Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as bringing 'unprecedented respect' to Sanatan culture, India's religious traditions, and the country's spiritual heritage across his 12 years in office. The Hindu seer made the remarks in New Delhi, as Modi completed over a decade as Prime Minister.

Religious Centres Elevated to Global Prominence

According to Swami Kailashanand Giri, pilgrimage sites including Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Ujjain Mahakal have attained national and international prominence under Modi's leadership in a manner not seen before. He drew a direct contrast with previous administrations, asserting that no earlier Prime Minister had visited or actively promoted major pilgrimage centres to the same degree.

'Wherever Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes, that place becomes important not just for India but for the entire world,' the seer said.

What the Seer Said About Modi's Influence

Swami Kailashanand Giri attributed the transformation to what he called Modi's 'divine aura', saying the entire impact on India's religious landscape stems from that quality. 'I can say without hesitation that religion, traditions and the nation's cultural values have received unprecedented respect in these 12 years,' he stated. 'People may have different opinions, but in my view India's Sanatan culture, traditions, dignity and prestige have received extraordinary honour during this period,' he added.

Kedarnath Pilgrimage: Managing the Surge

Speaking about the growing footfall at Kedarnath, the seer noted that pilgrims arrive from South India, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other states — many unprepared for the high-altitude cold, particularly those arriving by helicopter without adequate winter clothing. He said that in such situations, his organisation arranges sweaters, jackets, shoes, gloves, socks, and shawls overnight to assist pilgrims.

He also referenced Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami — whom he described as a disciple and 'like a brother' — noting that Dhami has repeatedly appealed to devotees to visit only after completing registration, in order to manage the surge in numbers.

Remarks on Delhi and West Bengal

The seer also commented on what he described as a changed atmosphere for religious events in Delhi and West Bengal. He claimed that during the previous government in Delhi, religious figures like himself were 'rarely remembered or invited' for spiritual programmes. On Bengal, he alleged that followers of Sanatan Dharma had been hesitant to organise discourses and Bhagwat Kathas, citing what he described as an atmosphere of fear under former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He nonetheless called Bengal 'one of the foundational centres of India's intellectual and cultural heritage.'

These remarks reflect the views of Swami Kailashanand Giri and do not represent an editorial position. As Modi's tenure crosses the 12-year mark, assessments of his government's relationship with India's religious institutions are likely to remain a subject of public debate.