Mathura, April 7 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that Lord Ram is the eternal king of India and a symbol of the country's cultural and spiritual identity, as he urged unity among followers of Sanatan Dharma and seers.
Addressing a gathering at the 452nd birth anniversary celebrations of Malook Das in Mathura-Vrindavan, Adityanath said, "India has only one king, that eternal king is Lord Ram, there is no one else." He asserted that this idea has been rooted in the country's civilisational consciousness for centuries.
He said that around 450 years ago, when Sanatan Dharma was facing challenges during foreign invasions, saints like Malook Das emerged as a "divine light" to awaken society and restore cultural nationalism.
Referring to the spiritual legacy of Prayagraj, the chief minister said it remains a sacred centre of faith, where the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati draws millions of devotees, especially during events like the Kumbh and Mahakumbh.
He said that the Vaishnav tradition, particularly the lineage of saint Ramanandacharya, played a key role in spreading spiritual awareness across regions such as Braj, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Kashi and Jagannath Puri.
Adityanath also referred to Tulsidas, saying he rejected inducements from Mughal rulers and declared that he recognised "only one ruler - Lord Ram".
Highlighting India's cultural traditions, he said events like Ramlila continue to unite people across caste and community lines, reflecting the enduring influence of saints and scriptures.
Calling for unity, Adityanath said, "Personal interests should never become obstacles in the path of Sanatan Dharma and the nation. My personal interest can never be greater than the interest of the nation or Sanatan Dharma."
He said that when saints set aside personal, institutional and sectarian interests, a large-scale awakening took place, adding that such unity ultimately led to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"If such strength exists in the unity of saints, then if the entire Sanatan society unites, no anti-national or anti-Hindu forces would be able to harm India," he said.
He said that many generations could not witness the Ram temple, but the present generation was fortunate to see the movement, the liberation of the birthplace and the consecration of Ram Lalla.
On Sambhal, he said, "In 1526, the Sri Hari Har temple in Sambhal was destroyed, 67 pilgrimage sites and 19 wells were lost... communal riots in 1976 and 1978 led to the killing of hundreds of Hindus."
He also alleged that "cases against the accused were withdrawn during 1995-96 under the Samajwadi Party government."
Recalling an interaction with an affected family, he said, "They told me their property had been looted and they had to flee to Delhi. I asked them to bring documents and assured restoration."
He added, "Funds have now been allocated for the 84-kos parikrama, roads are being constructed and dharamshalas are being developed... All 67 pilgrimage sites have been revived and encroachments on 19 wells have been removed."
Referring to Ayodhya, he said, "We have not seen the Treta Yuga, but as described in scriptures, such an Ayodhya is being built today," adding that a "500-year-old stigma" had been removed with the construction of the Ram temple.
Adityanath said such achievements were possible due to the blessings of saints, capable leadership and the pace of a "double-engine" government.
He also stressed that development and preservation of heritage must go together, saying, "We believe that development is meaningful only when heritage is preserved."
Referring to Kashi's transformation, he said, "Today, I can say that 50,000 devotees can have darshan of Baba Vishwanath at once."
"Without stopping, without getting tired, without bowing, we must continue this journey with the resolve of 'charaiveti, charaiveti' (keep moving forward)," he added.