New Delhi: A significant event is set to unfold in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this weekend, bringing together priests from sacred shrines across India and abroad.
The grand conclave will gather representatives from 51 Shaktipeeths and the 12 Jyotirlingas, as well as saints and spiritual leaders from countries including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various Indian states.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday (December 1), the event aims to promote collaboration and address critical issues facing these revered spiritual sites.
Organized by the Centre for Sanatan Research and the Trident Seva Samiti Trust, the conclave will be held at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Raman Tripathi, President of the Centre for Sanatan Research, noted that over 400 saints, mahants, and shrine custodians are expected to attend, with more than 700 registrations already confirmed and over 2,000 still pending.
The event commenced on Friday with a ceremonial Kalash Yatra from Chittaranjan Park to Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The formal inauguration on Saturday will feature Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak as the chief guest, while the concluding ceremony on December 1 is anticipated to be attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The program will kick off with a ‘mangalacharan’ performed by 101 Brahmins, accompanied by drums and conches, symbolizing the essence of Sanatan Dharma.
Raman Tripathi emphasized that the primary aim of this gathering is to promote the values, traditions, and teachings of Sanatan Dharma through collaborative and constructive efforts.
Discussions will focus on challenges such as encroachment on holy sites, threats to religious freedom, the need for improved funding, corruption, safety, and the preservation of temple sanctity.
Additionally, the conclave will address the restoration of dilapidated temples, enhance the management of offerings, and direct resources toward education, healthcare, and community welfare.
Efforts will also be made to improve coordination among Shaktipeeths and Jyotirlingas, thereby strengthening their collective influence on the global presence of Sanatan Dharma.