Bhopal, May 7 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday flagged off the first batch of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Yatra’ from Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, marking the beginning of a special pilgrimage journey for hundreds of devotees from across the state.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also performed ritual worship of ‘kalash’ filled with water collected from 21 major rivers of India, describing it as a symbol of unity, cultural integration and shared heritage.

Flagging off the pilgrimage train, he said the journey reflects India’s deep spiritual traditions and collective faith.

“Salutations to the eternal Jyotirlinga of Lord Somnath, who embodies national pride. The river Sindhu touches his (Lord Shiva) feet, and the moon adorns his forehead,” he added, underlining the cultural and religious importance of the Somnath temple.

He said the temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of India’s civilisational identity and resilience.

Referring to historical references, the Chief Minister said the Somnath shrine represents the revival of faith after periods of invasions and cultural challenges.

“Nearly a thousand years ago, India went through a difficult phase, but the reconstruction of Somnath restored our cultural pride and self-respect,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving forward on a model of “heritage with development”, where economic growth and cultural revival go hand in hand.

“Our government is simultaneously strengthening infrastructure like roads, railways, bridges and industries while also promoting Sanatan cultural values,” he added.

He said that a cultural awakening is visible across the country “from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar”.

Chief Minister Yadav also highlighted the rise of religious tourism and said the state government is actively developing pilgrimage destinations and improving connectivity through initiatives like helicopter services.

He cited the transformation of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga area as an example, saying it has significantly boosted local economy and tourism.

“Earlier, Ujjain used to receive around 25,000 to 30,000 visitors annually, but now nearly 1.5 lakh devotees are visiting every day,” he said, adding that this growth has benefited hotels, street vendors, transport operators and small businesses.

The Chief Minister said that such development creates both economic opportunities and cultural exchange among people from different regions, strengthening national unity.

Calling the pilgrimage a spiritually enriching experience, Chief Minister Yadav urged devotees to seek blessings for global peace and harmony.

“Life is a journey, and the opportunity given by the divine should be used for the welfare of others,” he added.

–IANS

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