PM Modi lays foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham temple, the social and political significance

After ‘pran pratishtha’ of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi, this is the third mandir ceremony PM Modi was part of since January 22 ahead of Lok Sabha election

PM Narendra Modi performing the puja in Sambhal. PTI

Tribune Web Desk

Vibha Sharma

Chandigarh, January 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone of Kalki Dham temple in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Kalki Dham Peethadheeshwar Acharya Pramod Krishnam.

The temple project is headed by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust chaired by Acharya Pramod Krishnam who was recently expelled by the Congress for "anti-party" activities.

Addressing the gathering of seers and religious leaders, PM Modi talked of the “long battle” fought by Krishnam with “previous governments for the establishment of Kalki temple” and “visits to the court for the same”.

The Prime Minister said he had known Krishnam only as a political personality but came to know his dedication towards religion and spirituality. “Today, Pramod Krishnam ji has been able to start the temple’s work with peace of mind,” he said, expressing confidence that the “temple will be a proof of the positive outlook of the present government towards a better future”.

PM and temples

Since the ‘pran pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Temple at Ayodhya and the inauguration of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, this is the third temple ceremony that PM Modi has been a part of in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, in less than a month.

“Today’s event is another unique moment for India’s cultural renaissance,” he said referring to the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya Dham and inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi.

The PM also underlined the value of such events coming in quick succession,

Recalling the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya temple, PM Modi reiterated the beginning of a new ‘kaal chakra’ (circle of time) since January 22, 2024, highlighting the impact of ‘Ram rajya’ lasting for thousands of years.

While mentioning the 18-year wait for the inauguration of the Kalki Dham, he also said "many good works had been left for him to accomplish". “What was beyond imagination has now become a reality,” he said, adding that with the blessings of the people and the saints he will “continue to clear unfinished tasks”.

“Shri Kalki Dham Temple will emerge as a new centre of India’s spirituality,” he said.

“Whenever India takes big resolutions, divine consciousness definitely comes among us in some form or the other to guide.

“The land of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna is once again filled with devotion, emotion and spirituality today as the foundation stone of another significant pilgrimage is being laid," he said speaking in Uttar Pradesh that sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

Lord Kalki

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Kalki is the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The 10 avatars are—Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narasimha; Vamana; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna or Balarama; Buddha or Krishna; and Kalki.

As per scriptures, Lord Kalki will appear to end the ‘Kali Yug’ or ‘Kalyug’ as it is also called.

‘Kali Yug’ is one of the four periods in the endless cycle of existence. Hindu texts describe the four ‘Yug’ as—Krita or Satya Yug (Satyug), Treta Yug, Dwapara Yug and Kali Yug.

The end of the Kalyug will bring Satya Yuga in the cycle of existence.

Lord Kalki is described in the Puranas as the avatar who will rejuvenate existence by ending the darkest period in the cycle by removing 'adharma' (unrighteousness), ushering in the Satya Yug and establishing 'dharma' (righteousness).

“When Lord Kalki incarnates he will be presented with a white horse named ‘Devdutt’ by Lord Shiva, a sword by Lord Parshuram and education by Lord Brihaspati,” as per scriptures.

“Kalki is the initiator of change in ‘kaal chakra’ and also a source of inspiration,” the PM also said.

The temple

Kalki Dham holds special significance as it is the first temple built before God's incarnation.

According to reports, the temple will be made of pink-hued stone, similar to Ayodhya Ram Mandir and Somnath Temple.

The temple will have 10 ‘garbh grihas’ where 10 avatars of the Lord Vishnu will be seated.

“Through these 10 avatars, the scriptures have presented all forms of the Lord including the human form. We have experienced Lord in the form of ‘Sinh (lion), Varah (boar) and Kachhap (tortoise),” the PM said.

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