‘Temples and mutts should not be limited to performing puja’

Gorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a religious seminar called “Sant Samaj aur Punarjagran” on Thursday in the Goraknath temple, said that temples and mutts should not be limited to performing puja but also organize public welfare programmes.
“Temples and mutts should not be limited to performing puja only. They should organize public welfare programmes with a feeling of nationalism. The tradition of saints in India is very rich and old and with their spiritual awareness, saints have always tried to enlighten the society and show the path of righteousness to the mankind,” Yogi said during the inaugural session of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and fifth death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath.
While describing the welfare work of Maharshi Vishwamitra and Vashishta, Yogi said, “ When terrorists like Ravana were trying to destroy Aryavrata, the two powerful countries, Mithila and Ayodhaya had faith in the foresightedness of the two saints. Maharshi Vashishta knew that the two countries will unite and Ram will come forward to save the nation. The saints explained the Shastras in simple words and united the society.”
The chief minister also said that in the epic, Mahabharata, Maharshi Veda Vyasa explained the Indian traditions which are applicable to the world. “If we study Mahabharata, we can understand the entire world.”
“Maharshi Valmiki, through the character of Rama in Ramayana, presented an ideal in front of the world,” he added. While remembering Shankracharya, Yogi said, “Sanyasi Shankracharya established “Peeths” in four corners of the country and tied the entire nation with one string. The Sant Samaj does not discriminate among people and condemns the evils of society such as casteism.”
CM Yogi further said that Ramakrishna Paramahansa renounced the world and became a sanyasi in order to serve the people.