RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale inaugurates Bharat Mata temple on Narmada bank at Omkareshwar

The newly built Bharat Mata temple at the Markandeya Sannyas Ashram, on the banks of the Narmada in Omkareshwar, was inaugurated on Sunday. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale performed the inauguration. Omkareshwar is known as a pilgrim town that brings together religion, spirituality and patriotism. The atmosphere during the event was marked by spiritual energy and patriotic feeling.

On reaching Omkareshwar, Hosabale first had darshan of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and offered prayers. He then went to Omkar Parvat, where he paid his respects at the statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. He then reached the Markandeya Sannyas Ashram and inaugurated the Bharat Mata temple.

On the occasion, Hosabale said it was a matter of great happiness and pride for him that a Bharat Mata temple had begun on the sacred bank of the Narmada. He said the land of Omkareshwar is linked to the austerities and spiritual practice of Adi Guru Shankaracharya.

Hosabale said that on one side of the Narmada stands the statue of Shankaracharya and on the other the temple of Bharat Mata. According to him, this reflects a remarkable union of spiritual consciousness and national feeling.

He also said India is not a country made only of geographical boundaries. It is a great nation shaped by the austerity, knowledge and values of sages, brahmarshis and rajarshis.

Hosabale said the nation's great figures had given India a distinct identity in the world through their spiritual consciousness and ideas. He said countless brave men had sacrificed everything for the freedom and defence of Bharat Mata.