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Indian Express
4 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.
India.com
29-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani son Akash Ambani visits Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, donates....
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani son Akash Ambani visits Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, donates.... Akash Ambani, the eldest son of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and Chairman of Reliance Jio, on Wednesday visited the holy city of Varanasi. During his visit, he offered prayers at the famous Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and participated in the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As soon as Akash arrived at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, he first bowed to the temple's towering spire. He then entered the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and spent around 10 minutes in deep prayer. He performed jalabhishek (offering water) and dugdhabhishek (offering milk) on the Shivling. The temple priests guided him through a dedicated worship ceremony. The temple priests guided him through a traditional Shodashopachara ritual, a sixteen-step worship process. He prayed with full devotion and received blessings from Lord Shiva. After the puja, he bowed respectfully to the temple's main spire and also visited several other small shrines within the temple complex. As a token of appreciation, the temple authorities gifted him a Rudraksha mala and prasadam (holy offering). Speaking to the temple staff, Akash expressed his deep spiritual experience, saying, 'Coming to Kashi, I felt a strong sense of spiritual energy.' He also mentioned that the recent wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was completed smoothly with the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. According to media reports, Akash donated more than Rs. 1 crore to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. Present during his visit were temple CEO Vishwabhushan Mishra, SDM Shambhu Sharan, and several priests. After visiting the temple, Akash went to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where he took part in the sacred Ganga Aarti. Before the Aarti, priests performed a traditional Vedic ritual to worship River Ganga. The members of Ganga Seva Nidhi, including president Sushant Mishra, treasurer Ashish Tiwari, and secretary Hanuman Yadav, welcomed him with an angavastram (a traditional shawl), prasadam, and a memento. They also invited him to return with his entire family. To end the evening, Akash enjoyed a peaceful boat ride on the Ganga, taking in the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient city. About Akash Ambani Akash Ambani is the eldest son of India's top industrialist Mukesh Ambani. According to Jio Institute, he serves as the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited. He is also a board member of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. A passionate sports enthusiast, Akash is the co-owner of the IPL team Mumbai Indians, one of the league's most successful franchises.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Murals on Vindhya Corridor walls to depict religious tales
1 2 Varanasi: Amidst sounds of bells and fragrance of incense sticks, visitors to the renovated temple complex of Vindhyavasini at Vindhya Corridor will soon be able to visually connect with the goddess and her story in the form of 30 artistic murals. As part of the Uttar Pradesh govt's ambitious Rs 150-crore Vindhya Corridor Project, the Vindhyachal shrine area has been expanded and rejuvenated on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham (corridor) project. With the arrival of murals, district magistrate Priyanka Niranjan visited Vindhya Corridor on Wednesday to inspect the selected locations. Providing details, the DM said the murals will illustrate different forms of Goddess Durga and various deities from religious narratives. Additionally, there will be murals showcasing the natural and historical details of the Mirzapur and Vindhyachal region. She mentioned that 30 sites have been selected in the corridor complex for these murals, allowing devotees to learn about religious and historical tales, as well as the geographical landscape of Mirzapur. Enhancing the spiritual experience , the murals will include depictions of the goddess in forms of Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri and Vindhyavasini. They will also display goddess dance, story on Ganga descent, Vindhyavasini Devi temple sanctum sanctorum, Kalikhoh temple, Ashtabhuja Devi temple, Adalpura Sheetla Mata temple, Tara Devi temple, Rameshwar Shiva temple, Garbara Devi temple, Lal Bhairav temple, Bhandari Devi temple, Ganga Yamuna Saraswati temple, Hanuman temple, Dwadash Jyotirlinga, Devi yatra and 108 names, Ram Gaya ghat, and other deities. Besides, the walls will have a display on the carpet industry, Chunar fort, Mirzapur Clock Tower, brass, clay, wood industries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The DM also instructed the executive officer of the municipal body to ensure thorough cleaning of the entire complex, including all four main gates. Additional DM Shiv Pratap Shukla, assistant engineer of the executing agency State Construction Corporation, executive officer of Mirzapur municipality, and other officials were present during the inspection.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam terror attack: Series of protests, prayers across Varanasi
1 2 3 4 Varanasi: A series of protests were held against Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir in the city on Wednesday. Events were also organised to pray for peace of the souls of the tourists killed in the attack. Kashi Vishwanath Dham hosted an Ati Rudra recital, while BJP postponed the Waqf Amendment awareness drive. Muslim institutions like Anjuman Intejamia Masajid, responsible for the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, and the Muslim Mahila Foundation also strongly condemned the massacre. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust hosted an 'Ati Rudra Path', invoking the fierce form of Lord Shiva in anger and resolving to retaliate to strengthen the spirit of people against such horrific terrorist attacks. The organisers said the event aims to seek Lord Shiva's blessing to counter such incidents and to foster a spirit of aggressive retaliation free from internal conflicts. Terming the Pahalgam attack a heinous crime, Anjuman Intejamia Masajid's joint secretary, SM Yasin, said, "Civilised society can never deem this crime forgivable. It is condemnable. Our sympathies are with the grieving families." The Vishal Bharat Sansthan and Muslim Women's Foundation jointly organised a protest march against the Pahalgam attack, culminating in a symbolic cremation of terrorists. Chanting slogans like 'Stop all aid to Pakistan' and 'Pakistan Murdabad', they called upon Muslim religious leaders to issue a Fatwa to expel terrorists and their families from Islam, announcing that no land will be provided for their burial. Women led by Najma Parveen took to the streets demanding action against Pakistan, and burning symbolic effigies of terrorists. They said that it was time for religious leaders to take a stand against these terrorists earning a bad name for Islam. The Bharatiya Janata Party had announced workshops on the Waqf Reform Awareness Campaign from Wednesday, however, it was postponed. BJP Kashi region president Dilip Singh Patel and spokesman Navratan Rathi said that the series of workshops scheduled to start on Wednesday from Babatpur was postponed in mourning for the tourists killed in the terror attack in Kashmir. Meanwhile, marches and the burning of effigies of terrorism by different groups, including lawyers, social and voluntary organisations, and others, were also evident in different areas.
