Bhopal: The nine-day ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta’ padayatra (foot march) led by Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri concluded on Friday.

With the concept of uniting Hindu people, the padayatra, which started from Bageshwar Dham Ashram in Chhatarpur district on November 21 and covered a distance of 160 km, reached Orchha’s Raja Ram temple in Tikamgarh district on Friday.

The local community, united in their devotion, welcomed Shastri’s padayatra with a shower of flowers, expressing their reverence for Lord Ram and Hanuman. A significant number of devotees and religious seers were also present, further strengthening the bond of faith and unity.

Upon reaching the sacred grounds of Raja Ram temple, Shastri, in a solemn gesture, hoisted the saffron flag (dharma Khwaja) at the premises, marking the reverent conclusion of his padayatra.

On the occasion, Shastri announced that he would start the second round of padyatra from Brindavan (Uttar Pradesh) to Delhi.

“We can’t sit in homes until our mother and daughter feel unsafe. This yatra concluded today, but the next yatra will be started from Brindavan to Delhi,” Shastri said.

Meanwhile, large number of police personnel were deployed at the temple premises and also the route earmarked for padyatra. Several VIP guests and seers will stay at a guest house in Orchha on Friday.

A senior police official, speaking to the media, reassured the public that comprehensive arrangements had been put in place to ensure the safety and security of the devotees visiting the temple.

“More than 2 lakh people are expected to receive ‘prasad’ and offer prayers at Raja Ram temple. Special arrangements have been made for the VIP guests,” a police official said.

During nine days yatra that passed through several districts – Chhatarpur, Niwari, Jhansi (UP) and Tikamgarh, participated by politicians from different different states, a couple of Bollywood actors and a large number of religious seers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS