Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple here on Monday and expressed confidence that it will emerge as a new centre of India’s spirituality.

Mentioning the 18-year wait for the inauguration of the Kalki Dham, the Prime Minister said that it seems that there were many good works that have been left for him to accomplish. He said with the blessings of the people and the sants, he will continue to complete the unfinished tasks.

The PM also unveiled the model of Shri Kalki Dham Temple. Shri Kalki Dham is being constructed by Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust whose chairman is Acharya Pramod Krishnam. The programme was attended by many saints, religious leaders and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the land of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna was once again filled with devotion, emotion and spirituality today as the foundation stone of another significant pilgrimage was being laid.

Modi expressed gratitude on getting the opportunity in laying the foundation stone for Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal and also expressed confidence that it will emerge as a new center of India’s spirituality.

The Prime Minister paid homage to Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj. He credited Shivaji for ”today’s cultural revival, pride and confidence in our identity”.

Throwing light on the architecture of the temple, the Prime Minister elaborated that it will have 10 garbh grihas where all 10 avatars of the Lord will be seated. Through these 10 avatars, PM Modi explained that the scriptures have presented all forms of the Lord including the human form. “In life, one can experience the consciousness of Lord”, the Prime Minister continued, “We have experienced Lord in the form of ‘Sinh (lion), Varah (boar) and Kachhap (tortoise)’”. He said that the establishment of the Lord in these forms will present a holistic image of the people’s recognition of the Lord.

The PM said that today’s event is another unique moment for India’s cultural renaissance. Referring to the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya Dham and recent inauguration of the temple in Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister said “What was beyond imagination, has now become a reality”.

Modi underlined the value of such events coming in quick succession. He continued talking about the spiritual regeneration and mentioned Vishwanath Dham in Kashi, transformation of Kashi, Mahakaal Mahalok, Somnath and Kedarnath Dham. “We are moving with the mantra of ‘Vikas bhi Virasat Bhi’ – Heritage with Development” he said.

He once again juxtaposed revival of spiritual centers with the high-tech urban infrastructure, temples with establishment of new medical colleges, return of artifacts from abroad with foreign investment. He said this indicated that the circle of time has moved. He recalled his call from the Red Fort – ‘Yeh hai Samaya hai Sahi Samay Hai’ and emphasised the need for embracing this arrival.

Recalling the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister reiterated the beginning of a new ‘kaal chakra’ (circle of time) since 22 January, 2024 and highlighted impact of Shri Ram’s rule which lasted for thousands of years. Similarly, with Ram Lalla being seated now, India is beginning its new journey where the resolve for a Viksit Bharat in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is not merely a desire. The Prime Minister said, “India’s culture and tradition has lived through this resolve in every time period”.

Speaking about Acharya Pramod Krishnam ji’s research and study about the forms of Shri Kalki, the Prime Minister highlighted the aspects and scriptural knowledge and informed that Kalki’s forms will determine the path of the future for thousands of years, similar to Lord Shri Ram.

The PM said that India knows how to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. He highlighted the resilience of Indian society in the face of a series of invitations. “In today’s India’s Amrit Kaal, the seed of India’s glory, height and strength is sprouting”, he added.

“Today, for the first time, India is at a stage where we are not following but setting an example”, PM Modi emphasised.

Listing the results of this commitment, the Prime Minister mentioned India turning into a hub of digital technology and innovation, India becoming 5th largest economy, success of Chandrayaan, modern trains like Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat, upcoming bullet train, a strong network of hi-tech highways and expressways. This accomplishment, the Prime Minister said, was making Indians feel pride and “this wave of positive thinking and confidence in the country is amazing. That is why today our capabilities are infinite, and the possibilities for us are also immense”.

PM Modi stressed that “a nation gets energy to succeed through collective”. He saw a grand collective consciousness in India today. “Every citizen is working with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas”, Modi added.