India News | UP CM Adityanath Performs Kanya Pujan; Appeals for Safe Vijayadashami Celebrations
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Chief Minister performed the traditional ritual at Gorakhnath Temple, where he worshipped the young girls as embodiments of shakti and sought blessings for peace and prosperity.
Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 19 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed 'Kanya Pujan' on the occasion of Maha Navami on Monday, washing the feet of young girls and offering prayers.
The Chief Minister performed the traditional ritual at Gorakhnath Temple, where he worshipped the young girls as embodiments of shakti and sought blessings for peace and prosperity.
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During the ceremony, the UP CM offered clothes, prasad, and dakshina to the girls after performing the pujan.
The nine-day festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of the divine feminine (Navadurga), is being celebrated across the country with immense religious fervour and devotion.
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Speaking on the occasion, the UP CM appealed to the people to celebrate Vijayadashami safely.
“My appeal to everyone in the state is that the event should be celebrated with enthusiasm, but safety must not be overlooked in the festive atmosphere. We must keep this in mind. The festival of Vijayadashami also conveys the message of freeing ourselves from all evils and vices,” CM said.
He stated that devotees following the Sanatan tradition mark the auspicious occasion by performing Kanya Pujan.
"Today is the Navami tithi of the Sharadiya Navaratri. The 9th manifestation of the Jagatjanani Maa Bhagwati is the bestower of all forms of 'siddhis' (divine attainments). On this occasion, every follower of the Sanatan tradition expresses their deep reverence for this sacred festival and for the power of the 'Matrushakti' by participating in the ritual worship of young, unmarried girls (Kanya Pujan)," CM added.
"It is my good fortune that, on this 9th day of Sharadiya Navaratri, I have had the opportunity to take part in the sacred tradition of the Gorakhnath Temple, worshipping young girls and offering them a 'bhandara' (ceremonial feast)," he stated.
He added that every follower of the Sanatan tradition expresses deep reverence for the festival and for Matrushakti through Kanya Pujan.
"It is a hallmark of the Sanatan tradition to hold the 'Matrushakti' in the highest regard; through the observance of Navaratri twice a year, Basanti Navaratri and Sharadiya Navaratri, devotees not only perform rituals dedicated to the Jagatjanani Maa Bhagwati but also express their profound respect and devotion toward the power of the 'Matrushakti'," the Chief Minister said.
The Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a yearly celebration that honours the Hindu Goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over Mahishasur. Hindu mythology holds that the Goddess comes to her earthly abode at this time to bless her devotees.
Durga Puja culminates on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which falls on the tenth day of the festival and celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. (ANI)
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