Nagpur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said people should not ask when Bharat will become a 'vishwaguru' because, just like the Ram temple in Ayodhya, it will happen in due course. Bhagwat was speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of what is being described as the world's first 'Bharat Durga' temple near the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur.
Bharat Durga Temple: A Symbol of National Unity
The deity, with 18 hands, is believed to be an embodiment of Maa Durga and Bharat Mata, inspired by the national song Vande Mataram. Expressing confidence in India's future, Bhagwat said, "Do not harbour doubt; Bharat will become vishwaguru. Earlier, people would ask me if the Ram mandir will ever be built. And I kept saying, 'I don't know how, but it will happen.'" He added that uncertainty must be replaced with conviction.
Global Leadership and Civilisational Values
Referring to the current global situation, Bhagwat said the world is at a crossroads and needs direction. "If the world does not follow Bharat's path, what future does it have?" he asked, asserting India's leadership is unavoidable. "Bharat will lead; this will happen," he added, urging people to shed hesitation and align with the country's civilisational values. He also flagged the lingering influence of colonial rule. "Our minds and intellect have been layered with a Western imprint due to 150 years of British rule," Bhagwat said, urging a conscious return to indigenous values.
Inner Transformation and Collective Participation
Elaborating on the philosophical essence of the proposed temple, Bhagwat stressed it must go beyond symbolism. "To worship Bharat Durga, one must first become Bharat," he said. Drawing from tradition, he added, "Shivo bhutva shivam yajet — to worship Shiva, one must become Shiva," underlining that inner transformation must accompany external devotion. "Only priests performing rituals is not enough; every citizen must participate in this worship through their conduct."
Religious Leaders Unite in Support
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj spoke about Bharat as Bhudevi, the mother earth. "We are aware of the two forms of Devi – Sridevi and Bhudevi — Bharat itself is Bhudevi," he said. Expressing confidence in India's global role, he said, "The coming era belongs to Bharat; it will lead the world." He added that current global conflicts are not rooted in Indian thought. "These are problems of westernisation; India will give direction," he said, noting several civilisations have faded over time while Bharat endures.
Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri praised the RSS for its role in nation building. "In times of crisis or disaster, most people run to save their own lives, but RSS workers step forward to save others." He also urged families to ensure participation in RSS activities, saying, "If a family has four children, at least one should attend a Sangh shakha."
Project Details and Dignitaries Present
The initiative, spearheaded by Dr Abaji Thatte Seva aur Anusandhan Sanstha and conceptualised by Bhagwat, brought together a wide spectrum of religious leaders, public representatives, and spiritual figures on a single dais. Providing details about the project, secretary of the organisation Shailesh Joglekar said, "The 14-foot-tall idol will be sculpted with white marble in Jaipur. The idol will be 9-foot wide and around 4 feet thick and will be the world's first such temple." Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Gadkari, Sadhvi Rithambara, Ayodhya's Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj, and Chinmay Mission's Mitranand Ji were also present.
