Prayagraj, Jan 5 (NationPress) As the month of Magh unfolds, the Magh Mela has officially begun, along with the Panchkosi Parikrama, a ritual that revitalizes the Sanatan tradition and cultural awareness. Here, pilgrims, including numerous saints and sadhus from various akharas, were observed engaging in sacred rituals by the Triveni Sangam.

In this setting, the saints from the Akhara Parishad shared their reflections on the 1,000-year anniversary of the attack on the Somnath Temple and expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh government for facilitating arrangements.

In a special interview with IANS, Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), mentioned that the Juna Akhara has arrived with a multitude of saints.

“We are here for the holy dip, which we will perform today. We plan to adhere to the rituals throughout this month-long event. Previously, we gathered here for the Kumbh bath, and now it feels like a mini Kumbh. The administration has made comprehensive arrangements for the fair and the Panchkosi Parikrama, ensuring everything is in place for the devotees,” he stated.

Reflecting on the 1,000 years since the attack on the Somnath Temple, he noted, “Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Indian PM whose commitment to temples is unmistakable. He considers Lord Shiva as his Ishta Devata. His devotion extends beyond Somnath to Kedarnath. Concerning the troubling incidents impacting Hindus in Bangladesh, our Home Minister is closely monitoring the situation. The plight of Hindus there is heartbreaking, and we denounce it.”

Shankaracharya Swami Narendranand Saraswati of the Kashi Sumeru Peeth remarked, “From Paush Purnima to the subsequent Magh Purnima, this fair spans a month, sometimes extending to Shivratri. Traditionally, saints arrive here to pay homage at the Triveni Sangam of the Ganga. This journey, which began in Satya Yuga, continues to this day. It symbolizes the faith of Hindus, not merely a parikrama.”

He further mentioned, “Bathing in the Narmada and Ganga cleanses both the mind and body, leading to the attainment of Bhagwat. The 1,000-year commemoration of the Somnath Temple attack serves as a reminder that while certain individuals have desecrated temples, others remain in a state of neglect.”

Hari Giri, the custodian of the Juna Akhara, remarked, “Today’s Panchkosi Parikrama is an ancient tradition, believed to be hundreds of thousands of years old. It was initially performed by Lord Ganesha, followed by various divine incarnations.”

He also expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stating, “Thanks to their efforts, Prayag remains sacred today. Previously, meat and eggs were sold here, but following CM Yogi’s decision, all such sales have ceased.”