“If we don't respect daughters, Goddess will not be pleased”: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan offers prayers at Bhopal's Kankali Mandir, emphasizing that respecting daughters is vital to pleasing the Goddess.
As the sacred Sharadiya Navratri festival commenced on Sunday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the historic Kankali Mandir in Bhopal to offer prayers. Beyond the religious rituals, the Minister delivered a powerful social message, linking the essence of the festival to the treatment of women in society.
A Call for Social Respect
Speaking on the significance of the nine-night festival, which celebrates the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga, Chouhan emphasized that true devotion requires more than just ritualistic worship. He highlighted a critical contradiction in modern society regarding the status of women.
"I wish to tell society this: if we merely worship the Mother Goddess but harbour no respect for daughters or sisters in our hearts, then the Mother herself will not be pleased," Chouhan stated.
The Minister's remarks underscored the idea that the strength, compassion, and wisdom embodied by the various forms of the Goddess should be reflected in how citizens treat the women in their own lives.
Navratri Celebrations Across India
The commencement of Sharadiya Navratri, observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, has triggered a wave of devotion across the country. From elaborate rituals to traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, devotees are engaging in fasting and singing devotional songs to honor the divine feminine.
Several prominent leaders also marked the occasion with prayers and messages:
- Rajasthan: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, accompanied by his wife, performed rituals at the Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple located within his official residence, praying for the state's well-being.
- Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the historic Maa Pateshwari Devi temple in the Tulsipur area of Balrampur to offer his respects.
- National Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation via social media, wishing for happiness, peace, and prosperity. He noted that the festival should strengthen the resolve for national unity and progress.
- Union Ministry: Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his wishes, noting that the worship of the nine forms of the Goddess teaches essential values of strength, restraint, and service.
As the festivities unfold, temples across India are seeing massive crowds of devotees seeking the blessings of Mother Jagadamba for health and prosperity.