Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: As part of the ongoing Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand of Jyotirmath is set to arrive in Jammu on 22nd October 2024.
This was informed by co-convener of the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra, Gaubhakt Vikas Patni, while addressing a press conference along with Akhilesh Brahmachari and state convener Deepu Raina, here today.
They informed that, from 12 Noon to 3 PM on 22nd October, the Shankaracharya will preside over the installation of the Gau Dhwaj and deliver an address at the Gau Mahasabha in Jammu. Following the event, he will continue the Yatra towards Leh, Ladakh.
“Sanatan Dharma holds the cow in high regard, with its significance mentioned across religious texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. It is not merely an animal but a mother-this is the sacred belief and faith of the Sanatan Dharmi Hindus. With this deep devotion, a nationwide Gau Pratishtha Andolan is being carried out to elevate the cow to the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ by moving cow protection from the State List to the Central List in the Constitution, and to make India free of cow slaughter,” they said.
They further said that this sacred movement is blessed by the Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of the four peethas, who organized a Gau Sansad to demand the status of Rashtra Mata and the implementation of legislation against cow slaughter. In this event, the Rama Gau Pratishtha Samhita Bill has been passed along with a 42-point Dharmadesh.
As part of this movement, the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra began on 22nd September which will pass through all Indian States and Union Territories, with a sacred Gau Dhwaj being installed at each State Capital.
“Following this Yatra, a nationwide Gau Pratishtha Mahasammelan will be held on the occasion of Gopashtami in Delhi, on November 7, 8, and 9, which will decisively appeal to the Government of India to end the curse of cow slaughter and honor the cow as Rashtra Mata,” they said.