From bullets to flowers: CM Yogi Adityanath on Ayodhya’s transition; says blessings of revered seers guiding New India

AYODHYA: CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that Ayodhya has transitioned into a global symbol of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. "It was a city where once Ram devotees faced bullets but today they are being welcomed with flowers," he said at a public event in Ram Katha Park.

Highlighting the significance of Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in Ayodhya on Thursday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the grand temple of Ram Lalla is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Sanatan Dharma. "After a wait of 500 years, the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla was performed with great devotion by PM Modi on Jan 22, 2024. Today, the consecration of the divine idols in the Ram Darbar and Ram Mandir has also been accomplished," he said. ‘Blessings of revered seers guiding New India’Mentioning Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural resurgence over the past 10 years, Yogi said it was under PM Modi’s leadership that the vision of Viksit Bharat, rooted in Sanatan Dharma, was becoming a reality, with Ayodhya reclaiming the divine aura of the Treta Yuga.The CM also attended the 87th birthday celebrations of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at Mani Ram Das Cantonment.

The occasion also coincided with Yogi’s birthday on Thursday.Calling it a privilege to be part of the celebrations, the CM said it was the divine spiritual practices and blessings of revered seers that were guiding the transformative journey of New India. He also highlighted the legacy of the Mani Ram Das Cantonment, saying that it boasted over 300 years of intense spiritual practice. “From the 18th to the 21st century, this sacred site has been a centre of unwavering devotion.

Legend says that Mata Janaki once appeared in a divine vision to a saint of this tradition, blessing and strengthening its spiritual lineage," he said, crediting Mahant Nritya Gopal Das’ leadership for the success of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.Mentioning the redevelopment of pilgrimage centres like Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaal, Kedarpuri, and Somnath, Yogi said these temples served as the spiritual pillars of a new, empowered India, which was emerging from the roots of Sanatan traditions.Describing the changes being implemented in Ayodhya, Yogi highlighted the efforts to develop it as the country’s first solar city. "The once stagnant waters at Ram Ki Paidi now flow clean and pure, capable of accommodating over 5 lakh devotees for a holy dip.A new stretch of ghats, from Naya Ghat to Guptar Ghat, has been developed to enhance the pilgrim experience," the CM said.Highlighting the significance of Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day celebrated on Thursday, the CM said it had deep spiritual and environmental significance.

"It is on this auspicious day, through the penance of Maharaj Bhagirath, that the river Ganga descended to Earth. Ma Ganga is a symbol of devotion and liberation, she is the lifeline of our spiritual heritage," he said.Among other projects to develop Ayodhya as a global spiritual and cultural hub, the CM highlighted an international airport in the name of Maharishi Valmiki, a community kitchen named after Mata Shabari, a pilgrim guest house named in honour of Nishadraj, and temples dedicated to Maharishi Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, and Tulsidas.Referring to the installation of a statue of the Vulture King Jatayu in the temple complex, the CM said that vultures were a species critical to ecological balance but were facing extinction due to food scarcity and environmental degradation. "They serve a vital role in nature and are beneficial to humanity. Jatayu, who valiantly fought Ravan during the abduction of Mata Sita, is a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and courage.

That is why his magnificent statue now stands at the Ram Janmabhoomi," he said.

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