By The Sampadak Express
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made significant remarks about the historical and religious significance of Sambhal, a town with roots dating back over 5,000 years, during a media event in Lucknow on Wednesday. He asserted that Sambhal’s history predates the arrival of Islam and highlighted the destruction of the Hari Vishnu temple in 1526.
In his address, Yogi Adityanath emphasized that Sambhal represents a “historical truth” that he has always spoken about openly. The CM’s statement on Sambhal’s ancient history comes in the context of ongoing discussions surrounding the town’s cultural and religious significance.
“Sambhal represents a historical truth, and I have always spoken about it openly,” said Yogi Adityanath, pointing to the region’s rich heritage that stretches back thousands of years. He further reiterated that the Hari Vishnu temple, which once stood as a symbol of the town’s religious legacy, was destroyed in 1526.
Yogi Adityanath also expressed his pride in the color saffron (‘Bhagwa’), stating that it represents not only his own identity but also the identity of Sanatan Dharma (eternal religion). “Bhagwa is my identity, Sanatan Dharma’s identity, and I am proud of it. One day, the whole world would wear it,” he proclaimed, expressing his belief in the global embrace of Sanatan values.
In a broader context of religious tolerance, Yogi Adityanath clarified that as a Yogi, he respects all faiths. However, he strongly opposed the forcible occupation of religious sites. “I am a Yogi, and I respect every sect and religion… But it is not acceptable if someone forcibly occupies a place and destroys someone’s faith,” he added. The CM’s remarks come amid reports of encroachments on religious sites in the region.
Yogi also mentioned the status of pilgrimage sites in Sambhal, stating that there were 68 such sites, of which only 18 have been identified so far. He highlighted the significance of the recent religious event in the region, noting that Jalabhishek (ritual bathing of the Shiva idol) was performed at a Shiva temple in Sambhal after 56 years, marking an important moment for the local religious community.
Additionally, Yogi Adityanath took a firm stand against Congress for opposing the Maha Kumbh, a major religious gathering. He criticized Congress for its resistance to every positive initiative, particularly highlighting the challenges faced during the first Kumbh Mela after India’s independence in 1954, which was held under Congress’s leadership at the time. According to Yogi, the event was marred by chaos, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to over 1,000 deaths. “They oppose every good work. All of them have had opportunities. The first Kumbh Mela of independent India was organised in 1954 when Congress was in power both in the state and at the center. At that time, the scene was marked by corruption, disorder, and anarchy. More than 1,000 deaths occurred, and this happened at every Kumbh Mela thereafter. This is not hidden from anyone,” he said.
Yogi Adityanath’s comments reflect a blend of cultural pride, religious identity, and criticism of political opposition. His statements underscore his commitment to the preservation and promotion of India’s ancient cultural and religious heritage while addressing ongoing issues of faith and religious sites in the state.
