Known across the world as the centre of transcendental meditation and Yoga, established by the famous Maharshi Mahesh Yogi amidst the forest cover of Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Rishikesh, Chaurasi Kutia was left open for tourists on Tuesday after a protracted struggle of 24 years.
The State Government has openened it for people, who can visit it after buying ticket. Forest minister Dinesh Agarwal opened the track by cutting the ribbon.
It is pertinent to mention here that the famous music band Beatles which was one of the most popular music bands in 1960s throughout the world visited Rishikesh in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation. Rishikesh suddenly came into limelight across the world following this visit and subsequently, Rishikesh became the yoga capital of the world. The Beatles first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in london in 1967 and was attracted to his meditation and teachings.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi invited them to his ashram in Rishikesh for advanced learning.They came at the ashram along with their families, support staff and a few reporters and stayed in the igloo shaped Chaurasi Kuti.
Situated in the Gohri range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, it would be developed by the State government as one and a half km long nature trail for the people to trek.
Speaking to The Pioneer, forest minister Dinesh Agarwal said, “It is the same place where the famous Beatles band came to Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and stayed for three months. In the past few years, pilgrims from across the world used to come in huge number. But the Chaurasi Kutia being part of the National Park, they could just have a glimpse from outside. Now after buying a ticket, the visitors can see this centre of meditation,” he said.
There are 84 huts, one ashram and a big meditation hall built in the Chaurasi Kutia. As per the wild life warden of Chilla range Ajay Kumar, erstwhile government of Uttar Pradesh had given the land on lease for 40 years to Mahesh Yogi. In 1968, a massive Dhyan Shivir (meditation camp) was organised in which 60 yoga experts from various countries had come to participate.