Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday stated that “Sanatan Dharma is the national religion of India,” emphasising that it is the shared responsibility of every citizen to safeguard it. He was speaking at the Ashtottarshat 108 Shrimad Bhagwat Paath and Panch Narayan Mahayagya event, held at Asharfi Bhawan Ashram in Ayodhya.
During the Mahayagya, the Chief Minister performed rituals, offering oblations accompanied by Vedic chants, and prayed for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the people of Uttar Pradesh, as per a statement from the UP government.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated that Sanatan Dharma represents India’s national ethos and that protecting it is a duty of all citizens. He underlined how religion and culture contribute to fostering positivity, harmony, and peace in society.
Referring to historical attacks on sacred temples, Adityanath noted that those who desecrated these holy sites ultimately faced downfall. He cited the example of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s descendants, suggesting that their current plight, such as some driving rickshaws, is a consequence of their ancestors’ destructive actions. He questioned whether they would have been in such situations had they acted righteously and refrained from demolishing temples.
The Chief Minister urged all Indians to unite in protecting and preserving Sanatan Dharma, stressing that respecting this eternal religion is vital for safeguarding humanity and ensuring the nation’s cultural and historical integrity. He highlighted the importance of learning from past mistakes that led India into slavery and resulted in the desecration of its sacred heritage.
With inputs from PTI