[2] Encyclopedia of Hinduism is an inspiration and dream project of Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan and India Heritage Research Foundation.
The editorial introduction records: On 3–4 April 2010, a preview and blessings ceremony for the Encyclopedia of Hinduism was held at Parmarth Niketan, attended by the Dalai Lama, M.M.
[8] The idea was conceived by Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, at a Hindu-Jain Temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1987.
Subsequently, in November of the same year, the India Heritage Research Foundation was formed to execute the idea of preparing an authoritative, comprehensive and up-to-date Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
In 1998, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India at the time, spoke effusively in praise of the project: In early 2006, Kapil Kapoor, Professor of English and Concurrent Professor of Sanskrit Studies who had retired as rector for Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi the previous year, was appointed chief editor of the project.