Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that India’s festivals were the carriers of the tradition of joy and enthusiasm with no place for sorrow and mourning.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Shrimad Bhagavat Katha Mahapuran at Shri Guru Gorakshanath Ashram in Nangal village of Baghpat, the chief minister said, “We have consistently worked to promote India’s traditions with a positive mindset.”
The chief minister highlighted the historical significance of Baghpat, saying that the land dates back to the Mahabharat era. “It was among the five villages Lord Krishna had requested from Duryodhana,” he said.
Prior to this, Yogi visited and offered prayers at the Guru Gorakshanath temple and Navdurga temple on the Ashram premises. He also planted a Rudraksha tree in the vicinity. Additionally, he inaugurated the grand Satsang Bhavan.
The chief minister noted that recently, the state celebrated Vijayadashami, a festival symbolising the triumph of truth, righteousness and justice over falsehood, injustice and evil.
On the inauguration of Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Katha, the chief minister said that this Mahapuran was actually ‘gyan yajna’, and was closely related to liberation and salvation of a soul through knowledge. “People often seek salvation by visiting various holy places and performing acts of charity and sacrifice,” he remarked.
“The concept of salvation or liberation can vary for different individuals, such as for monks, it means breaking free from the cycle of birth and death, and for family persons, it means reaping the fruits of their good deeds. This Mahapuran encompasses knowledge, devotion and detachment,” he added.
The chief minister praised Mahant Yogi Arjunnath Ji of the Ashram for inviting saints, yogis and devotees from different parts of the country to this event. He said that Yogi Arjunnath had constructed a large auditorium and a pond here, and urged the local residents to step forward to preserve them.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in various religious activities during the event, which will increase positivity in society,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, the chief minister praised Neeraj Sharma, who was reciting the Shrimad Bhagavat Purana, and said that the Vedas, which were recited by scholars, contained all the hymns composed by sages. For this, Yogi appreciated the veneration of women’s power.
On this occasion, MP Satyapal Singh, minister KP Malik and prominent saints of the Nath sect mainly Mahant Krishnanath ji, Samudra Nath ji, Mahant Shernath ji Maharaj were present. Others who were present were event organiser Maharaj Arjunnath, Nath sect representatives and saints from all over the country as well as scholars of different philosophies.
