Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday laid the foundation for the rejuvenation of the historic Shri Ram Janaki Temple in Kashmiriganj, a site with a 627-year-old legacy. The renovated temple will cover an area of 8,000 square feet.
Addressing a gathering of seers at the temple complex, Yogi Adityanath highlighted the temple's historical significance. "In 1398, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya's first disciple, Anantacharya, established this temple. Targeting of this place by foreign invaders highlighted its significance. History reveals that under the supervision of Jagadguru Anantacharya's disciple Narharidas, Goswami Tulsidas spent five years of his childhood studying the Vedas and Vedanta at this location. The recitation of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas and Sundarkand is a part of every auspicious ceremony in the homes of Sanatan Dharma followers," Yogi said.
He further emphasized the temple's spiritual importance, noting that numerous scholars, ascetics, and saints have regarded it as a sacred site for spiritual practice. "The tradition of saints and seers like Baba Kinaram, Swami Vivekananda, Ma Anandamayi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Jagadguru Bhagavatacharya, Jagadguru Shivramacharya, Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans Ji Maharaj, the current President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, former MP Ramvilas Vedanti, and others was identified with this temple as they all began their spiritual lives here," he said.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Swami Ramkamalacharya Vedanti as the 23rd generation in this spiritual tradition, stating that the temple's rejuvenation aims to preserve its rich heritage and inspire future generations.
Speaking about the significance of preserving cultural heritage, Yogi Adityanath said, "Our generation is fortunate to witness a rich heritage with their own eyes. The long legacy of revered saints, who lived their entire lives with determination, was realized on Jan 22, 2024, in Ayodhya Dham, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also MP from Kashi, presided over the consecration of Ram Lalla at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi after 500 years."
Recalling the efforts that led to the construction of the Ram Temple, he credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, saints, and late Ashok Singhal for playing a crucial role in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement.