New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Several prominent Hindu saints expressed their support on Saturday for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's initiative to substitute Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST). They noted that in ancient India, time was traditionally measured by observing the rays of the Sun.

Pradhan introduced this idea during his address at the International Conference titled 'Mahakal: The Master of Time' on Friday in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He further referred to Ujjain as 'the original hub of time measurement'.

In response, All India Sant Samiti's General Secretary, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, remarked to IANS, 'Historically, time was determined by the Sun's trajectory, a practice that was distorted during colonial rule. Who better to measure time than Mahakal (Lord Shiva) himself?'

He continued, 'Why do all nuclear reactors globally resemble the 'Shivling'? Why has no other religion opted for a different configuration? Mahakal is the only viable option.'

Saraswati added, 'MST will now replace GMT. I commend the Indian government for this initiative.'

Saints from Ayodhya also praised Pradhan's proposal.

Saint Varun Dasji Maharaj stated, 'Ujjain, known as the city of Mahakal, is intersected by the Tropic of Cancer, which has held significance since ancient times in astrological calculations.'

'If the State government aims to reinstate India's traditional method of time reckoning, I fully support it.' he informed IANS.

Another saint from an Ayodhya temple remarked, 'Our ancient sages calculated time based on the Sun's rays, and now a proposal has emerged from Dharmendra Pradhan along similar lines. All Indians should embrace it.'

Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj of Saket Bhawan Mandir underscored that 'the universe operates according to Mahakal's guidance.'

'Thus, MST should be formally adopted,' he asserted, expressing his frustration with regulations imposed by foreign entities.

'For how long will we adhere to foreign regulations? India possesses a rich cultural heritage and imparts knowledge to the world,' he added.

Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj from Hanumangarhi expressed gratitude to the Union Education Minister 'for considering the revival of India's ancient traditions.'

He stated, 'Historically, the entire world operated according to ancient Indian customs, until other cultures disrupted this harmony.'

'This proposal will have a beneficial impact on the nation.'

Conversely, Mahant Yoganand Giri of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara voiced his disagreement with Pradhan's proposal.

'I am uncertain how to characterize this proposal. By making such trivial statements, Dharmendra Pradhan undermines the government. He should first ascertain the location of the Tropic of Cancer's midpoint and the prime meridian.'

He asserted that the midpoint of these coordinates lies within the current boundaries of Chhattisgarh, where Indian Standard Time (IST) is established.

Furthermore, the saint from Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara declared, 'Whatever is already established should remain unchanged.'