Mysuru
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi wished that India should become the number one country in the world.
He was speaking after participating in the puja rituals of the world’s first-ever Sahasra Chandi Yaga and Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Mahayajna, which commenced on Friday at the Avadhoota Datta Peetha here on Friday.
Joshi said that India currently holds the fourth position globally in many sectors, including the economy, and it should move to the top position. With the blessings of Pujya Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji,everything would be achieved. There should be peace, harmony, and balance in the world, and for that to happen, India must emerge as a powerful nation.
The union minister expressed happiness that Ganapathi Swamiji is conducting the 14-day-long Sahasra Chandi Yaga and Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Mahayajna in a spiritually uplifting way, which fosters devotion and instills divine thoughts in people's minds. He noted that the puja is being performed with around 9,000 sacred trees.
Joshi said that while forests and trees are depleting across the world, India has seen a 17 per cent increase in forest cover over the past 11 years. The fundamental reason for this, is the country’s spiritual devotion and faith in God — the essence behind such Chandi Yagas conducted by Swamiji. Through this Yajna, Swamiji has given the message that we must preserve creation.
Joshi said he had the unexpected privilege of participating in such a sacred and blessed event, and he offered his reverent salutations to Ganapathi Swamiji and the junior seer, Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha.
He also emphasized that it is only in India’s Sanatana Hindu culture that one sees divinity in all living and non-living beings — a purity that exists solely in Hinduism. The entire world is crying out, but only in India do people live in oneness with nature. Nature gives everything we need, fulfills desires, and keeps greed away. This philosophy, Joshi said, is possible only in Indian culture.
A special moment of the day was when Ganapathi Swamiji performed the Homa rituals with the participation of Prahlad Joshi and MLA T.S. Srivatsa.
The Sahasra Chandi Yaga began at 7 AM today in the premises of Avadhoota Datta Peetha with rituals performed in 11 Homa Kundas. Alongside this, Rudra Homa was also conducted. Later, devotees chanted Soundarya Lahari and Lalitha Sahasranama.
Vishwabhushan Mishra, CEO of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, was also present for today’s Chandi Yaga rituals.
Along with Prahlad Joshi, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, BJP city president L. Nagendra, and Jogi Manju, among others, were present.