Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the tradition of Sanatan Dharma and devotion towards Lord Shiva represent India's cultural and spiritual unity. Addressing devotees during the third day of the Shri Shiv Mahapurana Katha in Unchahar, Raebareli, the Chief Minister said that as long as India's spiritual traditions continue, the country's cultural identity will remain strong.
Yogi said that Shiva devotion connects people across different regions of India, from the Himalayas to Rameswaram. He highlighted that the Jyotirlingas spread across the country reflect India's unity and shared spiritual heritage.
Religion is more than worship, says CM
The Chief Minister said Sanatan Dharma is not limited to religious practices but serves as a source of social responsibility, discipline and national inspiration. He added that spiritual traditions have played an important role in preserving India's cultural values through different periods of history.
Referring to Lord Shiva, Yogi said that Shiva is considered the symbol of welfare and compassion as he accepted poison for the larger good of humanity. He urged people to connect with religious and cultural programs that promote positivity and social harmony.
Yogi Highlights India's Spiritual Legacy
During his address, Yogi also spoke about India's spiritual centres, saying Ayodhya represents values and dignity, Kashi reflects consciousness, Mathura-Vrindavan represents devotion and Prayagraj symbolizes harmony.
Before addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister was welcomed by Vedic scholars with conch shells and damru sounds. Uttar Pradesh Minister and Unchahar MLA Manoj Pandey honored Yogi by presenting him a shawl, coconut and Gangajal.
Yogi thanked Manoj Pandey and his family for organizing the event and said such programs help strengthen the connection between India's heritage and development journey.
He concluded his address with the chant, “Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev,” while extending his wishes to devotees attending the Shiv Mahapurana Katha.