The endless wait for five centuries for a flag to flutter high atop its shrine finally ended for the Mahakali temple on Pavagadh hill in Panchmahal district on Saturday morning when Prime minister Narendra Modi raised the ‘dhwaja’.
The temple is listed among India’s ‘shaktipiths’ dedicated to the goddess.
Modi reached Pavagadh on Saturday morning and offered prayers at the temple and also performed puja of the ‘dhwaja’ before unfurling it. He said that the moment filled his heart with joy.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that even after 75 years of independence, the temple did not have its ‘dhwaja’ that has been missing for five centuries now. “Today it is there. After centuries, this Mahakali temple is in its full glory before us and makes our heads rise with pride,” the PM Modi said.
Mentioning the developments in Ayodhya, Kashi and Kedarnath, Modi said that spiritual and cultural glory is being restored across the country. He said that the new India is keeping its ancient heritage and identity alive along with its modern aspirations.
He further said that Gujarat had contributed to both the struggle for independence as well for country’s development. He added that the state had led in the business front while it preserved spirituality.
“After independence, we also had the challenge of establishing our identity. The cultural independence of the country also began in Gujarat under the leadership of Sardar Patel. The Somnath temple reconstruction came as commitment for national reconstruction and P avagadhis carrying it forward,” Modi said.
Giving details of the various developments planned at Pavagadh, Modi recalled how stampedes had taken place earlier, but assured that these will be avoided now with the new stairs and the new pathway.
