Ayodhya, June 20: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the Muni Suvratanath Panchkalyaanak Pratishtha Mahotsav held at the Digambar Jain Temple on Friday. During the event, he inaugurated the Rishabhdev Janmabhoomi Gate and the 101 Jain Temples.
At this occasion, he highlighted Ayodhya’s glorious history. He stated that the kings of Ayodhya protect both the tradition of knowledge and cows. The Chief Minister urged the attendees to take action for cow protection. In India, it has been a tradition for every family to offer the first morsel to the cow and the last to the dog. He mentioned that when lighting lamps at home in the evening, people should also provide flour and sugar to ants. This practice paves the way for the welfare of all living beings, embodying the spirit of “live and let live.”
Yogi Adityanath, the head of the Gorakhnath Peeth, described cows as a divine entity. He called for collective efforts to protect, preserve, and promote them. He encouraged Jain families to adopt a cow shelter or provide annual support for a few cows. He also suggested visiting the shelter to check on the health of the cows. A healthy cow ensures the safety of Indian culture, Jainism, and Vedic Sanatan Dharma. One’s safety is intertwined with another’s. While the paths to the destination may differ, the tradition remains the same.
The Chief Minister appealed to the devotees to maintain the sanctity of pilgrimage sites through cleanliness, tree planting, and environmental conservation. He echoed Prime Minister Modi’s call for citizens to be duty-conscious. By being mindful of our responsibilities to society and the nation, India and its essence will remain eternal.
He expressed confidence that the Jain community would assist in guiding society towards virtuous conduct. He noted that the tradition initiated by Adinath is unique. The first Tirthankara, Adinath Rishabhdev, is also revered as the sacred land of Ayodhya. He was the first king of the earth, and the king of Ayodhya was considered the king of the world.
The Chief Minister referenced the Ramayana, recounting the dialogue between Lord Ram and Bali, where Bali accused Ram of deceit. Ram responded that Bali’s own actions led to his downfall. The entire land, covered with oceans and forests, belongs to the kings of Ayodhya. Lord Rishabhdev’s son, Lord Jadh Bharat, is the namesake of our country, Bharat.
CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh is fortunate to have the highest number of Tirthankaras, with five of them (the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev; the second, Lord Ajitnath; the fourth, Lord Abhinandanath; the fifth, Lord Sumatinath; and the fourteenth, Lord Anantanath) having manifested in Ayodhya. Kashi has four, Shravasti has one, and Hastinapur has a long tradition of Tirthankaras. In Kushinagar, the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, blessed the land as a sacred city with his final teachings. Recently, he stated that the area, previously known as Fazilnagar, should be called Pavagadh.
CM Yogi emphasized that the kings of the earth inspire protection, nurturing, and discipline. The mantra “live and let live” can only be given by those bound by self-discipline. Negative forces cannot exist within self-discipline. Those who lack self-control cannot govern others. This sacred tradition has imparted this message to the world. By following this message, we can pave the way for the welfare of not just humanity but all living beings. Jain Tirthankaras have inspired global welfare through their teachings and words.
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