In a significant move, religious leaders and scholars in Prayagraj have made a formal appeal to the Uttar Pradesh government. They are urging the state to officially declare Prayagraj a notified 'teerth kshetra', or holy pilgrimage site, highlighting its unparalleled spiritual importance in the Sanatan tradition.
Unanimous Call for Sacred Zone Designation
The demand was put forward during a meeting held on Saturday by the Prayagraj Vidwat Parishad. The seers present at the gathering stressed that Prayagraj, often called Teerthraj (the king of pilgrimage sites), holds the highest position for followers of Sanatan Dharma. Their central proposal was for the government to designate a 5-kilometer radius centered on the Sangam confluence as an official pilgrimage area.
According to the religious body, such a formal declaration would serve a dual purpose. It would help in preserving the inherent sanctity of the region and also ensure that any future development projects are in harmony with its religious character and significance.
Key Demands for Preservation and Safety
The meeting covered a range of issues beyond the primary demand for teerth kshetra status. Hari Chaitanya Bhramchari of Tikar Mafi called for a complete prohibition on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol within the proposed sacred zone. This step, he argued, is essential to protect the spiritual atmosphere of the holy area.
The Parishad also revisited its earlier resolutions. They reiterated the need for the protection, conservation, and revival of ancient Vedic and Puranic pilgrimage sites and ashrams scattered across Prayagraj. To aid pilgrims, the seers urged the Mela administration and the state government to install informative signboards at all recognized sites. These boards would explain the historical and spiritual context of each location.
Another interesting proposal involved naming the city's ghats after Lord Madhav, as referenced in scriptures, with detailed descriptions displayed prominently. The seers also pressed for special and permanent cleanliness arrangements to be made for these riverfront steps.
Concern Over International Issues and Government Action
The assembly expressed deep concern over matters beyond India's borders. The seers voiced serious anguish over reports of continued violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. They appealed to the Government of India to use diplomatic channels to intervene and ensure the safety and rights of the Hindu community residing in the neighboring country.
All the proposals and concerns raised during the meeting were unanimously approved by the attendees. The Parishad has decided to compile these recommendations and submit them to the relevant government and administrative bodies, seeking prompt and decisive action.
