laid the foundation stone and performed bhumi pujan of a Rs. 27.68 -crore project for tourism development of Shri Paramhans Yoganand Ji’s birthplace in Gorakhpur. He reviewed the plan of development works and received related information.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that this is an important step towards restoring the historical and spiritual significance of Gorakhpur. Born on January 5, 1893 in a Bengali family, Mukundlal Ghosh, later known as Paramhansa Yogananda, spent the first eight years of his life in Gorakhpur. He also had a spiritual connection with the Gorakhnath sect.
Paramahansa Yogananda spread Kriyayoga and Indian spirituality worldwide through the Yogoda Satsanga Society and the Self-Realization Fellowship. CM Yogi Adityanath said that this birthplace is not just a place of memory, but a place of liberation, from where the light of spirituality spread to the whole world.
Referring to the sage tradition of India, he said that our saints and yogis revealed the mysteries of the universe and gave direction to humanity. For example, Sanjaya ‘s divine description of the Mahabharata war to Dhritarashtra is a testimony to the achievements of our sages.
Highlighting the spiritual heritage of Gorakhpur, he said that the sadhana of Gorakhnath, Gambhirnath and other saints has made this land Tapobhumi. In the tradition of Bengal also there have been divine saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Pranavananda. Paramhansa Yogananda ji distinguished India’s spiritual heritage on the global stage.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that the followers of Yoganand ji had been demanding for a long time that a grand memorial of him should be built in Gorakhpur. With the help of the government, a grand yoga temple is now going to be built there, which has been directed to be completed in the next one and a half years.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that the society which does not respect its tradition and ancestors, goes towards darkness. He appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Heritage Conservation’ and said that this temple is a reflection of that spirit.
Referring to the development of Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister said that several works like road widening, undergrounding of power lines, street lights, beautification of historical places have been completed in the city. Projects like AIIMS, Fertiliser Plant and Ramgarhtal are also part of this development.
He said that development is possible only when the security environment is strong. Before 2017, criminals and mafias were in power, but now the rule of law is established. Security of women, daughters and traders has been ensured. The administration has tightened security and CCTV cameras have been installed.
The Chief Minister said that the inauguration of the BrahMos Missile Manufacturing Centre in Lucknow is a reflection of India’s security capability. This missile is going to scare the enemies. “We can build a prosperous and secure India only when we work in the spirit of nation first,” he said.
General Secretary of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India Swami E. Varanand and Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan Shukla also shared their views on the occasion. Officials and elected representatives participated in the programme.