‘Sanatan Dharma Does Not Impose Its Views On Anyone’: Yogi Adityanath

New Delhi: Sanatan Dharma does not impose its views on anyone, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath While addressing a gathering in Gorakhpur on Wednesday, CM Yogi said, "The amount of freedom that Sanatan Dharma gives to live life is not seen in any other religion.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted the historical significance of the tradition, stating that there was a time when it seemed that Sanatan Dharma was fading away. However, he noted that it was Adi Shankaracharya, who revived and reinvigorated this ancient tradition, ensuring its survival and relevance through centuries.

“There was a time when it seemed that Sanatan Dharma had ended, but this tradition of Sanatan was revived by Adi Shankaracharya himself,” said CM Yogi. 

Welcoming Jagadguru Shankaracharya with a ceremonial robe and gifts, Adityanath noted that despite numerous attacks throughout history, the divine tradition of avatars, seers, sages and great souls has protected the Sanatan Dharma and ensured the safety of its followers.

The chief minister recalled that at one point, Sanatan Dharma seemed on the brink of decline but Adi Shankaracharya revived it through his Vijay Yatra, debates and the establishment of four mathas in India's cardinal directions — Jyotish in the north, Jagannath in the east, Dwarka in the west, and Sringeri in the south.

Fortunate to visit Sringeri Peeth: CM Yogi 

Sharing his personal experiences, Adityanath mentioned that he had been fortunate to visit the Sringeri Peeth multiple times.

He also pointed out that the Gorakshpeeth has historically hosted Jagadgurus from the Sringeri Peeth, including during the 1977 Prayagraj Mahakumbh.

Speaking about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Adityanath described it as a global message of unity. He said nearly 48 crore devotees had taken a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers in the first 31 days of the 45-day event.

"This is the embodiment of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," he remarked, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's vision that national integrity will remain unbroken through unity.

The chief minister also highlighted the recent transformation of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after a 500-year wait, crediting Modi's leadership for the grandeur of these sacred sites.

He said the new look of Kashi and Ayodhya is a source of immense pride and joy for followers of Sanatan Dharma worldwide. 

With PTI inputs