Gandhinagar, Thursday: Indian seers' ‘bhakti' cult of worship and devotion showed enough signs of the nation becoming a global guru earlier than expected in the 21st Century, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said today while addressing a Swaminarayan Mahotsava at Vadnagar in north Gujarat.
Mr. Modi said that a spurt in the spate of spiritual discourses by saints and sages of different sects across the country has brought about surge in the people's awareness about India's great traditions and values. The forces of righteousness had always a special impact on India and Gujarat. He listed the contributions of particularly the Swaminarayan sects in furthering the ‘bhakti cult' through their service and devotion.
Moreover, he said, Gujarat has been in the forefront of this ‘bhakti' cult since time immemorial and especially since India's first war for freedom in 1847 till Independence in 1947. It played an important role in motivating people to free Bharat Mata from the shackles of suppression. The religious functions lend added energy to the people and society in this direction.
The occasion was the golden jubilee celebration of Shri Ghanshyamji Maharaj of the historic Kalupur Narnarayan Mandir at Vadnagar. Mr. Modi offered prayers during the consecration ceremony of the Shrihari Golden Throne.
Present on the occasion were Maharaj Tejendra Prasadji, Acharya Kaushalendra Prasadji, Mahant Narayan Vallabhdasji and Shastri Swami Harisevadasji, besides legislator Naranbhai Patel, among others.
