The followers of ISKCON spread across the world are tied by the thread of devotion to Lord Krishna: PM
India is not just a piece of land bounded by geographical boundaries; it's a living land, a living culture: PMTo understand Bharat, we have to first imbibe spirituality: PMThe main foundation of our spiritual culture is the spirit of service: PMThe Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Addressing the gathering, he expressed that it was his good fortune to participate in such a divine ceremony and acknowledged the immense affection and warmth of ISKCON's saints, along with the blessings of Srila Prabhupada Swami. The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to all revered saints and paid his respects to them. He highlighted the design and concept of the Shri Radha Madanmohanji Temple complex, which reflects the complete tradition of spirituality and knowledge. He added that the temple showcases various forms of the divine, expressing the idea of 'Eko Aham Bahu Syam.' The Prime Minister noted that a museum based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata was being constructed to cater to the interests and attractions of the new generation. Additionally, he added that a garden inspired by the 12 forests of Vrindavan was being developed. Shri Modi expressed his confidence that the temple complex will become a sacred center enriching India's consciousness along with faith. He congratulated all the saints and members of ISKCON and the people of Maharashtra for this noble endeavor.
Expressing his emotional remembrance of the revered Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that Maharaj's vision and blessings, rooted in his deep devotion to Lord Krishna, are integral to this project. He added that although Maharaj was not physically present, his spiritual presence was felt by all. The Prime Minister highlighted the special place Maharaj's affection and memories hold in his life. He recalled being invited by Maharaj for the unveiling of the world's largest Gita and receiving his guidance during Srila Prabhupada Ji's 125th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the realization of another of Maharaj's dreams.
“ISKCON followers worldwide are united by their devotion to Lord Krishna”, said Shri Modi and highlighted that another connecting thread is the teachings of Srila Prabhupada Swami, which guides the devotees 24/7. The Prime Minister noted that Srila Prabhupada Swami promoted the importance of the Vedas, Vedanta, and the Gita during India's struggle for independence, linking Bhakti Vedanta to the consciousness of the common people. He further added that at the age of 70, when most people consider their duties fulfilled, Srila Prabhupada Swami started the ISKCON mission and traveled the world, spreading Lord Krishna's message to every corner. Remarking that today, millions of people globally benefit from his dedication, the Prime Minister emphasized that Srila Prabhupada Swami's active efforts continue to inspire us.
“India is an extraordinary and wonderful land, not just a piece of land bound by geographical boundaries, but a living land with a vibrant culture”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He emphasized that the essence of this culture is spirituality, and to understand India, one must first embrace spirituality. The Prime Minister noted that those who view the world only from a material perspective see India as a collection of different languages and provinces. However, he added that when one connects their soul with this cultural consciousness, they truly see India. He highlighted that in the far east, saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Bengal, while in the west, saints like Namdev, Tukaram, and Dnyaneshwar emerged in Maharashtra. Shri Modi remarked that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread the Mahavakya mantra to the masses, and the saints of Maharashtra shared spiritual nectar through the 'Ramkrishna Hari' mantra. He added that Sant Dnyaneshwar made the profound knowledge of Lord Krishna accessible through the Dnyaneshwari Gita. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada popularized the Gita through ISKCON, publishing commentaries and connecting people with its essence. The Prime Minister remarked that these saints, born in different places and times, each advanced the stream of Krishna devotion in their unique ways. He added that despite the differences in their birth periods, languages, and methods, their understanding, thoughts, and consciousness were one and all of them infused new life into society with the light of devotion, giving it new direction and energy.
Remarking that the foundation of India's spiritual culture is service, Shri Modi emphasized that in spirituality, serving God and serving people become one. He noted that India's spiritual culture connects practitioners to society, fostering compassion and leading them towards service. Quoting a Shri Krishna's shloka meaning that true service is selfless, the Prime Minister highlighted that all religious texts and scriptures are rooted in the spirit of service. He remarked that ISKCON, a vast organization, operates with this spirit of service, contributing to education, health, and the environment. He noted that ISKCON was undertaking significant service activities at the Kumbh Mela.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that the government was continuously working for the welfare of citizens with the same spirit of service. He remarked that building toilets in every home, providing gas connections to poor women through Ujjwala scheme, ensuring tap water in every household, offering free medical treatment up to 5 lakh rupees to every poor person, extending this facility to every elderly person above 70 years of age, and providing pucca houses to every homeless person are all actions driven by this spirit of service. The Prime Minister emphasized that this spirit of service brings true social justice and is a symbol of true secularism.
Underscoring that the Government was connecting various pilgrimage and religious sites across the country through the Krishna Circuit, Shri Modi highlighted that this circuit extends to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. He added that these sites were being developed under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes. The Prime Minister noted that these temples showcase different forms of Lord Krishna, from his child form to his worship with Radha Rani, his Karmayogi form, and his worship as a king. He emphasized that the aim was to make it easier to visit various sites associated with Lord Krishna's life and temples, with special trains being operated for this purpose. The Prime Minister suggested that ISKCON can assist in bringing devotees to these faith centers connected to the Krishna Circuit. He urged ISKCON to encourage all devotees associated with their centers to visit at least five such places in India.
Stressing that in the past decade, the country had seen simultaneous progress in development and heritage, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of institutions like ISKCON to this mission of development through heritage. The Prime Minister noted that temples and religious sites have been centers of social consciousness for centuries, and gurukuls have played a crucial role in promoting education and skill development. He emphasized that ISKCON inspires youth to make spirituality a part of their lives through its programs. The Prime Minister remarked on how ISKCON's young practitioners embrace modern technology while following their traditions, making their information network a model for others. He expressed confidence that under ISKCON's guidance, the youth will work for national interest with a spirit of service and dedication. Shri Modi highlighted that the Bhaktivedanta Ayurvedic Healing Center and the Bhaktivedanta College for Vedic Education established in the temple complex will benefit society and the entire country. He also emphasized the call given for ‘Heal in India’.
Shri Modi remarked that as society becomes more modern, it also needs more compassion and sensitivity. He emphasized the need to create a society of sensitive individuals who advance with human qualities and a sense of belonging. The Prime Minister highlighted that ISKCON, through its Bhakti Vedanta, can breathe new life into global sensitivity and expand human values worldwide. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that ISKCON's leaders will continue to uphold Srila Prabhupada Swami's ideals. He once again congratulated the entire ISKCON family and all citizens on the inauguration of the Radha Madanmohanji Temple.
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharasthra Shri Eknath Shinde were present among other dignitaries.
Background
The Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai is spread over nine acres, includes a temple with several deities, a Vedic education centre, proposed museums and auditorium, healing center, among others. It aims to promote universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through Vedic teachings.
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दुनियाभर में फैले इस्कॉन के अनुयायी भगवान श्रीकृष्ण की भक्ति के डोर से बंधे हैं।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 15, 2025
उन सबको एक-दूसरे से कनेक्ट रखने वाला एक और सूत्र है, जो चौबीसों घंटे हर भक्त को दिशा दिखाता रहता है।
ये श्रील प्रभुपाद स्वामी के विचारों का सूत्र है: PM @narendramodi
भारत केवल भौगोलिक सीमाओं में बंधा भूमि का एक टुकड़ा मात्र नहीं है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 15, 2025
भारत एक जीवंत धरती है, एक जीवंत संस्कृति है।
और, इस संस्कृति की चेतना है- यहाँ का आध्यात्म!
इसलिए, यदि भारत को समझना है, तो हमें पहले आध्यात्म को आत्मसात करना होता है: PM @narendramodi
हमारी आध्यात्मिक संस्कृति की नींव का प्रमुख आधार सेवा भाव है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 15, 2025
