Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (October 31) attended the inauguration of the newly constructed Dharamshala at the Srikashi Natkottai Nagar Kshetram in Kashi. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan was the chief guest at the event. Beginning his address with the greeting “Vanakkam Kashi,” the Chief Minister highlighted India’s cultural unity—from the Ganga in Kashi to the Kaveri in Tamil Nadu—despite linguistic diversity.
Symbol of North–South Cultural Harmony
Yogi Adityanath stressed that the new Dharamshala will serve pilgrims and further deepen the centuries-old cultural and spiritual connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. He recalled that Lord Rama established a Jyotirlinga in Rameswaram and that the sacred Adi Vishveshvara Jyotirlinga resides in Kashi—both symbolising the divine link between North and South India. He also mentioned Adi Shankaracharya’s contributions in spreading Advaita philosophy after attaining enlightenment in Kashi.
Indian Heritage Revived Under PM Modi
According to the Chief Minister, India is experiencing a revival of its civilisational and spiritual values under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He cited the temples of Tenkasi and Sivakasi as symbols of Tamil Nadu’s deep spiritual ties to Kashi. He also highlighted the installation of statues of revered saints Tyagaraja Swami, Purandaradasa Swami, Arunachala Kavi, and Ramanujacharya in Ayodhya—demonstrating renewed respect toward great spiritual traditions.
Kashi: Land of Saints and Eternal Knowledge
Yogi Adityanath called Kashi the eternal seat of knowledge and spirituality, recalling its heritage from Buddha’s first sermon in Sarnath to the teachings of Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, Kabir, and Ravidas. He said Kashi symbolises both devotion and development, seamlessly blending ancient heritage with modern infrastructure.
Major Development Projects Transforming the City
Sharing progress details, the Chief Minister informed that development projects worth ₹51,000 crore have been sanctioned for Kashi, out of which ₹34,000 crore worth of work has been completed and inaugurated. He mentioned improved road, rail, air, and water transport facilities and announced that Kashi will soon get a modern ropeway system for city travel.
Two-Century-Old Kshetram Legacy Honoured
Yogi Adityanath praised the Srikashi Natkottai Nagar Kshetram Management Society for its two-hundred-year commitment to serving Lord Vishwanath. He said the Dharamshala had once faced encroachment attempts but was restored. He thanked the Tamil community in India and abroad for their role in reconstructing the Dharamshala and noted that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had laid its foundation.
Invitation to Ganga Mahotsav Celebrations
The Chief Minister invited pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, other Indian states, and abroad—including visitors from the United States—to take part in the Ganga Mahotsav from November 1 to 4 and the grand Dev Deepawali festival on November 5. He assured them that the “New Kashi of New India” would inspire all with its glory and transformation.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Tamil Nadu Minister S. Raghupati, UP Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Srikashi Natkottai leaders L. Narayanan, Abhirami Ramanathan, S. Kadiresan, Dr Solar Nachittan, Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, and other prominent guests participated in the ceremony.to strengthening the traditional links between northern and southern India. “Our spiritual roots connect us deeply, and we must preserve this unity,” he said.
