After remaining obscure for 29 years, Chaurasi Kuti now hot fav of tourists

RISHIKESH: Rishikesh is known as 'Yoga Nagari' across the world but you will be surprised to know that 'Chaurasi Kuti', the place that got Rishikesh recognition as Yoga City, itself remained in obscurity for 29-long years.

We are talking about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the pioneer of transcendental meditation who founded Chaurasi Kuti, 84 igloo-shaped huts at Rishikesh in 1963. After Rajaji Tiger Reserve was established, entry of common man was prohibited in Shankaracharya Nagar (Chaurasi Kuti). Over time, forest grew there and the heritage structure lay in the state of ruins. But, after 29 years, when it was reopened for tourists, it gradually became their favourite destination.

In 1961, Mahesh Yogi had taken 15 acres of land near Swarg Ashram Rishikesh on lease from the forest department. Here, he built 84 small huts and more than 100 caves with wonderful architecture and developed this place as yoga centre for meditation. These huts are wonderful specimens of architecture and are earthquake resistant too. Besides Mahesh Yogi, Dr Swami Ram and Swami Shivanand were also known for imparting yoga education here. However, Chaurasi Kuti developed into a unique centre for meditation.

For almost 29 years, this heritage structure remained in darkness. Many tourists used to come here to see this heritage associated with the Beatles group but they returned disappointed as they were not allowed to enter. On December 8, 2015, the Forest department cleaned and repaired this complex and reopened it for tourists. Since then, domestic and foreign tourist, students and elders are visiting the place after paying fee. After reopening of Chaurasi Kuti, the influx of tourists increased manifold.

Recently, when record of last five years was presented by the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, it was found that this heritage campus is no less than a treasure. In the past six years, 1,39,176 foreign and Indian tourists visited Chaurasi Kuti and the Rajaji park administration has earned Rs 2,33,29,685 from the tourist fee. IANS

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