Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the newly developed Brihaspati Kund in Ayodhya. The site has been designed as a symbol of unity between North and South Indian traditions, representing the synthesis of two rich cultural heritages.
The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation and district administration jointly beautified the site and installed statues of three eminent South Indian saint-poets — Thyagaraja Swamigal, Purandara Dasa, and Arunachala Kavirayar — to honour their devotion and contributions to India’s spiritual and musical heritage.
Brihaspati Kund as a Symbol of Cultural Oneness
Speaking at the event, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Brihaspati Kund is not merely a historical monument but a symbol of cultural harmony, where the devotion of North India meets the spirituality of South India.”
He emphasised that Ayodhya, the land of Lord Ram, is becoming a centre of spiritual inclusiveness and national integration.
Statues of Three Great South Indian Poets Unveiled
At the site, the statues of three revered South Indian poets and composers were unveiled:
- Arunachala Kavirayar (1711–1779) — a Tamil poet and composer known for his devotional work Ramanathimalai, based on the Ramayana. His music and poetry infused Tamil literature with a deep sense of bhakti.
- Saint Thyagaraja (1767–1847) — one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music and a devout devotee of Lord Rama. He composed hundreds of devotional pieces in Sanskrit and Telugu, including the famous Endaro Mahanubhavulu, viewing music as a means to attain divinity.
- Purandara Dasa (1470–1564) — regarded as the father of Carnatic music, he composed thousands of Kannada devotional songs devoted to Lord Vishnu. Originally named Srinivasa Nayaka, he later renounced material life to dedicate himself to bhakti and service.
CM Yogi and Finance Minister Lead the Ceremony
Both CM Yogi Adityanath and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the statues at Brihaspati Kund, marking a new chapter in the cultural renaissance of Ayodhya. The event witnessed participation from several saints, mahants, and devotees, turning the occasion into a grand spiritual celebration.
Authorities are also installing a statue of Mata Shabari in Ayodhya Dham.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the government is developing the new Ayodhya. The Prime Minister promoted cultural integration through the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ program in Varanasi, and today, on the same lines, officials are unveiling statues of prominent South Indian saints in Ayodhya.
CM Yogi Offers Prayers at Hanuman Garhi
Before the inauguration, CM Yogi performed a puja at the Hanuman Garhi temple.
Shringi Rishi Peethadheeshwar Mahant Hemant Das Maharaj presented him with a statue of Lord Hanuman and a ceremonial shawl. The temple echoed with devotional chants as the CM prayed for the prosperity of Uttar Pradesh, thewelfare of its people, and the continued progress of Ayodhya.
Mahant Hemant Das blessed the CM, wishing him strength and guidance to continue serving the path of dharma and public service.
Devotees Gather in Large Numbers
A large gathering of saints, mahants, and devotees witnessed the ceremony, filling the atmosphere with devotion and reverence. People celebrated the inauguration of Brihaspati Kund as a historic spiritual milestone, reinforcing Ayodhya’s growing image as the epicentre of India’s cultural unity.
