**Ayodhya: Grand Statues of South Indian Saints Unveiled at Brihaspati Kund**
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled magnificent statues of three revered South Indian saints—Shri Tyagaraja Swamigal, Shri Purandara Dasa, and Shri Arunachala Kavi—at the sacred Brihaspati Kund in Ayodhya. The event was graced by the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and was marked by deep devotion, embodying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
**Naming of Ram Temple Gates after Spiritual Masters**
During the occasion, CM Yogi announced that the four major gates of the Ram Temple will be named in honor of India’s great spiritual masters:
– Southern gate: Jagadguru Shankaracharya
– Southeast gate (Gate No. 3): Jagadguru Madhvacharya
– Northern gate: Jagadguru Ramanujacharya
– Entrance from Sugriv Kila Marg: Jagadguru Ramanandacharya
This initiative not only celebrates the cultural unity between North and South India but also marks a historic step towards national unity and harmony under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.
**Tribute to Saints Devoted to Shri Ram**
The Chief Minister highlighted that the three saints, who lived between the 15th and 18th centuries, dedicated their entire lives to the devotion of Shri Ram. Placing their statues at the feet of Lord Ram is a matter of pride for the entire nation.
CM Yogi emphasized the significance of the site as the sacred pond of Devguru Brihaspati, noting that millions of devotees who visit annually will now have the opportunity to pay homage to these saints.
**Significance of the Saints**
– **Tyagaraja Mahaswami** is renowned as one of the trinity of Carnatic music. He devotionally worshipped Lord Shri Ram through thousands of devotional songs composed in Telugu.
– **Shri Purandara Dasa Mahaswami** (1434–1564), regarded as the father of Carnatic music, renounced his merchant life to become a leading saint of the Haridasa tradition, composing over 450,000 devotional songs in Kannada.
– **Shri Arunachala Kavi Mahaswami** spread the ideals of Lord Shri Ram through his Tamil poetic work, “Ramanatakam.”
**Strengthening Cultural Bonds Between North and South India**
CM Yogi shared that the statue of Jagadguru Ramanujacharya and the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk have already been established in Ayodhya, and this new initiative further strengthens the cultural connection between North and South India.
He fondly recalled that during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, large numbers of devotees from South India had come to Ayodhya chanting the slogan, “Ram Lalla, Hum Aayenge, Mandir Wahi Banayenge.”
Moreover, CM Yogi highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in building a cultural bridge between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’—uniting the rich heritages of Sanskrit and Tamil languages, which he described as weaving together the very soul of India.
**Acknowledgement of Union Finance Minister’s Contribution**
The Chief Minister commended Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for implementing the ‘Next Generation GST Reform’ across the nation on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri. This reform has provided relief to 140 crore citizens and infused new vigor and strength into the economy.
**Presence of Dignitaries and Devotees**
The event was attended by distinguished guests including State Cabinet Ministers Suresh Khanna, Surya Pratap Shahi, and Jaiveer Singh; Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee Nripendra Mishra; General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Champat Rai; District Panchayat Chairperson Roli Singh; Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi; MLAs Ved Prakash Gupta, Dr. Amit Singh Chauhan, Chandra Bhanu Paswan, Ramchandra Yadav, Abhay Singh, and many others.
A large number of devotees from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh also participated in the event, reflecting the nationwide devotion and unity inspired by Sri Ram.
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This ceremony at Ayodhya not only honors the spiritual legacy of revered saints but also celebrates the cultural unity and national harmony envisaged by India’s leadership.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-cm-yogi-adityanath-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-unveil-statues-of-3-south-indian-saints-at-brihaspati-kund-on-ram-temple-premises
