25 Lakh Devotees Storm Vindhyavasini Dham: CM Yogi Adityanath
CM Yogi Adityanath reveals a massive surge of devotees at Vindhyavasini Dham and other Shaktipeeths during Sharadiya Navratri.
The spiritual energy of Sharadiya Navratri has reached a fever pitch across Uttar Pradesh, with millions of worshippers flocking to the state's sacred Shaktipeeths. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed that the Maa Vindhyavasini Dham witnessed a staggering influx of over 25 lakh devotees in a single day, highlighting the immense faith of the masses.
Massive Crowds at Shaktipeeths
Speaking to the media during a Kanya Pujan ceremony at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, CM Yogi Adityanath noted that the construction of a new corridor at the Maa Vindhyavasini Dham has significantly enhanced the site's capacity and appeal. He stated that after seeing 25 lakh worshippers yesterday, he expects a similar crowd of 20 to 25 lakh people to gather today, with devotees arriving since the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours).
The surge in devotion wasn't limited to one site. The Chief Minister highlighted several other key spiritual hubs experiencing massive footfall:
- Devipatan Shaktipeeth: Hundreds of thousands of devotees arrived to offer their prayers.
- Maa Shakumbhari Peeth (Saharanpur): Thousands gathered to express their reverence for Jagatjanani Maa Bhagwati.
- Lalita Devi Shaktipeeth (Sitapur): A vast number of faithful visited to seek blessings.
From Rituals to Governance: The Mission Shakti Link
CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the worship of the divine feminine should transcend mere rituals and manifest in the actual administration of the state. He linked the spirit of Navratri to the government's Mission Shakti campaign, which focuses on the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women.
To translate this spiritual devotion into practical governance, the Chief Minister detailed several administrative measures:
- Women's Help Desks: Every police station in Uttar Pradesh now features a dedicated help desk for women.
- Specialized Infrastructure: Separate rooms have been established in police stations to handle women's safety issues privately.
- Female Personnel: The presence of women sub-inspectors and female beat officers has been ensured.
- Emergency Support: The 1090 women's helpline remains fully operational to provide immediate assistance.
Kanya Pujan at Gorakhnath Temple
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Navami, the Chief Minister personally performed the Kanya Pujan ritual at the Gorakhnath Temple. In a gesture of deep reverence, CM Adityanath washed the feet of young girls, worshipping them as embodiments of Shakti.
During the ceremony, he offered prasad, clothes, and dakshina to the girls, praying for the peace and prosperity of the region. He noted that across every district in the state, thousands of Durga Puja pandals have been erected and many families have installed the sacred kalash in their homes to celebrate the nine forms of Navadurga.