Puri: ‘Bhakti Marg’ (devotion) will always remain the preferred path for mankind not only in spiritual pursuits but also in leading a normal life, said President Ram Nath Kovind.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-year-long celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad, the founder of Gaudiya Math and Mission in Puri on Sunday.
Stating that he had the opportunity to visit different temples and shrines to offer puja in the country, the President said he was fortunate to be able to visit Puri and have the darshan of Lord Jagannath.
“All the temples, shrines, gurudwaras and other religious institutions that I visited, I found different traditions and religious practices being followed there. But all these practices have the common aim of worshipping God with devotion and working for the welfare of the entire mankind, he added.
“Humanity cannot be divided on the basis of religion. Truth cannot have different definitions. Truth can be interpreted in different ways. But the supreme power who is an embodiment of the truth will always remain one,” said Kovind.
He further said worshipping God through devotion has been accorded the highest status in India. “Many saints born in our country have shown different paths to worship God with devotion. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu holds a special place among those saints. He is also considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu,” he said.
“Devotion to God knows no discrimination of religion, race, sex and age. It is also beyond the practices prescribed in religious texts,” the President said.
The purity and happiness one gets from devotion have drawn the devotees to follow Bhakti Marg and their belief in this path has been strengthened by the saints. “The heart of a devotee does not feel happy anywhere else except when it is close to God. This is possible through devotion,” Kovind said.
Bhakti Marg has been propagated by saints like Shankar Dev in Assam, Narsimh Mehta, Guru Nanak in North India and Melpattur Narayan Bhatt Giri in the south. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Goud Des to Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath and Sant Gyaneswar in Maharashtra have shown this path to the devotees. Guru Nanak also followed this path to create a socially balanced and religious harmonious society.
“Bhakti Marg is also found in dedication and commitment of doctors and nurses while rendering their services. The Corona Warriors will always be remembered for their contribution during the pandemic. It is for this reason that service is accorded highest place in our society,” the President said.
The President accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp. He also offered floral tributes to a portrait of Prabhupad.
Acharya Bhaktisundar Sanyasi of the Math also spoke and presented a memento to the President on the occasion. Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan were among other dignitaries who spoke on the occasion.
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