Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday visited Sri Surya Pahar of East Goalpara and offered prayers besides participating in a holy Bishnu Yajna.
This is for the first time that a chief minister visited the holy Sri Surya Pahar, which is treated as the Ajanta Elora of the East.
The chief minister was also accompanied by Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and his press adviser.
About 10,000 people assembled at the religious programme on Sunday.
“We have prayed not only for Assam but for world peace here in Surya Pahar,” said the Assam CM.
The natural scenic beauty of Sri Sri Surya Pahar Mahapithastan in Goalpara, a sacred archeological site amidst lush green forests, is really spectacular.
On occasion of Sri Sri Maha Vishnu Yagya at the temple, offered prayers and sought blessings to take our state forward. pic.twitter.com/9giVV1SE2l
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) February 9, 2020
“If we can dedicate ourselves with a disciplined approach and hard labour, the Assamese society is sure to bring a change and shine in the world as a strong and developed Assamese race,” added Sonowal.
It is claimed that the archaeological site has 99,999 Shiva Lingas.
In reply to a media question on the preservation and development of Sri Surya Pahar, Sonowal said, “We have already given Rs 50 lakh. But it is not sufficient for such a large area. So, I have asked the archaeological department to come up with a detailed proposal.”
Earlier, the Goalpara district administration finished all the necessary arrangements for the visit of the chief minister as well as for the lakhs of devotees who would throng the site during this Maghi Purnima week.
“Deputy commissioner Varnali Deka has been personally looking after the entire arrangements for the chief minister’s programme and liasoning with the Pahar committee since last several days,” informed a committee office-bearer.
On Sunday, MLAs Dipak Kr. Rabha, AK Rasid Alom, Abdur Rasid Mondal accompanied Sarbananda Sonowal in his programme.
The Sri Surya Pahar is a sacred site not only for the Hindus but also for the Buddhists and Jains and every year, lakhs of devotees visit it and offer prayers.
Every year, the Sri Surya Pahar Temple Committee arranges a week-long Maghi Purnima festivity and Bishnu Yagya during the full moon week of Assamese Magh month.
This year, the festive week began on Saturday.
