At Gorakhnath Temple, the UP CM Yogi Adityanath hails Sanatan Dharma, defends India’s spiritual traditions, and warns against selective interpretations of legacy
Gorakhpur : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Gorakshpeethadheeshwar Yogi Adityanath, addressing a grand gathering on the occasion of Guru Purnima at Gorakhnath Temple, delivered a powerful message defending India’s Sanatan values and deities while taking a veiled dig at present-day socialists who, according to him, have drifted from the ideals of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
“Dr. Lohia once said that as long as there is worship of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, Leela Purushottam Shri Krishna, and Devadhidev Mahadev Shankar in India, no force in the world can harm even a hair on this nation’s head,” CM Yogi remarked. “His present-day disciples may not agree with this, but anyone opposing Ram is destined for downfall.”
Addressing the Concluding Session of Shri Ram Katha
The Chief Minister was speaking at the concluding session of the Shri Ram Katha, which began on July 4 as part of the Guru Purnima celebrations. The session took place at the Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan inside the Gorakhnath Temple complex. Before his address, CM Yogi paid floral tribute to the portraits of Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avaidyanath and performed ritualistic Vyaspeeth worship.
He emphasized that epics like the Ramayana are not just religious texts but core components of Indian cultural heritage. Referring to the popular Ramayana Melas initiated by Dr. Lohia himself, CM Yogi challenged contemporary critics of Sanatan Dharma, stating that their narrative fails to acknowledge the deeply ingrained spiritual ethos of India.
“Sanatan Dharma is India’s Soul”
CM Yogi described Sanatan Dharma as the very soul of India, highlighting its inclusive nature. Quoting a Muslim woman advocate who once said, “My worship method is Islam, but my religion is Sanatan,” he urged everyone to understand the distinction between dharma, madhab (sect), and worship practice. “Sanatan is not just a faith—it is a way of life, embracing many paths of worship,” he said.
From Knowledge to Gratitude: India’s Legacy
Touching upon India’s ancient knowledge tradition, CM Yogi emphasized the role of Maharshi Ved Vyas, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as Guru Purnima. “Ved Vyas codified our vast intellectual and spiritual legacy for future generations,” he said, countering claims that ancient Indians lacked scientific thinking. “When the world lived in darkness, India composed the Vedas.”
He highlighted that 3,500 years ago, sages gathered at Naimisharanya for what could be called the world’s earliest academic summit, setting the foundation of the Indian knowledge tradition. “Those who question whether we ever had a discourse-based tradition should read the Mahabharata, where Ved Vyas captured the four pursuits of life—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha—in their entirety.”
Harmony of Action and Thought is Key
CM Yogi stressed the need to align one’s actions with beliefs to avoid moral decline. “Even a demon like Marich, born in a noble lineage, met a tragic end because of his wicked actions,” he said, adding that reverence for Lord Ram has transformed even the humble Hanuman into a divine entity worshipped across the nation.
Ramayana: The Most-Watched Show in the World
The Chief Minister cited the widespread appeal of the Ramayana, calling it the most-watched television series globally. “Even during lockdowns, people turned to Ramayana for spiritual strength. It speaks to the timeless appeal of Sanatan stories,” he noted.
Planting the Seeds of Sustainable Growth
Praising the recent statewide plantation drive that saw over 37 crore saplings planted in a single day, CM Yogi said, “With large-scale afforestation, we are not just greening our state but also redefining the shape of development.” Emphasizing tree plantation near rivers and water bodies, he compared rivers to arteries of the Earth and stressed their role in ecological balance.
Curbing Encephalitis: A Public Health Triumph
CM Yogi also recalled the region’s battle with encephalitis, a deadly disease that once claimed over 50,000 children in districts like Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, and Basti. “Lack of sanitation and clean water were the root causes. Our government tackled it with clean drinking water and toilet access. Today, encephalitis is under control,” he stated. “The children who were saved will now contribute to nation-building.”
A Call for Positive Contribution
Concluding his address, CM Yogi took aim at negativity and misinformation, referencing certain YouTubers who tried to provoke pilgrims during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. “People responded with wisdom and grace. India is rising with its heritage and development intact. Let’s all strive to contribute something meaningful and noble.”
The event also saw participation from several prominent leaders and saints, including Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, Mahant Kamalnath of Gorakhnath Temple, and saints from Devi Patan and Kalibari.
Traditional Aarti Marks End of Shri Ram Katha
The weeklong Shri Ram Katha concluded with a grand aarti of the Shri Ramcharitmanas. CM Yogi led the aarti and expressed gratitude to Acharya Shantanu Ji Maharaj, the kathavachak, urging people to dedicate time to such spiritual discourses. Folk singer Rakesh Srivastava also performed a devotional song dedicated to Guru, adding musical devotion to the momentous occasion.
