Jodhpur, July 7 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that Ram Katha serves as an important medium for taking India’s cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and moral values to the masses.

He made the remarks during his visit to Jodhpur, where he attended a Shri Ram Katha programme organised on the occasion of the consecration ceremony of the Shri Ardhanarishwar Shiva Temple at Raghuvanshpuram Ashram in Kelava Khurd. Birla offered prayers at the event, sought blessings from the Vyas Peeth, and listened to the Ram Katha narrated by revered storyteller Murlidhar Maharaj.

Addressing the gathering, Birla said India has a rich legacy of spirituality, yoga, Dharma, and cultural traditions. He noted that the teachings of sages and the country’s spiritual practices have carried messages of healthy living, morality, and spiritual awareness to the world.

He also praised Yoga Rishi Baba Ramdev for inspiring people towards a lifestyle rooted in health, discipline, and cultural values. Birla said Murlidhar Maharaj has been spreading the message of Indian culture and ideals of righteous living through Ram Katha across India and abroad.

He added that the teachings of Lord Shri Ram inspire people to follow the principles of duty, truth, devotion, and morality. Highlighting the importance of temples in society, Birla said temples are not only places of worship but also centres for nurturing values, compassion, social harmony, and cultural awareness.

He said the Ardhanarishwar Mahadev Temple would emerge as a centre of spiritual energy and social harmony. Explaining the significance of the Ardhanarishwar form, Birla said Lord Shiva represents sacrifice and welfare of society, while Goddess Parvati symbolises compassion and affection. Together, the form conveys the message of balance, equality, and harmony.

During the programme, Birla also visited the Keshav Priya Gaushala at Raghuvanshpuram Ashram and appreciated the efforts towards cow service. He prayed for the happiness and prosperity of devotees and wished that the blessings of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shiva-Parvati remain with everyone.

The event was attended by a large number of saints, seers, and devotees, including Yoga Rishi Baba Ramdev, Rajasthan Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar, former Union Minister and MP P.P. Chaudhary, and MLA Bhera Ram Chaudhary.

–IANS

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