Latest news with #Skanda
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Rioters in Sambhal face the wrath of 'Mahakal': CM Yogi Adityanath
Sambhal, Aug 7 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lashed out at political rivals and historical wrongs, declaring Sambhal a sacred symbol of Hindu faith. CM Yogi took aim at foreign invaders, Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, warning that 'those who sinned against Sambhal will face stern retribution.' CM was in Sambhal on Thursday where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 222 development projects worth Rs 659 crore in Bahjoi. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, CM Yogi while launching a sharp attack on foreign invaders, unveiled Sambhal's suppressed history. He said the town once boasted 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 sacred wells, and traditional 24- and 84-kos parikrama routes — all desecrated and destroyed by invaders. These holy sites were taken over, and a deliberate attempt was made to erase the truth, he asserted. Calling it a 'malicious conspiracy,' CM Yogi Adityanath vowed to restore all 68 shrines and 19 sacred wells in Sambhal. Citing Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's revival of Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples, he pledged a similar renaissance for Sambhal's heritage. 'True development,' he said, 'lies in preserving legacy while shaping the golden dreams of today and tomorrow.' Emphasizing Sambhal's spiritual significance, CM Yogi said it is a sacred land of both Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva), and foretold in scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagavat, Skanda, and Vishnu Puranas as the birthplace of Lord Kalki in Kaliyug. Hitting out at those who label Hindu traditions as controversial, he said, 'Their background is controversial, so they see our heritage the same way — but this is not up for dispute.' He warned that all such malicious attempts to undermine Sanatan Dharma will be firmly crushed. Referencing the revival of Kashi and Ayodhya, CM Yogi asked, 'If they can be restored, why not Sambhal?' He reaffirmed his government's resolve to rejuvenate Lord Kalki's shrine and Harihar Dham. Taking aim at Congress and SP, he said, 'Congress orchestrated mass killings here, and SP, as its disciple, shielded the murderers. Never forget their sins against Sambhal.' 'They hid the truth of post-independence massacres out of fear of losing their vote bank,' said CM Yogi Adityanath. 'We are not here for vote bank politics- we are here to preserve our heritage. Those who shame India and its values will be taught a lesson their future generations won't forget.' Taking a tough stand against rioters and anarchists, CM Yogi said past governments allowed riots, lawlessness, and exploitation to flourish. 'Girls weren't safe, traders weren't safe. But today, every citizen in UP is secure—except the rioters. Mahakal is delivering justice,' he stated. The Chief Minister emphasized that the evil intentions of those trying to hide the truth of Sambhal will be crushed. 'Those who sinned against Sambhal will face punishment. Those trying to hinder Sambhal's development will pay the price. Those who desecrate the holy sites of Sanatan Dharma will also pay the price', he said. Highlighting his government's achievements, CM Yogi said that over the past eight years, 8.5 lakh jobs have been provided, including the recent police recruitment of 60,200 youth. He slammed previous governments, saying they nurtured one mafia per district, whereas his government is promoting the 'One District, One Product' scheme. He mentioned key welfare initiatives such as housing for the poor, free ration, grants for daughters' weddings, and health services. Highlighting the upcoming festivals, CM Yogi noted that August 9 marks both Raksha Bandhan and Kakori Train Action Memorial Day, followed by Independence Day on August 15 and Shri Krishna Janmashtami on August 16. Echoing PM Modi's call, he urged citizens to hoist the national flag. Praising the resilience of Sambhal's people, he said they faced riots with courage and never bowed down. He assured them that the double-engine government is firmly committed to both heritage preservation and development. CM Yogi said the projects inaugurated today are just a glimpse of what's to come. He highlighted that 222 projects worth ₹659 crore have been launched in Sambhal, covering education, vocational training, drinking water, roads, Anganwadi centres, and infrastructure for composite schools. UNI MBD RN
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Yogi Adityanath vows to restore 68 shrines, 19 sacred wells allegedly destroyed by invaders in Sambhal
The religious heritage of Sambhal, which was allegedly destroyed by invaders, can be restored and preserved as has been done in Ayodhya and Kashi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday (August 7, 2025), terming the city in northwestern U.P. as a symbol of the Hindu faith. Alleging that the city has suffered historical injustices, he targeted previous regimes, warning that those who sin against Sambhal will face severe punishment for their actions. 'The town once boasted 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 sacred wells, and traditional 24- and 84-kos parikrama routes, all desecrated and destroyed by invaders. These holy sites were taken over, and a deliberate attempt was made to erase the truth, it was a malicious conspiracy,' Mr. Adityanath said, addressing a public gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 222 development projects worth ₹659 crore in the Sambhal district. Revival like Kashi, Ayodhya The U.P. CM vowed to restore all 68 shrines and 19 sacred wells in Sambhal. 'True development is in preserving legacy while shaping the golden dreams of today and tomorrow. Sambhal is a historic city, it is a sacred land of both Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva), and foretold in scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagavat, Skanda, and Vishnu Puranas as the birthplace of Lord Kalki in Kaliyug,' Mr. Adityanath said. Drawing a parallel with the revival of Ayodhya and Kashi, the U.P. CM said Sambhal could also be revived in a similar way. 'If they can be restored, why not Sambhal? We will rejuvenate Lord Kalki's shrine and Harihar Dham,' he said. Attacks Congress, SP Hitting out at the previous Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) governments, the CM asked people to never forget their crimes in Sambhal. 'Congress orchestrated mass killings here, and SP shielded the murderers. Never forget their sins against Sambhal. They hid the truth of post-Independence massacres out of fear of losing their vote bank,' alleged the U.P. CM. 'We are not here for vote bank politics — we are here to preserve our heritage. Those who shame India and its values will be taught a lesson their future generations won't forget,' he added. Mr. Adityanath claimed that 8.5 lakh jobs have been provided over the past eight years of the BJP regime in the State, including the recent police recruitment of 60,200 youth. 'The SP governments nurtured one mafia per district, whereas our regime fully focused on promoting the 'One District, One Product' scheme, for the overall growth and development of the State bringing rapid progress and industrialisation,' he said.
Listly
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Listly
Spiritual Landmarks in Colombo: Top 5 Sacred Sites to Visit in Sri Lanka's Capital City
Located on Sea Street, the New Kathiresan Kovil is a stone's throw away from the Old Kathiresan Kovil, which is also counted among Colombo's most popular Hindu shrines. Open to devotees and visitors from the wee hours of the morning, the New Kathiresan Kovil is dedicated to Murugan, the God of War in the Hindu pantheon. Also referred to as the God Skanda, the temple's façade features elaborate sculptures that represent heroes and heroines of Hindu epics, including deities such as Shiva. As a popular venue for Tamil wedding celebrations, the best time to visit the New Kathiresan Kovil is during the annual Vel Festival, which takes place during July/August.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Lenin: Akhil Akkineni's next with Sreeleela delves into the dark space of honour killings
Akhil Akkineni recently made headlines as he married his long-time girlfriend Zainab at a private ceremony in Hyderabad. He is currently on a break and will soon resume the shooting of his new film Lenin, which is being directed by Murali Kishore Abburu and also stars Sreeleela. A fan of Sreeleela? Stream her films, Pelli SandaD and Skanda on OTTplay Premium Post the debacle of Agent, Akhil Akkineni has chosen a rustic action drama. Two schedules of the film have been wrapped up, and we have come to know that Lenin is based on the subject of honour killings. The film is a period drama and is set in the Rayalaseema region. It is about a specific temple in a small town in the Rayalaseema region, and Akhil plays the role of a man from a backward community, according to sources. Though the story sounds a bit dated, the makers say that Murali Kishore has given a different spin to the screenplay. Akhil has undergone a makeover for the film and has taken classes to learn the Rayalaseema dialect. He will be seen in a mass avatar for the first time in his career and has pinned a lot of hopes on making a comeback. Akhil's dad and star hero Nagarjuna Akkineni and noted Tollywood producer of films like DJ Tillu and Jersey, Naga Vamsi, are co-producing the film on a moderate budget. SS Thaman is composing the music, and his background score for the teaser impressed one and all. Lenin is director Murali Kishore Abburu's debut film, and he is under a lot of pressure to deliver. But Nagarjuna and Naga Vamsi have shown faith in him and are fully backing him. This is the first time that Sreeleela is playing a village belle, and she too is excited about the film as it gives her a lot of scope to perform. The makers will soon announce the release date of the film at a special event.
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
How Tarakasura was Defeated
Soon after Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, was born, all the devas appointed him as the head of their army. Although Skanda was still a small child, it had been prophesied that he would defeat Tarakasura, the daitya who had triumphed over the devas and exiled them from heaven. The vanquished devas regained their hopes of victory. In joy, they sounded several musical instruments. Drums such as the Bheri, Pataha, Anaka, Dundubhi and Mridanga, as well as conch shells like the Gomukha, echoed throughout the land. The entire world reverberated with these sounds. The daitya army also arrived and played their war drums. Devrishi Narada, who could go anywhere, went to Taraka and said, 'O best among asuras, this son of Shiva has been born to kill you. After knowing this, try to save yourself.' Taraka replied, 'O great sage, Indra wishes to fight with me, keeping an infant at the head of the army. This is a foolish step and I shall kill him. Tell him so.' With preliminary talks concluded, the two armies began to fight fiercely against one another. The brave King Muchkunda of the Solar dynasty, who had attained heaven, first came to confront Taraka. Taraka struck Muchkunda with a javelin, and he fell unconscious. When he regained consciousness, Muchkunda prepared a Brahmastra, a divine weapon. Narada stopped him, saying, 'Taraka cannot be killed by a human. Do not use this divine weapon.' Just then, war drums were sounded, and Skanda advanced at the head of the ganas (Shiva's followers). Taraka assumed a form with ten thousand arms. He mounted a lion and began killing the ganas. On seeing this, Vishnu said, 'O Son of Shiva, you are born to kill Taraka. You must do it quickly.' Skanda replied, 'I am carefully observing the wonderful ways of fighting of noble warriors. I do not know who belongs to our army and who is an enemy. I do not even know why they are fighting and killing each other.' Narada then narrated the story of Taraka and how he had obtained a boon and defeated the devas. Upon hearing this, Skanda dismounted from his aerial chariot and started walking on foot. When Taraka saw him, he picked up a javelin and said, 'How and why has an infant been placed by the devas in front of me? They are all shameless and their king is Indra.' Skanda too picked up a javelin and began to fight furiously with Taraka. Skanda struck Taraka on the chest with his javelin. Taraka, in turn, hit Skanda and rendered him unconscious. After some time, Skanda regained consciousness and continued the fight. Thereafter, he severed Taraka's head with his javelin and rescued the devas.
