Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, visited and offered prayers at the Shri Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple in Salangpur, Gujarat, and inaugurated the Yatri Bhawan having 1100 rooms, constructed at a cost of 200 crore rupees.

Shri Amit Shah, in his address, first wished Diwali greetings to the people of Gujarat and to all citizens of the country. He mentioned that the grand Yatri Bhawan has been constructed here and being inaugurated on the occasion of Narak Chaturdashi. He stated that this Yatri Bhawan can be claimedas a fully green facility. He emphasized that arrangements have been made for the accommodation of visitors coming from far and wide. Shri Shah noted that the Yatri Bhawan having over 1100 rooms has been built at a cost of approximately Rs. 200 crore covering an area of 9 lakh square feet, and was completed in just two years.

Union Home Minister said that they it was the devotion and strength of Gopalanand Ji Maharaj which enabled establishment of the idol of Lord Hanuman in this temple. He mentioned that this place is also a site of the blessings of Lord Swaminarayan. He said that Gopaland Swamiji has immense dedication, sense of service and deep reverence for Swaminarayan Bhagwan. He is very humble and such souls are only a few. He said that this Yatri Bhawan will also provide shelter and service to the travellers for many years to come.

Shri Amit Shah said that it will be only human to attempt to describe the qualities of Lord Hanuman Ji Maharaj and according to our scriptures, Lord Hanuman ji Maharaj is one of the seven living entities in our world. He said that Tulsidas Ji referred to Hanuman Ji as the ocean of knowledge and virtues. Shri Shah noted that when an ideal devotee, ideal warrior, ideal friend, and ideal messenger dedicates all these qualities at the feet of Lord Shri Ram, he becomes like Hanuman Ji Maharaj and attains immortality.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanuman Ji Temple is set to become a place of inspiration in spirituality and devotion for the youth. He mentioned that there are many idols of Hanuman Ji, each embodying various qualities. Shri Shah explained that if the idol is Chaturmukhi (four-faced), it symbolizes the destruction of enemies; if it is Sankatmochan (remover of troubles), it signifies liberation from crises; if it is Dakshinamukhi (facing south), it represents freedom from fear and distress; if it is Panchmukhi (five-faced), it is worshiped for liberation from evil tendencies like Ahiravan; if it is Ekadashi, it represents freedom from demonic tendencies; and if it is Kashtabhanjan, it signifies the removal of all troubles, including those caused by Saturn.

Union Home Minister mentioned that today marks the 149^th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. He noted that Sardar Patel was committed to building a united and powerful India. Shri Shah said, the decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary for two years will not only promote his thoughts and principles but also inspire the youth towards dedication and sacrifice for the country.

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RK/VV/ASH/PS