Come Together for the Maha Yagya of a Developed India, Urges PM Modi

New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his admiration for the successful conclusion of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, stating that it is time for India to unite and collaborate for the Maha Yagya of a Viksit Bharat.

In his blog about the Maha Kumbh, he commended the dedication of the central and state governments, as well as the local residents of Prayagraj, for their unwavering support to the pilgrims from all over the nation during this monumental event that occurs once every 144 years.

The Prime Minister remarked,

“The Maha Kumbh has concluded... The Maha Yagya of unity has also finished. When a nation's consciousness is awakened, shedding the weights of centuries of subjugation and embracing a new consciousness, it fosters a scene reminiscent of the Maha Kumbh of unity we witnessed in Prayagraj starting January 13.

On January 22, 2024, during the Praan Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I emphasized the essence of patriotism through devotion. At the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, we observed the gathering of deities, saints, and individuals of all ages, showcasing the awakened consciousness of our nation. This Maha Kumbh symbolized unity, where the faith of 140 crore citizens converged in this singular celebration.

In the sacred area of Prayagraj, there lies Shringverpur, a site of unity, harmony, and love, where Lord Shri Ram and Nishadraj first met. This meeting stands as a testament to the confluence of devotion and harmony in our history. The pilgrimage of Prayagraj continues to inspire the spirit of unity and harmony.

Over the past 45 days, I have witnessed countless individuals journeying from every corner of the nation toward the banks of Sangam. The enthusiasm for bathing at Sangam surged daily. Each devotee was driven by a singular purpose—'Snan' (holy dip) at Sangam. The convergence of Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati invigorated every devotee with immense energy and faith.

This Maha Kumbh event in Prayagraj has emerged as a new subject of study for modern management professionals and policy planners. There is no parallel to such a colossal event globally; there exists no other example like it.

The entire world is astonished at how millions of individuals congregated at the Triveni Sangam riverbank without any formal invitations or prior notice. People simply embarked on their journey for the Maha Kumbh... and were graced by the holy dip at the Sangam.

I cannot erase the images from my mind... the faces filled with overwhelming joy and satisfaction post-bathing. Be it women, the elderly, or the differently-abled, everyone made every effort to reach Sangam.

It was heartening to observe that today’s youth of India participated in such vast numbers at Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. The engagement of India’s youth sends a powerful message. It reinforces the belief that the younger generation is the torchbearer of our values and culture, fully aware of their responsibilities to carry them forward.

The number of attendees at this Maha Kumbh has undoubtedly set a new record. Yet, we also witnessed that those unable to attend Prayagraj emotionally engaged with the event. Individuals who returned with a few drops of Triveni Tirtha water bestowed the same virtues upon millions of devotees as the Kumbh 'snan'. The honor shown to those returning from the Kumbh in every village is unforgettable.

This is an unprecedented occurrence in recent decades, laying the groundwork for many centuries ahead.

In Prayagraj, the turnout exceeded expectations. The administration based their estimates on past experiences, but nearly twice the population of America took part in the Maha Kumbh of unity.

If researchers in the spiritual domain analyze the fervor of millions of Indians, they will discover that India, proud of its heritage, is advancing with renewed vigor. I am convinced this heralds a transformative era that will script a new future for India.

Friends,

This tradition of Maha Kumbh has been fortifying India's national consciousness for millennia. In every Purna Kumbh, sages and saints deliberated on societal conditions for 45 days, leading to the emergence of new guidelines.

Subsequently, conditions and guidelines were reassessed in the Ardha Kumbh every six years. By the twelfth Purna Kumbh, or after a span of 144 years, outdated traditions were discarded, modernity was embraced, and new customs were established in tune with the times.

The Maha Kumbh held after 144 years has imparted new messages from the sages and saints, considering the prevailing circumstances. This time, such a comprehensive Maha Kumbh has also conveyed the message of a new chapter in India's developmental journey—this message is of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Just as in the Maha Kumbh of unity, every devotee—rich or poor, young or old, from within the country or abroad, rural or urban, from any region or background—came together for a Maha Yagya in the Maha Kumbh of unity. This unforgettable display of one India, a magnificent India, became a grand festival of self-confidence for crores of countrymen. Now, we must similarly unite and collaborate for the Maha Yagya of a Viksit Bharat.

Friends,

I also recall the moment when, as a child, Shri Krishna revealed the universe within his mouth to mother Yashoda. In this Maha Kumbh, Indians and the world witnessed the vastness of India's power. We must forge ahead with this self-assurance and commitment to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

This is the very strength of India that our sages ignited in every corner of the nation during the Bhakti movement. Figures like Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo made us aware of this power. Gandhiji recognized it during the freedom struggle. Had we harnessed the immense potential of this power post-independence, channeling it for the benefit of all, it could have emerged as a formidable force to liberate India from the shadows of subjugation. Unfortunately, we failed to do so then. Now, I feel a sense of satisfaction and joy witnessing this power of the populace uniting for a Viksit Bharat.

From the Vedas to Vivekananda and from the Upanishads to satellites, India's illustrious traditions have molded this nation. As a citizen, I hope that while honoring our ancestors and sages with unwavering devotion, we may derive new inspiration from this grand Kumbh of unity and forge new commitments. Let us adopt the profound mantra of unity as our guiding principle and dedicate ourselves to serving God through the service of the nation and honoring life through our service to all living beings.

Friends,

When I visited Kashi for the elections, I articulated my deep feelings, expressing that Maa Ganga has called me. There was a profound sense of responsibility toward the purity and cleanliness of our sacred rivers. At the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, my resolve has been reinforced. The cleanliness of our rivers is intrinsically linked to our life’s journey. We must regard every river, big or small, as a life-giving mother and celebrate river festivals at our convenience. This Maha Kumbh of unity has inspired us to perpetually strive for the cleanliness of our rivers and continually strengthen this campaign.

I recognize that organizing such a monumental event was no small feat. I offer my prayers to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati... O Maa, if we have faltered in our worship, please forgive us. If we fell short in serving the devotees, who embody divinity to me, I seek forgiveness from the public as well.

Friends,

The duty of serving the millions who arrived at Prayag, filled with devotion and partaking in this Maha Kumbh of unity, was achieved solely through the power of devotion. As an MP from UP, I proudly assert that under Yogi ji's leadership, the government, administration, and the public collectively ensured the success of this Maha Kumbh of unity. Regardless of whether at the Centre or the state, everyone was a devoted servant. Our sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, food providers, and everyone involved contributed to the success of this Maha Kumbh through their relentless dedication and service. The unwavering hospitality of Prayagraj's residents towards the pilgrims over these 45 days, despite numerous challenges, is truly remarkable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the residents of Prayagraj and the people of UP.

Friends,

Having witnessed the scenes of the Maha Kumbh, the sentiments that have emerged in my mind from the outset, which have intensified over the past 45 days, have significantly bolstered my faith in the nation's bright future.

The way 140 crore citizens turned the Maha Kumbh of unity in Prayagraj into a remarkable identity of today’s world is truly astounding. Inspired by the dedication, efforts, and resolve of the populace, I plan to visit Shri Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga among the twelve, to offer my Sankalp Pushp as a form of devotion and pray for every Indian.

While the physical manifestation of the Maha Kumbh reached completion on Maha Shivratri, I am confident that, like the uninterrupted flow of Maa Ganga, the currents of spiritual awareness and unity from the Maha Kumbh will continue to persist.