Why Did CM Yogi Visit Mathura on Janmashtami to Advocate for the Preservation of Sanatan Dharma?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Yogi Adityanath celebrates Janmashtami in Mathura.
- Calls for the preservation of Sanatan Dharma.
- Highlights government initiatives for pilgrimage sites.
- Emphasizes cow protection and financial support for farmers.
- Encourages social unity and respect for soldiers.
Mathura, Aug 16 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Mathura, the birthplace of Shri Krishna, on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, offering heartfelt greetings to devotees from both India and abroad.
Stressing the importance of safeguarding Sanatan Dharma while pursuing modern advancements, the Chief Minister urged individuals to adhere to the teachings of Lord Krishna and strive for 'Lok Mangal' (the well-being of people) and 'Rashtra Mangal' (the well-being of the nation).
Prior to addressing the crowd at Bhagwat Bhawan, CM Yogi prayed at Thakur Keshavdev and Mata Yogmaya temples, reverently worshipping at the sanctum sanctorum.
The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Vrindavan Bihari Lal” and “Jai Shri Radhe”, as he joined the gathering in their spirited slogans.
On the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Shri Krishna, he characterized Brajbhoomi as the site of divine 'leelas' of the deity and expressed pride that several incarnations of Lord Vishnu occurred in Uttar Pradesh.
“From Ayodhya to Mathura, these hallowed sites are emblematic of our spiritual heritage,” he stated.
CM Yogi highlighted his administration’s efforts to revitalize Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Baldev, Govardhan, and Radha Kund as key pilgrimage destinations. He referenced the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as shining examples of how Uttar Pradesh is establishing a new model of merging spiritual heritage with modernity.
Additionally, he emphasized the government’s dedication to cow protection, referring to Gau Mata as a symbol of Sanatan Dharma. He mentioned that farmers caring for cows receive Rs 1,500 monthly, with over 16 lakh cows currently being safeguarded.
He urged citizens to stay alert against divisive forces based on caste, region, or language, advocating for respect towards the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders and for maintaining social cohesion.
He restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Panch Pran” — eliminating remnants of slavery, embracing swadeshi, preserving heritage, honoring soldiers, and enhancing social unity.
He commended the Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad for their efforts in developing the Braj region, stating that it is a shared responsibility to connect India’s 5,000-year-old spiritual heritage with contemporary growth.
“Symbols of Sanatan Dharma like Ganga, Yamuna, Gau Mata, Gayatri, and our pilgrimage sites define our identity — it is our obligation to safeguard them,” he remarked, before joining devotees in chanting slogans such as “Shri Keshav Dev Maharaj ki Jai,” “Shri Krishna Kanhaiya ki Jai,” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”