Mathura, Vrindavan to get grand complexes like Ayodhya: Yogi

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday said his government plans to develop big temple complexes in Mathura and Vrindavan on the lines of Kashi and Ayodhya with the support of the Centre. "Our effort is that grand complexes be prepared in Mathura-Vrindavan, just like those of Shri Ayodhya Dham and Kashi," Adityanath told a gathering of devotees in Mathura on the Janmashtami festival.

He alleged that the previous governments were afraid of visiting Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi because they were worried about their vote bank. "This government has faith in Krishna Kanhaiya, Prabhu Shri Ram, Baba Vishwanath and Maa Vindhyavasini. But those whose faith lies in Babar and Aurangzeb; can they respect your faith?" the CM said. He first offered his prayers in the temple and then addressed the devotees.

Highlighting the construction of "the world's largest temple" in Ayodhya, Adityanath said the residents of Ayodhya could not imagine that such grand development would ever take place there. "There were neither roads nor electricity, and there was no adequate water supply. Heaps of garbage were found everywhere. Ayodhya was connected to the railway network by a single line. Devotees who went there would return in tears after witnessing the disorder and chaos," Adityanath said. "Today, around one lakh devotees visit Ayodhya Dham every day and the figure increases" anywhere between five lakhs to 50 lakhs on special occasions such as Ram Navami, the month of Kartik, Sawan Jhula Mela and Deepotsav. He said there is no inconvenience anywhere and an extraordinary example of social equality is also evident. An international airport has been built in Ayodhya in the name of Maharishi Valmiki, four-lane roads have been constructed from all directions, and the railway line has been doubled, the CM said.


He said the Sanatan faith continued to grow despite a foreign invader's attempt to destroy the faith 500 years ago, in 1528. "Those invaders who considered themselves unconquered have no trace left today. They have all disappeared. But our faith was never defeated," Adityanath said. "Today, the world's grandest and largest temple of Prabhu Shri Ram has been built in Ayodhya. Those who do not like all this are defaming Ayodhya."