Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday offered prayers at the Van Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, and sought the blessings of Lord Dwarkadhish for the happiness, prosperity and welfare of the people of the state.
The Chief Minister also inspected the arrangements at the temple during his visit and reviewed the facilities being provided to devotees.
MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav conducting rituals at the temple
‘Religious tourism has grown under PM Modi’s leadership’
Speaking on the occasion, CM Dr Yadav said he had travelled to Dwarka with a focus on religious tourism and to understand the arrangements being made at one of the country’s prominent pilgrimage centres.
“Today, I have come to Dwarka with religious tourism in mind. Under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, pilgrimage tourism has increased in Madhya Pradesh,” CM Dr Yadav said.
He highlighted the growing number of devotees visiting Ujjain, attributing the rise to the popularity of the Mahakal Lok corridor and the blessings of Lord Mahakal.
“By the grace of Baba Mahakal, the number of devotees visiting Ujjain has increased nearly 20 times. At present, more than 10 crore devotees are visiting Ujjain,” the Chief Minister said.
MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav
CM Dr Yadav further praised the initiatives undertaken at major religious destinations, saying the development of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and similar efforts in Varanasi had set an example.
“The experiments carried out by PM Modi at religious places, including Mahakal Lok and Varanasi, are remarkable. Our state government is also working in the same direction,” he said.
Focus on better facilities at religious sites
The Chief Minister said the Madhya Pradesh government was working to improve arrangements at religious and pilgrimage sites across the state.
According to CM Dr Yadav, the focus includes establishing better facilities at temples, ensuring easier access for pilgrims, providing accommodation and undertaking necessary construction and infrastructure projects.
“I have also come to Dwarka to see these arrangements,” he said, adding that the visit would provide an opportunity to understand the facilities and systems in place at the important pilgrimage centre.
‘Glorious past of Sanatan culture being celebrated again’
CM Dr Yadav said India’s rich religious and cultural heritage was once again receiving recognition, with governments working to improve facilities at important places of worship.
“Today, the glorious past of Sanatan culture is once again being celebrated with pride. State governments are working on their respective religious sites,” he said.
Highlighting Dwarka’s religious significance, CM Dr Yadav said the city holds an important place among the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is also one of the four principal seats, or Peethas, associated with the four Shankaracharyas.
Another still from CM Dr Yadav's visit to the temple
He also noted the significance of the upcoming festival of Janmashtami and extended his greetings to the people.
“It is a matter of pride for us that Janmashtami is tomorrow. I extend my greetings to everyone. May the blessings of Gopal Krishna always remain upon us,” CM Dr Yadav said.