Swami Avimukteshwarananda demanded to start the winter Chardham Yatra, gave this special reason
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotish Peeth appealed to promote the winter Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. He said that the doors of Chardham in the state are closed in winter. But, worship and darshan of God continue at the winter Gaddi sites. In such a situation, the winter journey should be formally started for the devotees.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand told that he started organizing the winter Chardham Yatra last year, which was appreciated by the devotees. This time the winter journey will be organized again from December 16. He believes that the winter journey will not only strengthen the religious faith of the devotees, but will also benefit the local people economically and socially.
Plan to identify 108 religious places
Talking to reporters in Dehradun, Shankaracharya said that he plans to identify 108 religious places in the state and start the journey there. He said that the land of Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi, where there are countless centers of religious faith. If these places are developed in a systematic manner and their pilgrimage is started, then religious tourism in the state will reach new heights.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda lashed out at those who advocate the arrival of a limited number of devotees on the Chardham Yatra. He said that the more devotees participate in the Yatra, the more Sanatan Dharma will be propagated. If more people come to the religious places, then the people of the state will also get direct benefit from it. The government should take concrete steps to promote the winter Chardham Yatra. Facilities for devotees should be improved during darshan and worship at the Gaddi sites.
Religious tourism will get a boost
Swami Avimukteshwarananda said that the Chardham Yatra is a medium to propagate Sanatan Dharma. It should be continued even in winter. For this, the government, temple committees and local administration should work together. The Chardham Yatra is not only religious but also the main basis of the economy. This will help in keeping tourism active throughout the year and will become a source of income for the local people.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda appealed to the devotees to participate in the winter Chardham Yatra and maintain their faith. He said that religious pilgrimages not only provide spiritual benefits but also become a medium to connect and enrich the society.
