000 international scholars of Hinduism

[ BY R. PADMANABHAN ]