Those who tried to destroy Sanatan shrines vanished from history: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that Sanatan traditions never sought to forcibly dominate others or enslave people, and those who tried to destroy temples and pilgrimage sites themselves vanished.

Addressing devotees after participating in the consecration ceremony of Navnath idols and the Ashtaman Bhandara programme at Shri Shiv Gorakhnath Ashram in Baghpat, Yogi said that the country endured continuous attacks by foreign invaders but preserved its spiritual heritage.

“Several invaders who attempted to destroy temples and pilgrimage sites associated with Sanatan faith vanished from history. At the same time, the religious centres they targeted were restored and re-established,” he remarked.

Invoking the Sanskrit phrase “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah,” Yogi said religion protects those who protect it. He cautioned against using religion for selfish purposes and said any harm caused to faith and culture would affect not only the present generation but future generations as well.

He also mentioned the reconstruction and reconsecration of the Somnath Temple after its destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. Yogi noted that the temple was reconsecrated in 1951 by India’s first President Rajendra Prasad. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv on Monday.

Highlighting the revival of India’s spiritual heritage under the Modi govt, the CM referred to the redevelopment and restoration of major pilgrimage centres, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ram Mandir, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Temple and Vindhyavasini Devi Temple.

The CM further linked the day to India’s nuclear achievements, recalling how former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee conducted three nuclear tests under ‘Operation Shakti’ at Pokhran on the same date. He said India’s strength symbolised not only national capability but also global welfare.

Describing Baghpat as a place with Mahabharata-era significance, Yogi said it was among the five villages sought by Lord Krishna for the Pandavas from the Kauravas. He praised local seers and villagers for transforming the ‘ashram’ into a major spiritual centre over the past four years.

Speaking on the legacy of Guru Gorakhnath, Yogi said ‘Nath yogis’ played a major role in keeping society united during periods of foreign rule. He said ‘yogis’ travelled from village to village using devotional songs and folk instruments to awaken people and prepare them to resist invaders.

“Yogis were not confined to caves, temples or meditation. Whenever religion and culture came under attack, they stood up and responded firmly,” he said, adding that a true saint stands fearlessly in crisis.