During his visit to Prayagraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development initiatives valued at Rs 5500 crore while paying homage to the sacred trinity of rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati.
Speaking about Prayagraj, the Prime Minister emphasized that Prayag represents more than just the convergence of three rivers, highlighting its deeper spiritual significance.
He elaborated on its sacred nature, stating that according to ancient wisdom when the sun enters Makar (Capricorn), it marks an auspicious time when divine energies, Amrit (nectar), rishis, and holy men descend upon Prayag.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Puranas would remain incomplete without mentioning Prayag, adding that this sacred city has been glorified extensively in the ancient Vedic texts.
“Every step in Prayag is marked by sacred sites and virtuous spaces,” the Prime Minister observed.
Highlighting Prayagraj’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the Prime Minister recited a Sanskrit verse and elaborated, “The divine influence of Triveni, the magnificence of Venimadhav, Someshwar’s divine blessings, Rishi Bhardwaj’s meditation ground, Lord Nagaraj Vasu ji’s sacred presence, Akshayvat’s immortal essence, and divine grace – These elements combine to create our Teertharaj Prayag.”
He further emphasized that Prayagraj uniquely embodies all four fundamental aspects of life: ‘Dharma’, ‘Arth’, ‘Kama’, and ‘Moksha’.
“Beyond its geographical boundaries, Prayagraj offers a profound spiritual experience,” expressed the Prime Minister, showing appreciation for the opportunity to visit this sacred city.
He reminisced about his previous holy immersion in the Sangam during the last Kumbh and mentioned his recent opportunity on December 13.
Discussing his morning visits to Hanuman Mandir and Akshayvat, the Prime Minister shared updates about developing dedicated corridors for both sites to enhance devotee access and mentioned reviewing the Saraswati Koop renovation project.
He extended his congratulations to the residents for the multi-crore development initiatives.
“Maha Kumbh stands as a living testament to our heritage, embodying our sacred festival of faith, spirituality, and cultural traditions,” the Prime Minister stated.
Concluding with a Sanskrit verse, the Prime Minister explained that taking a holy dip in the Sangam carries the spiritual merit equivalent to visiting millions of pilgrimage sites.
He elaborated that a sacred dip in these waters cleanses one of all transgressions. The Prime Minister emphasized that this perpetual stream of devotion has persisted uninterrupted, surviving various dynasties, empires, and even British colonial rule, primarily because Kumbh’s essence stems from within, untouched by external influences.
Kumbh, he explained, mirrors humanity’s inner spiritual consciousness, a force that emanates from within and magnetizes people from every corner of India to converge at the Sangam’s sacred banks.
From remote villages, bustling towns, and metropolitan cities, countless devotees embark on their journey to Prayagraj, creating a remarkable congregation whose magnitude is unparalleled elsewhere.
The Prime Minister observed that upon reaching Mahakumbh, all distinctions dissolve – whether among saints, ascetics, scholars, or common devotees – transcending barriers of caste and sectarian differences.
He noted how millions unite under a single purpose and shared vision. The Prime Minister highlighted that this Maha Kumbh would witness millions of devotees from diverse states, speaking different languages, representing various castes and beliefs, coming together in perfect harmony at the Sangam.
This unity in diversity, he explained, makes Maha Kumbh a grand celebration of national integration, where all forms of discrimination dissolve, and every Indian participating in the holy dip at the confluence embodies the beautiful vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat.
He underscored Kumbh’s pivotal role in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, noting its historical significance as a platform where saints engage in profound discussions about crucial national matters and challenges.
The Prime Minister reflected on how, in times before modern communication, Kumbh served as a catalyst for significant social transformation, bringing together spiritual leaders and intellectuals to contemplate national welfare and address both contemporary and future challenges, thus infusing fresh perspective and vitality into the nation’s collective consciousness.
The Prime Minister emphasized that even today, Kumbh maintains its relevance as a forum for such meaningful dialogues, disseminating positive messages nationwide and fostering collective thinking about national prosperity.
While acknowledging that the names, landmarks, and pathways of these gatherings may evolve, the Prime Minister stressed that their fundamental purpose and journey remain unchanged. He emphasized that Kumbh continues to symbolize ongoing national dialogue and serves as a guiding light for