Bhagvata Purana teaches us values of righteousness, service: CM

The Bhagavata Purana teaches us the eternal values of righteousness, devotion and service. It reminds us that true happiness comes from surrendering to the divine and embracing a life of virtue, said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday.

He was participating in the 42nd Akhil Bharat Shrimad Bhagavata Maha Sathram at Sri Bhagavathy Temple at Alappuzha in Kerala.

The Chief Minister praised the Maha Sathram as a powerful reminder of the rich spiritual heritage of India. He lauded the Gopika Sangam, which features 16,008 gopikas and children, as a remarkable initiative reflecting the essence of ‘Bhakti’, pure and unconditional love for the divine.

Sukhu congratulated the organisers for preserving and promoting these sacred traditions, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their spiritual roots.

He said, “Kerala is a beacon of spirituality, where devotion and culture are deeply intertwined. Such a gathering holds a great significance in uniting people from different states and communities through faith.”

Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh had a rich religious and cultural heritage and is called Devbhoomi. He added, “Himachal is home to sacred Shakti Peeth, ancient temples and serene spiritual sites that offer peace and fulfilment to millions of devotees.”

Sukhu said that despite being a small state, Himachal Pradesh celebrates four international, five national, 23 state-level and numerous local fairs annually, showcasing its vibrant culture and attracting religious and cultural tourism.

He said, “To enhance the pilgrimage experience, the state government is making earnest efforts to connect hill temples with ropeways, ensuring access to devotees. The government has also introduced an e-connectivity project linking major temples, allowing devotees to book religious ceremonies like ‘yajna’, ‘bhandara’ and ‘jagran’ online.”