By Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was the outcome of a long-running movement and argued that the city’s transformation has unsettled some of those who oppose Lord Ram. He also urged followers of Sanatan Dharma to remain cautious about misinformation and attempts to create confusion around religious and cultural developments.
Addressing a memorial gathering at Gorakhnath Temple on Tuesday, Yogi linked the transformation of Ayodhya with the development of major religious centres such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Vindhyachal Dham. He said the changes taking place at these pilgrimage sites reflected a wider cultural shift in the country and appealed to people not to be misled by what he described as misleading narratives.
Yogi Links Ayodhya Transformation to Long Ram Temple Movement
Yogi said the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya should not be viewed as an isolated development. According to him, it was preceded by a movement that continued for a long period before the temple project became a reality.
The chief minister also pointed to the redevelopment of Ayodhya alongside the expansion of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Vindhyachal Dham. He said the development of religious destinations, along with major religious gatherings, had given greater visibility to India’s cultural traditions.
While discussing the need for vigilance, Yogi referred to the character of Kalanemi from the Ramayana as an example. He said society should recognise attempts to create confusion and remain careful about information or propaganda that could mislead people.
His appeal was particularly directed at followers of Sanatan Dharma, whom he asked to remain alert to misinformation and narratives that, in his view, could create unnecessary confusion over India’s religious and cultural traditions.
Yogi Calls Unity a Source of India’s Strength
The chief minister also spoke about the importance of social unity and collective effort. Referring to India’s population of more than 140 crore people, he said the country’s strength increases when society works together towards shared objectives.
Yogi invoked the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the belief that the world is one family, and said translating the principle into practice would require different sections of society to work towards common goals.
He said India’s collective strength could help the country move forward and argued that division weakens society’s ability to achieve its larger objectives.
Mahant Digvijaynath’s Educational and Social Legacy Remembered
The programme was organised to mark the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath. Yogi, who addressed the gathering at Gorakhnath Temple, recalled Mahant Digvijaynath’s contribution to education and social work.
He highlighted the role of the Maharana Pratap Education Council, established nearly a century ago, in expanding access to education. According to Yogi, the institution’s work in the educational field has continued over the decades.
The chief minister also remembered the social and educational initiatives associated with Mahant Digvijaynath and spoke about their continuing relevance.
Reference to Vaishnav Kumbh in Vrindavan
Yogi also referred to the Vaishnav Kumbh organised in Vrindavan following the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh. He noted that the event was held during the Covid-19 pandemic and said it was successfully conducted despite the circumstances.
By referring to such religious gatherings, the chief minister underlined their place in India’s religious and cultural traditions. His address brought together references to Ayodhya, Kashi and Vindhyachal, while placing the development of these religious centres within what he described as a broader cultural transformation in the country.
