Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday declared that “Sanatan Dharma is India’s national religion” and called on every citizen to take collective responsibility for its preservation.
Adityanath attended the Ashtottarshat 108 Shrimad Bhagwat Paath and Panch Narayan Mahayagya at the Asharfi Bhawan Ashram in Ayodhya.
During the Mahayagya, the Chief Minister offered oblations while Vedic hymns were chanted, praying for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of Uttar Pradesh, according to a statement from the UP government.
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath reiterated, “Sanatan Dharma is the national religion of India, and protecting it is a collective duty of all citizens.” He stressed the role of religion and culture in promoting peace and positivity within society.
Recalling historical attacks on sacred temples, he noted that the descendants of those who desecrated these sites have faced ruin.
Offering an example, he remarked, “Today, the descendants of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb are driving rickshaws. Their plight is a consequence of their destructive deeds. If they had upheld righteousness and refrained from demolishing temples, would they be in this condition?”
Adityanath urged reflection on past mistakes that led to India’s subjugation and the desecration of its holy sites.
He called on all Indians to unite in safeguarding Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing that honoring this eternal religion is vital to preserving humanity.
