CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates Revamped Sant Ravidas Temple in Ayodhya, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Development and Cultural Revival
On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the sacred city of Ayodhya, where he inaugurated the beautification work of the historically significant Sant Ravidas temple.
Along with this, he also unveiled the newly constructed Satsang Bhawan, a spiritual gathering hall built to accommodate devotees and host religious discourses.
His visit reflected the ongoing cultural and infrastructural transformation underway in the holy city, which holds deep significance in Hindu tradition.
During his one-day visit, CM Adityanath not only participated in official events but also joined a community meal (bhandara) alongside saints and sadhus, showcasing his government’s emphasis on inclusive religious engagement and reverence for the saintly traditions of India.
He described the efforts as part of a broader movement to rejuvenate Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
Speaking at the event, Adityanath emphasized the growing transformation of Ayodhya, stating,
“A new Ayodhya is taking shape. With every passing day, this ancient city is witnessing rejuvenation and resurgence, and today’s inauguration of the beautification project at the Sant Ravidas temple and the opening of the Satsang Bhawan mark another significant milestone in this journey.”
He paid glowing tribute to Sant Ravidas, a revered figure of the medieval Bhakti movement, acknowledging his contributions to spiritual awakening and social reform.
The Chief Minister noted that Sant Ravidas, through his teachings and poetry, played a critical role in challenging entrenched social injustices and promoting a work-centric philosophy.
He elaborated, “Sant Ravidas was not only a great spiritual figure but also a visionary social reformer who inspired people through his simple yet profound teachings.
His emphasis on karma (action), rejection of hollow rituals, and call for internal purity hold deep relevance even today.” Quoting the famous saying attributed to the saint — “Man changa to kathauti mein Ganga” — the CM explained that this illustrates the idea that if one’s mind is pure, the divine can be found even in the humblest of places.
Yogi Adityanath also invoked historical context, stating that during periods of foreign invasions and socio-religious challenges, particularly when Sanatan Dharma was under threat, it was enlightened souls like Sant Ravidas, particularly in sacred places like Kashi (Varanasi), who preserved and strengthened social unity and cultural identity.
Highlighting his government’s broader vision, the Chief Minister spoke about the progress made over the past decade in revitalizing key religious and historical sites across Uttar Pradesh.
He drew parallels between the restoration of Seer Govardhan in Kashi and the current transformation of Ayodhya. According to Adityanath, these projects represent more than infrastructure—they symbolize a cultural renaissance rooted in heritage and spirituality.
He detailed the various development projects already underway or completed in Ayodhya, including the construction of four-lane highways to improve connectivity, the establishment of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, and the development of the Mata Shabari food distribution center, which aims to serve pilgrims and the needy alike.
The city has also seen the creation of new facilities such as a rest house named after Nishad Raj, a revered figure in the Ramayana, as well as the beautification of Ram Ki Paidi and the rejuvenation of Saryu Ghat, both significant pilgrimage sites on the banks of the sacred Saryu River.
Yogi Adityanath also emphasized how Ayodhya had long been overlooked, particularly in the post-Independence period.
However, under the current leadership, he noted, the city is now on a path of holistic development, combining religious reverence with modern infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
“Ayodhya, once neglected and forgotten, is now emerging as India’s first solar-powered city. This not only marks technological advancement but also showcases a model of sustainable and environmentally conscious development,” he said.
In a clear gesture of social inclusion, the Chief Minister addressed and assured members of various marginalized communities, including the Pasi community, representatives from the Kabir Math, and the Rajak community, of the government’s unwavering dedication to inclusive growth.
He reassured them that their voices matter and their contributions to society will be recognized and respected in the larger developmental roadmap of the state.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s visit symbolized more than a ceremonial event — it was a reaffirmation of his administration’s mission to restore the cultural soul of Ayodhya, empower all sections of society, and ensure that the city’s growth is reflective of India’s deep-rooted values of unity, heritage, and inclusive spirituality.
