Yogi Adityanath at Deepotsav: Kashi and Mathura Should Shine Like Ayodhya

At the grand Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath voiced a vision for India’s holy cities, declaring that Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura must also shine like Ayodhya. The statement comes on the heels of the historic Ram Temple inauguration earlier this year, marking a symbolic return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after a gap of 500 years. Adityanath emphasized that Ayodhya’s transformation underlines the success of the “double-engine government” led by the BJP at both state and central levels in delivering on its promises.

Ayodhya, celebrated in Hindu mythology as the birthplace of Lord Ram, has seen an extensive revival in recent years. The transformation of the city, exemplified by the grand construction of the Ram Temple, follows the Supreme Court’s landmark 2019 decision to end a decades-long dispute over the contested land in Ayodhya. The court granted the site to the Hindu side for temple construction while providing an alternate plot for a mosque. Adityanath referenced this in his address, highlighting that Lord Ram’s symbolic return to Ayodhya for Diwali is a testament to historical perseverance and the realization of a long-standing promise.

Yogi Adityanath’s call for Kashi and Mathura to mirror Ayodhya’s revival is rooted in cultural, religious, and historic significance. Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, is home to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Yet, a legal battle over the temple’s Gyanvapi Mosque complex continues to unfold in Varanasi. Similarly, Mathura, revered as Lord Krishna’s birthplace, faces a court dispute between the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and the nearby Shahi Eidgah mosque. By aligning these cities with Ayodhya’s resurgence, Adityanath envisions the broader revival of India’s spiritual heritage.

“This is just the beginning,” Adityanath asserted, suggesting that this momentum should carry forward until 2047, when India will celebrate its 100th anniversary of independence. His vision involves not only restoring these cities as centers of pilgrimage but also elevating their infrastructure, beautifying public spaces, and preserving their heritage. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister conveyed a strong message to his government, saying that the journey initiated in Ayodhya must extend to all religious hubs in the state.

Yogi Adityanath’s remarks also took a somber tone as he paid tribute to the numerous individuals who dedicated their lives to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Recalling the sacrifices made by countless saints and devotees, he emphasized the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the construction of the temple. “I bow to all those saints and martyrs,” Adityanath stated, “around 3,50,000 in number, who left this world with one wish: that a temple for Lord Ram be built on the soil of Ayodhya.” His words echoed a commitment to honoring the sacrifices that led to the current reality in Ayodhya and underscored his administration’s duty to preserve that legacy.

The “double-engine government” concept, often mentioned by Adityanath, refers to the combined efforts of the state and central governments in fostering development. He highlighted that Ayodhya stands as proof of this effective governance model, which facilitated a series of ambitious infrastructure projects to uplift the city’s profile and accommodate millions of pilgrims. Roads, rail links, and amenities have been extensively developed in Ayodhya, and similar transformations are already underway in other holy cities.

Touching upon the symbolism of Diwali in Ayodhya, Adityanath spoke about the ‘agnipariksha’ (trial by fire) endured by Sita, wife of Lord Ram, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect. “This ‘agnipariksha’ of Maa Sita should not happen again and again. We have to come out of this bane,” he said, stressing that the people of Ayodhya and across India must come together to uphold the sanctity of their heritage and prevent division.

The grandeur of the Deepotsav celebrations marked another milestone in Ayodhya’s journey, featuring millions of diyas (oil lamps) illuminating the city’s skyline. Yogi Adityanath’s leadership in organizing this massive event has bolstered Ayodhya’s image as a vibrant pilgrimage center and solidified its symbolic role in India’s spiritual narrative. The CM’s vision for Kashi and Mathura to match Ayodhya in glory and development is not only a political statement but also a pledge to protect and promote the spiritual and cultural legacies of these historic cities.

As work continues on the Ram Temple, the spiritual revival in Ayodhya has been set in motion. By calling for similar developments in Kashi and Mathura, Adityanath has set the stage for a broader cultural renaissance aimed at preserving and celebrating India’s heritage cities. The Deepotsav 2024, with its historic significance, stands as a reminder of the potential for harmony and progress when the government, citizens, and cultural communities come together for a common cause.