Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday visited Omkareshwar to attend the closing ceremony of five-day long Ekatm Festival, organised by Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust and coinciding with Adi Guru Shankaracharya's birth anniversary.
He participated in rituals, including offering Ahuti at the holy yagna-vedi and lit a ceremonial lamp before the statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. He also released a book titled ‘Ekatma Dham: A Journey of Oneness’ and honoured notable figures in Advaita Vedanta.
Addressing the ceremony the CM said, ‘Adi Guru Shankaracharya worshipped power for religious awakening. Today, India needs strength along with knowledge, detachment and spirituality. If we want to make India powerful, we need weapons alongside scriptures’.
Notably, CM Yadav announced the development of a 108-feet tall statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya and his diksha sthali on Omkar Parvat, which will be part of the Ekatma Dham project.
The development of Ekatma Dham will occur in four phases, beginning with the installation of the statue, followed by the construction of a museum and 'Advait Lok' dedicated to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Future phases will include the establishment of Acharya Shankar International Institute of Advaita Vedanta and a residential complex for guests and scholars.
Additionally, under government initiatives, Gita Bhavans are being constructed in all urban bodies, with plans to celebrate Gita Jayanti on December 1. Additionally, the government is running the BR Ambedkar Kamdhenu scheme for cowsheds and cattle rearing, which has placed the state third in the country in milk production.
In his speech, Yadav reflected on the profound impact of Adi Shankaracharya, who achieved remarkable feat in just 32 years and connected these accomplishments to the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
He reiterated the need for a balance between spiritual depth and worldly strength, praising the legacy of Adi Shankaracharya for harmonising these aspects. Speaking at the event, Acharya Swami Avdheshanand Giri highlighted the significance of the Vedas and the role of Guru Shankaracharya in preserving Hindu identity.
He also commended CM Yadav’s vision for building Gita Bhawans and planning for the 2028 Simhastha Maha Kumbh in Ujjain on a global scale. Moreover, Dr Yadav performed jalabhishek at the sacred Omkareshwar Jyotirling, praying for the prosperity and well-being of the state.
He paid homage to Narmada River and received a symbolic memento from the trustees of Omkareshwar Jyotirling Trust.
