Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, said that the Maha Kumbh 2025 would be the grandest ever to date.

Addressing saints and devotees from across the country at a programme hosted by the Dera Siddh Baba Garibnath Math in Pehowa, the UP chief minister extended an invitation to the upcoming Maha Kumbh, saying, “This grandest celebration of Sanatan Dharma will surpass all previous Kumbhs in size and grandeur.”

The programmes that were held on the occasion included Aathman, Batis Dhuni and Shankhadhal Bhandara. 

Yogi Adityanath also congratulated Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on his recent electoral victory, expressing gratitude to the people of Haryana. He praised their support, stating that they embodied Lord Krishna’s words, “Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam".

Emphasising the importance of upholding good, Yogi Adityanath remarked that the ultimate duty is to safeguard the good and consign harmful forces to the abyss. He elaborated on the principles of religion, ‘abhyudaya’ and ‘nishreyas’, noting that achieving ‘nishreyas’, or the highest spiritual good, is possible only through the pursuit of ‘abhudaya’, uplift of the weakest.

Yogi Adityanath explained that religion has two core objectives: ‘abhyudaya’ and ‘nishreyas’. ‘Abhyudaya’ represents worldly progress, where one channels energy toward public welfare in alignment with individual capabilities, requiring wise decision-making. “For progress, we need good saints in the religious field and the right people in development efforts. Positive results stem from choosing virtuous individuals,” he remarked.

Praising the people of Haryana, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The people of Haryana have made a wise choice. This land is the land of Lord Krishna’s ‘karmayog’. Those who act wrongly will face unfavorable outcomes.”

He further elaborated on ‘nishreyas’, noting that a yogi or committed householder cannot achieve spiritual fulfillment, or 'nishreyas’, by ignoring worldly duties, or ‘abhyudaya’. “When we selflessly work toward worldly progress, the benefits manifest in this way.”

He added that this commitment not only establishes a foundation for achieving public welfare and development in this world but also leads to the path of salvation.

“These are the twin requirements of religion. Since ancient times, saints have gathered with these intentions, and the extraordinary acts of divine beings who have blessed this land continue to shape our festivals and celebrations,” he remarked.

Recalling his memories, Yogi Adityanath spoke of a cherished bhajan by revered Guru Shri Triloknath Babuji of the Guru Gorakhnath Ashram in Junagadh, saying, “Sant hain suhaagi, rehte sada magan, jaate hai jis lok mein sada karte chaman” (Saints are ever-blessed, always in joy, bringing beauty to every realm they enter).

Yogi Adityanath reflected on Pehowa’s significant spiritual legacy, noting that the teachings of Yogi Satyanathji from this land spread across the country. However, in recent generations, the area’s condition had declined, he noted.

Expressing his happiness, Yogi Adityanath praised Mahant Shernath for renewing the faith of devotees by revitalising not only Pehowa, but also long-neglected holy sites in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli.

“This sacred land, which had been declining for four generations, is now on a path to revitalisation under the guidance of a yogi, he pointed out. He emphasised that Pehowa is the holy ground of the renowned Siddha Yogi Garibnathji of the Nath sect.

Yogi Adityanath noted that the event is taking place on the banks of the revered Maa Saraswati, and that the Haryana government is fully committed to reviving the Saraswati river. He emphasised that this effort also requires the collective responsibility of saints and the public.

“Preserving every drop of water, purifying water sources, undertaking plantation drives and practicing natural and cow-based farming will be essential steps in rejuvenating this river,” he said, adding that it is everyone’s duty to protect India’s rivers.

Clarifying the essence of religion, Yogi Adityanath said that true spirituality does not mean abandoning society. “No ‘yogeshwar’ ever called migration a part of religion,” he asserted, referring to Adi Shankaracharya, a saint from Kerala, who established four spiritual centres in the four corners of India through public awareness and ‘shashtrartha’ (debate). “Today, we see the unified form of our nation that he envisioned,” he remarked.

Yogi Adityanath, referring to Kashi Vishwanath Dham, noted that while it once could not accommodate even 10 devotees, it can now host 50,000 at once. Similarly, after 500 years, Lord Shri Ram has been enshrined in his grand temple in Ayodhya. He pointed out.

He emphasised that the double-engine Bharatiya Janata Party government is fully committed to ensuring the presence of esteemed saints and to safeguarding every sacred site connected to Sanatan dharma, Siddhas, saints, and avatar purush. “Preserving our heritage is essential to realising a bright future,” he stated.

Extending his Diwali wishes to the people of Haryana, Yogi Adityanath expressed confidence that India will become a developed nation and a global superpower by 2047 through a harmonious blend of heritage and development.

The event was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini; Varishth’ Yogeshwar Srimahant Shernathji Maharaj; vice-president of the Nath sect and Rajasthan MLA Srimahant Balaknath, along with other notable figures.