Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performs Bhoomi Pujan of the ancient Shri Ram temple

Varanasi : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, stated that this generation is privileged to witness India’s heritage revived. “The steadfast resolve of saints bore fruit on January 22, 2024, as Ram Lalla was ceremoniously enthroned at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple—realizing a 500-year-old vision under Kashi MP and PM Narendra Modi”, he remarked.

Chief Minister and Gorakshapeethadhiswar Mahant Yogi Adityanath made the remarks during a speech after performing the Bhoomi Pujan of the Shri Ram Janaki Temple at Kashmiriganj. He also offered prayers and fed jaggery to the cows as part of the rituals.

Reflecting on the historic Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Chief Minister credited its rapid progress to the leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, revered saints, and Ashok Singhal.

He recalled how, when sceptics dismissed the dream as impossible, Ashok Singhal—who was at the heart of the movement—firmly believed that nothing was beyond reach. The revered saints also saw this as their life’s mission and remained steadfast in their resolve.

Yogi Adityanath fondly remembered his Gurudev, Dada Guru, Paramhans Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj, revered Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, Satua Baba, and other saints who were deeply involved in the campaign.

He recalled asking them about the movement’s success, to which they always responded with unwavering faith, saying, “We will succeed.” “Even when their advancing age was a concern, they would say, “If needed, we will retake birth, but we will ensure that the Ram temple is built in Ayodhya”, CM Yogi stated.

The Chief Minister emphasized that their sole resolution was to construct the grand Ram temple- the foundation for national reconstruction—at any cost.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the magnificence of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where the sacred confluence of Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati witnessed an unprecedented gathering. Over 66 crore devotees participated in this 45-day spiritual congregation, creating a spectacle that captivated the world. The sight was unimaginable and unforgettable, leaving even sceptics in awe.

Referring to the social harmony displayed at the event, the Chief Minister remarked, “Those who once spoke of discrimination in Hindu society had their misconceptions shattered. At the Maha Kumbh, people from all backgrounds bathed together in the same confluence—without distinction of caste, religion, or sect. This is the true essence of Sanatan Dharma, reaffirmed once again by the Maha Kumbh.”

CM Yogi credited the people of Kashi for shaping the nation’s spiritual resurgence. He stated, “The grandeur of the ‘Rashtra Mandir’ is a tribute to the people of Kashi, who chose a leader of great vision and sent him to Parliament. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying out all this transformative work. Kashi has given the nation a leader fulfilling our ancestors’ aspirations and shaping the grand vision of a united, resurgent India.”

Reflecting on the historical significance of the ancient Ram temple, CM Yogi noted, “While people marvel at achievements spanning 50 years, the legacy of this sacred site extends back 725 years. In 1398, Samvat, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya’s foremost disciple, Anantacharya Ji Maharaj, established the Ram temple here. Today, we are in Samvat 2082—a testament to its enduring history.”

He further emphasized that foreign invaders had repeatedly attempted to destroy the temple, proving its deep historical and spiritual significance. “History records that Jagadguru Anantacharya, his disciple Narharidas, and his disciple Goswami Tulsidas spent five years of their childhood at this very place, studying the Vedas and Vedanta,” the Chief Minister added.

Highlighting the temple’s cultural and religious impact, he remarked, “Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas and Sunderkand are recited in every Sanatan Dharma household during auspicious occasions. This sacred tradition was rooted here, with the ancient Shri Ram temple as its spiritual epicenter.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that countless scholars, ascetics, and renunciants have regarded this land as a sacred ground for ‘Karmasadhana’.

He highlighted the rich legacy of saints such as Baba Keenaram, Swami Vivekananda, Maa Anandmayi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jagadguru Bhagvatacharya, Jagadguru Shivramacharya, Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans Ji Maharaj—the former President of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust—and Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, the current President of Mani Ram Das Cantonment.

He also mentioned former MP Ram Vilas Vedanti, noting that their spiritual journey of renunciation began from this place, a testament to the sanctity of the ancient Shri Ram temple.

CM Yogi acknowledged Swami Dr. Ram Kamalacharya Vedanti Ji Maharaj as the 23rd generation of this sacred tradition, underscoring the importance of preserving such a profound heritage. “This effort is not just about tradition; it is a beacon of inspiration, light, and guidance for every follower of Sanatan Dharma,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also reflected on the significance of the Maha Kumbh, reiterating that it is a spiritual event led by revered saints. “When saints take the lead, divine blessings naturally follow. Maha Kumbh, too, attained great success through the grace of the gods and our ancestors,” he remarked.

Extending his greetings for Vasantik Navratri and Ram Navami, CM Yogi urged devotees to take a solemn resolution: “On this Ram Navami, let us pledge to restore the ancient Shri Ram temple to its divine and grand form, ensuring it continues to shine with its glorious tradition. These traditions have enriched India’s heritage immeasurably, and it is our moral duty to protect, preserve, and contribute to this sacred legacy that has nurtured generations.”

CM Yogi highlighted the Satua Baba tradition, rooted in the Jagadguru Vishnu Swami Sampradaya, which Vallabhacharya Ji expanded through his spiritual teachings.

He emphasized that Baba Vishwanath and Maa Ganga bless anyone who becomes part of Kashi’s tradition.

“Shiva’s presence permeates every particle of Kashi. A life spent in devotion here, blessed by Lord Vishwanath’s prasad, is truly fulfilled,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Jagadguru Swami Dr. Ram Kamalacharya Vedanti Ji Maharaj, Swami Santosh Acharya alias Satua Baba, National General Secretary of All India Saint Committee Swami Jitendrananda Saraswati, VHP Central General Secretary Ashok Tiwari, State Government Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, MLA Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava, Sushil Singh, Legislative Council Member Hansraj Vishwakarma, Vishal Singh ‘Chanchal’ etc. were present in the ceremony.