‘Sanatan Dharma is only religion, rest…’: Yogi Adityanath’s big claim amid row

As DMK leader Udhayanidhi Satlin’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ controversial remarks have sparked a major row nationwide, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has again slammed the Tamil Nadu minister with his fierce attack, saying that ‘Sanatan Dharma is the only religion and the rest of all are sects and methods of worship.’

CM Yogi Adityanath slams Udhayanidhi’s Sanatan Dharma remarks

Addressing the ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagya‘ event, Yogi Adityanath said, “Sanatana Dharma is the only religion, the rest are all sects and methods of worship. Sanatan is the religion of humanity and if it is attacked then there will be a crisis for humanity across the globe.”

STORY | 'Sanatan Dharma' only religion, rest are sects or worship methods: CM Adityanath

READ: https://t.co/uRE20ydlLd

(PTI File Photo) pic.twitter.com/yjpLxUIDFe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 2, 2023

Notably, the chief minister addressed the final session, which marked the conclusion of the seven-day ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagya‘ held at the Gorakhnath Temple.

The event was held in remembrance of the 54th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijay Nath and the 9th death anniversary of the national saint Mahant Avaidyanath.

Further, CM Yogi has emphasised the importance of having an open mindset to understand the essence of Shrimad Bhagwat’s narrow-minded perspectives and struggle to comprehend its vastness.

“The story of Bhagwat is boundless and cannot be confined to specific days or hours. It flows endlessly, and devotees continuously absorb its essence into their lives,” he added.

Yogi hails Mahant Digvijaynath

Earlier on Monday, he said, “The needs of the country and society are the priority of a saint. Mahant Digvijaynath ji was one such saint. He fought against the challenges of his time.”

The chief minister added that Mahant Digvijaynath belonged to the Rana clan of Mewar, Rajasthan, who dedicated his life to the motherland while fighting for the self-respect of the country. He tried to do something new for society by getting involved in many religious and political rituals.

युगपुरुष ब्रह्मलीन महंत दिग्विजयनाथ जी महाराज की 54वीं पुण्यतिथि के अवसर पर उनकी स्मृति में आयोजित श्रद्धांजलि कार्यक्रम… https://t.co/FYyVwqO5t4

— Shri Gorakhnath Mandir (@GorakhnathMndr) October 2, 2023

Moreover, he said, “Mahant Digvijaynath ji, after joining Gorakshpeeth, first emphasised education and established Maharana Pratap Education Council. To imbue the young generation with nationalism, he expanded his institutions. The Education Council established by him has contributed to the establishment of a university and has established its own university. Besides, by establishing four dozen educational training institutes, it is working to prepare the young generation to tackle challenges related to the nation and society.”

Yogi’s statement on Santan Dharma came amid the ongoing controversy over Udhayanidhi’s ‘eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ remarks. Earlier, he even called Sanatan Dharma eternal, saying that “it could not be wiped out by the arrogance of Ravan, the Sanatana Dharma that did not shake because of Kansa’s (another demon king) challenge, or by atrocities of Babar and Aurangzeb, cannot be wiped out by political parasites who are calling for its eradication.”

How Sanatan Dharma row start?

Last month, speaking at an event, MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi stoked a row with his anti-Sanatan Dharma remarks that led to a heated debate across the country, especially with the BJP targeting him over the issue.

Udhayanidhi compared Sanatan Dharma with ‘dengue’ and ‘malaria’ and said that it should not just be opposed, but ‘eradicated’. He even claimed that Sanatan Dharma was against social justice and equality.