Latest news with #JagannathTemple
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
From reviving religious places to Op Sindoor, govt has been drawing inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar's life: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that his 'double-engine' government has been drawing inspiration from 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar and linked her legacy to the grand revival of spiritual centres like Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, among others. He also said India's strong reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack was inspired by the principles of self-defence espoused by the Maratha ruler. Speaking at an event in Agra held under the ongoing 'Punyashlok Lokmata Janma Trishatabdi Varsh Smriti Abhiyan – 2025', the chief minister said: 'During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago.' 'She renovated many religious places, including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, and Rameswaram Temple with her personal funds instead of using state assets… She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration,' Adityanath said. Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as 'Brajbhoomi' and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna's presence. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya also attended the event, organised by Union Minister SP Singh Baghel. Stating that Ahilyabai Holkar's contributions to women, artisans, farmers, youth, security, and India's cultural heritage remain unforgettable and commendable, he said the double-engine government' key welfare schemes, such as Lakhpati Didi, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign draw inspiration from Lokmata's life. He added that Ahilyabai Holkar had empowered the Malwa kingdom with self-defence capabilities—an approach that resonates in India's modern military actions. 'Today, our armed forces strike back with strength, as seen in surgical and air strikes against terrorism. When Pakistan supports terrorists, India responds across the border. Our air force even destroyed their air defense system—this resolve draws inspiration from Lokmata's visionary legacy,' he said. 'When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor… compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign,' Adityanath said, adding that no force can stop a society inspired by its national heroes, and cited Ahilyabai Holkar's life as a shining example. The chief minister also announced that a medical college in Auraiya has been named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. Hitting out at the previous Samajwadi Party government, Adityanath said: 'In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy. Today, the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Op Sindoor inspired by Ahilyabai's principles of self-defence: Yogi
Lucknow: Chief Minister on Sunday said that India's strong retaliation to through was inspired by the principles of self-defence espoused by Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar while protecting the nation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "When under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor and compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata Ahilyabai espoused during her reign," Yogi said, addressing a programme held in Agra to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century. "Our armed forces strike back with strength, as seen in surgical and air strikes against terrorism. When Pakistan supports terrorists, our country responds across the border. Our air force even destroyed their air defence system," he said. "The BJP-led double-engine govt is following the path of good governance shown by her (Ahilyabai) in carrying out development and public welfare works, various women empowerment schemes and restoration of temples in Uttar Pradesh," he said. "During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago," he said. Yogi added that when a society takes inspiration from its national icons, no force can become an obstacle in its path. "Her work for women, craftsmen, artisans, farmers, youth and the cultural heritage of India is unforgettable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She renovated many religious places including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple and Rameswaram Temple with her personal funds instead of using state assets," he said. Hitting out at the previous govt, Yogi said that earlier some people used to nurture mafias which created problems for law and order. "Some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy," he said, adding that she lived for only 70 years, but her personality continued to guide and inspire the people. "As a mark of respect, a medical college in Auraiya has been named after Ahilyabai," he said. He praised Devi Ahilyabai's contributions to women and handloom artisans, noting how she brought global recognition to Mahishmati sarees — on the lines of Banarasi sarees.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Operation Sindoor Inspired By Maratha Ruler Ahilyabai Holkar: CM Yogi Adityanath
Last Updated: India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that India's strong response to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor was driven by the idea of self-defence, similar to the principles followed by Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar in defending the nation. He added that, in the same way, the BJP-led 'double-engine" government is following her example of good governance by focusing on development, public welfare schemes, women empowerment initiatives, and the restoration of temples in Uttar Pradesh. 'When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor… compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign," Adityanath said. 300 वर्ष पहले, लोकमाता ने अपने साम्राज्य के माध्यम से आत्मरक्षा और सुरक्षा के गुण हम सभी को सिखाए थे… — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) June 1, 2025 India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the operation, India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir two weeks later, leading to a four-day military standoff between the two countries. Adityanath was addressing a programme held here to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century. 'During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago," he said while throwing light on the life of Ahilyabai Holkar. Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as 'Brajbhoomi' and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna's presence. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya in Agra are among those present at the function. Adityanath said that when a society takes inspiration from its national icons, no force can become an obstacle in its path. 'The great personality of Lokmata Ahilyabai is a living example of this," he said. Her work for women, craftsmen, artisans, farmers, youth and the cultural heritage of India is unforgettable, he said. She renovated many religious places including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple and Rameswaram Temple 'with her personal funds instead of using state assets", the chief minister remarked. She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration, Adityanath said. 'In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy," Adityanath added. 'Today the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata." (With agency inputs) First Published: June 01, 2025, 21:20 IST
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri without governing body for 8 months
The Jagannath Temple in Puri has been without its managing committee for eight months, impacting key decisions on the 2025-26 budget BHUBANESWAR: The Jagannath Temple in Puri has been functioning without its governing body for the last eight months, impacting the shrine's administration. The principal decision-making body, an 18-member managing committee (MC) tasked with policy decisions, completed its three-year term on Sept 3, 2024. After implementing the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, the Odisha govt assigned the temple's daily administration to the statutory MC to ensure proper preservation and enhanced management of the temple. According to the Act, the MC must approve all decisions, from rituals to financial matters, before implementation by the govt in this 12th century shrine. Despite a senior IAS officer (chief administrator) and other govt officials overseeing the temple's daily administrative operations, the MC's absence has led to several pending crucial decisions regarding the shrine. About 10 key proposals remain unresolved, with significant ones, including the 2025-26 budget, new darshan system, and repositioning of the temple Hundi. "The temple currently operates on an interim budget, as the 2025-26 budget awaits approval due to the committee's absence," a senior temple official said. The proposed queue darshan system's implementation faces delays pending MC approval. The new system includes a six-lane ramp within wooden collapsible barricades at Natamandap, opposite the sanctum sanctorum, designed to facilitate organised darshan. It provides separate paths for men, women, and senior citizens, with plans to include differently-abled devotees. "With the Rath Yatra approaching on June 27, the MC's absence could create additional challenges. Traditionally, the MC finalises the rituals, arrangements, and guidelines for Rath Yatra annually," the official said. The shrine authorities said that while the chief administrator is currently exercising his extraordinary power under the Temple Act and handling daily management decisions, these must require subsequent post facto approval once the MC is established. "If the MC formation doesn't take place before Rath Yatra, the chief administrator will have to make decisions and obtain post facto approval later. However, he cannot take decisions involving major proposals and controversial matters," he said. Collector (Puri) and temple's deputy chief administrator Siddharth Shankar Swain said, "Due official process already started for formation of the managing committee. It is the govt's discretion to finalise the members of the committee." Recently, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan told journalists: "The govt is aware of the matter and will soon constitute the temple managing committee."
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Business Mayor
Roll out a hundred Jagannath Dhams
First, it was the Great Rasagola-Roshogolla Spat. Now it's the 'Goddamn, there's another Jagannath Dham !' tussle. The two sparring parties are the same – Odisha and West Bengal. As is wont with legacy institutions not taking kindly to upstart crows, this time, too, Odisha, where the Jagannath Temple has been standing in the coastal town of Puri since the 12th c., is miffed after Bengal's new Jagannath Temple has come up at the seaside resort of Digha since April 30, 2025. One would have thought that Odisha would have been chuffed that Bengal turned to Puri for inspiration to spread the lord's word. But it turns out now that quite like rasagola-roshogolla, the epithet of 'dham' (abode) can be applied only to four sacred places: Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Puri. Somehow, Delhi's Akshardham missed the memo. The quarrel, of course, is over more mortal things: religious tourists. It's as if when a Wendy's outlet opens in the 'hood, legacy McDonald's is supposed to get riled up. But guys, guys, guys. Places of worship are also part of competitive capitalism. One more branch of Jagannath Dham® should be good news, no? After all, if Big J is, as divinity, omnipresent, it should stand to reason that he has many dhams. In fact, setting up a Jagannath St-Tropez and a Jagannath KwaZulu-Natal should be the next logical step in J-walking.
