Varanasi, Dec 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it was unfortunate that the reconstruction of the cultural symbols of India, which was needed after independence, was not done, but now the wheel of time has spun again and the work that started with the rejuvenation of the Somnath temple has taken the shape of a campaign.

Addressing the devotees after inaugurating Swarved Mahamandir, touted to be the world's biggest meditation center, the PM said, "During the era of slavery, the tyrants, who made attempts to weaken Bharat, first targeted our symbols of culture. After independence, it was necessary to rebuild these symbols of culture."

He said, "If we would have given respect to our cultural identity it would have strengthened the sense of unity and self pride. Unfortunately it did not happen. After independence even the rejuvenation of Somnath temple was opposed. This thought dominated the country for decades as a result, the country hit the rock bottom of the inferiority complex. We forgot to take pride in our heritage."

Modi said the wheel of time has spun once again after seven decades.

"Now the country is announcing freedom from the mentality of slavery and pride in its heritage from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The work that started with the Somnath temple has taken the shape of a campaign," he said.

He said that the grandeur of Vishwanath Dham in Kashi is telling the story of India's imperishable pride.

"Today Mahakal Mahalok is giving an example of our immortality. Kedarnath Dham is also touching new heights of development. By developing the Buddh Circuit, India is inviting the world to the land of penance of Lord Buddha. Work for the development of Ram Circuit is being done at a fast pace, and the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya is going to be completed in the next few weeks," he said.

The PM said we are able to take steps towards holistic development only when the country embraces its social truths and cultural heritage.

"Therefore, while today our territories are being developed, India is also creating new records in modern infrastructure. Banaras alone will give a glimpse of the pace of development in the country today," he said.

He said India is a nation that has been an example of economic prosperity and material development for the world for centuries. "But India never allowed its material prosperity to become a medium of geographical expansion and atrocities. For material progress, we created spiritual and human symbols," he said.

Praising Vihangam Yoga Sansthan, Modi said Maharishi Sadafal Ji Maharaj lit a divine light of knowledge and yoga in the last century.

"Over a period of 100 years, this divine light has changed the lives of lakhs and crores of people. Today a mahayagya is also being organised and every 'aahuti' will strengthen the resolve of Viksit Bharat," he said.

He said the government, society, and the saints are unitedly working for the rejuvenation of Kashi.

"The completion of Swarved Mahamandir is an example of divine inspiration. This temple is a symbol of the teachings and preaching of Maharishi Sadaphal. As much as the divinity of this temple attracts, its grandeur also astonishes. I was mesmerized while taking a tour of the temple," he said.

UNI AB ARN SY