VP CP Radhakrishnan, UP Governor Anandiben Patel Offer Prayers to Ram Lalla
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and UP Governor Anandiben Patel perform Aarti of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya amidst grand Deepotsav preparations.
In a profound display of faith and tradition, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel visited the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya on Saturday. The high-profile dignitaries entered the sanctum sanctorum to perform the Aarti of Ram Lalla, offering prayers with deep devotion to the deity.
The visit was marked by spiritual solemnity as the Vice President and the Governor lit ceremonial earthen lamps (diyas) in the temple courtyard, adding to the auspicious atmosphere of the holy city.
A Warm Welcome at the Temple Complex
Upon their arrival at the temple, the leaders were received with a traditional welcome by Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The prayer ceremony saw the participation of several esteemed seers and trust members, including:
- Swami Kamalnayan Das Ji Maharaj
- Acharya Mithileshnandini Sharan Ji Maharaj
- Swami Shri Rajkumar Das Ji Maharaj
- Trustee Mahant Dinendra Das Ji Maharaj
- Trustees Krishna Mohan and Madan Mohan Pandey
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Stern Message to Political Opponents
While the temple visit unfolded, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used a public event in Ayodhya to launch a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. The Chief Minister demanded an apology from the SP leader regarding the historical treatment of kar sevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Recalling the decades of struggle, CM Yogi emphasized the sacrifices made by saints and devotees. He specifically referenced the incidents where kar sevaks were fired upon, stating that those responsible must express remorse.
"Please come, but first, make sure you apologise to the kar sevaks who were fired upon. You must express remorse," the Chief Minister asserted.
The CM further highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya, noting that while an airport was once considered impossible, the city now boasts the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. He warned that those who once humiliated saints or lathi-charged devotees should only return to Ayodhya after offering a sincere apology.
Reflecting on the Journey of Deepotsav
Chief Minister Adityanath also reflected on the evolution of the Deepotsav celebrations. He recalled how the initial celebrations were met with skepticism and questions about whether they were part of tradition, alongside slogans urging him to prioritize the construction of the temple. "Today, you can see for yourself that the temple has been built," he remarked.
Ayodhya Glows with 30 Lakh Diyas
The spiritual fervor in the city reached a peak as preparations for a massive illumination event took place. More than 30 lakh earthen lamps were arranged to light up 56 ghats along the banks of the Saryu River, showcasing the cultural heritage and spiritual splendor of Shri Ayodhya Dham.
Before the main festivities, CM Adityanath visited a specially curated exhibition. The display traced Ayodhya’s 500-year history, the tumultuous journey of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and the rapid modern infrastructure transformation the city has undergone.
To ensure the safety of the thousands of volunteers and the massive influx of devotees, a stringent security blanket was deployed, featuring over 2,500 police officers and specialized security forces across the Saryu Ghats.