Mizoram governor visits KVT; says pilgrimages contribute to economy

Varanasi: Mizoram governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has said that the tradition of worshiping multiple deities in the Sanatan tradition leads devotees to embark on pilgrimages to various sites to worship their gods. He added that these pilgrimages fulfill numerous needs, thereby contributing to the economy.During his maiden two-day visit to Varanasi, the governor offered prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and delivered a speech at a seminar titled ‘Contribution of Temple Economy and Dharmakshetra Development to National Progress’. The seminar was held in the Trimbakeshwar Auditorium of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex, organised by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust in collaboration with the India Think Council on Thursday.In his address, he highlighted that the temple economy generates employment opportunities, fosters business growth, and extends benefits to all segments of society. Expressing his admiration for Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the governor suggested forging partnerships with travel operators from every state in India to offer tour packages encompassing various destinations in Uttar Pradesh. He advocated for integrated tour options covering nearby hills, waterfalls, vast water bodies, and other religious sites to attract more pilgrims to Kashi.During the welcome address, Braj Bhushan Ojha, a member of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, underscored the belief in Kashi that the consecration of any deity’s idol worldwide remains incomplete unless its replica or part is established in Kashi. This belief has led to the establishment of replicas of mythological temples, including Dwadash Jyotirlinga, 51 Shakti Peethas, and Four Dhams in the city. Additionally, it is widely accepted that scholarly achievements are not acknowledged unless recognised by the learned society of Kashi.Professor Janardan Madhav Ratate, an eminent scholar, elaborated on the greatness of Kashi and the development of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham (corridor) during his presentation. The seminar was attended by members of the temple trust, Acharyas, Vedic scholars from Banaras Hindu University, the chief executive officer of the temple trust, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, and the director of the India Think Council, Saurabh Pandey.Following the seminar, the governor met with the vice chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS Deemed University), Sarnath, Professor Wangchuk Dorje Negi.Discussions were held between the CIHTS V-C, Saurabh Pandey of India Think Council, and the official knowledge partner of the department of Dharmarth Karya UP regarding the conceptualisation of the proposed Vedic Sciences Centre in Naimisharanya. The CIHTS is already offering a course in Medical Astrology, which is of immense interest for the upcoming Naimisharanya Institute. The V-C expressed willingness to cooperate and facilitate in all possible ways for the noble cause of exploring Vedic wisdom for the welfare of the nation and mankind in general. Furthermore, the V-C graciously offered to explore and utilise the rich library and resource base of CIHTS.
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