- The land of Madhya Pradesh has historically transmitted spiritual energy
- The state government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is dedicated to the welfare of all sections of the society in accordance with the principles of Sanatan culture.
- “Ekatma Parv” is an innovative and successful effort to connect the modern society and the new generation with Advaita.
- Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Sadanand Saraswati appreciated the concept of Ekatma Dham.
- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the Ekatma Parv, the celebration of the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya.
- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the book “Vedantasiddhantachandrika with Udgra”.
- A website focused on Ekatma Dham was launched at the event.
- Omkareshwar is being made the Global Centre of Oneness.
- Ekatma Parv will continue till April 21.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that everyone is experiencing the consciousness of Omkareshwar, the center of the dawn of Advaita knowledge. Madhya Pradesh, the land of knowledge and meditation, has historically fostered religious, cultural, and spiritual energy. Evidence of this exists in every era. Upon being exiled to exile, Shri Ram visited the shrine of Chitrakoot on the banks of the Mandakini River. Lord Shri Ram’s subsequent life became revered by all humankind, and society experienced Ramrajya. Lord Shri Ram imparted principles of governance, including values, behavior, and interpersonal relationships, that are still relevant today. Similarly, after killing Kansa, Shri Krishna visited the Sandipani Ashram in Ujjaini to receive his education. Subsequently, Lord Shri Krishna preached the message of Karmavada, which remains relevant even today. In ancient times, 8-year-old Shankar, a boy from Kaladi, Kerala, arrived at Omkareshwar, where, with the blessings of the most revered Guru Govindapada, he became Adi Shankaracharya and provided the foundation for the uninterrupted flow of the Sanatan Dharma. Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophy became the foundation of Indian culture, religion, and spiritual unity. If our eternal heritage, scriptures, and spiritual traditions remain alive and vibrant today, it is only through the efforts and blessings of Adi Shankaracharya.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the inaugural session of the 5-day Prakatotsav organized at Ekatm Dham in Omkareshwar on the occasion of Acharya Shankaracharya’s birth anniversary. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Sadanand Saraswati of Shri Dwarka Sharda Peeth, Vivekananda Kendra’s Vice President Padmashree Nivedita Bhide, Swami Shardanand Saraswati along with senior saints were present in the program. Ekatm Parv is being celebrated from April 17 to April 21 under the aegis of the State Government’s Culture Department and Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust.
- Short films based on Ekatma Yatra and Advaita were screened.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, along with Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Sadananda Saraswati Maharaj of Shri Dwarka Sharda Peeth, inaugurated the “Ekatma Parva” program, celebrating the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, held on the occasion of Vaishakh Shukla Panchami by lighting a lamp. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the Advaita Lok and Akshar Brahma exhibitions. He also participated in a Vedic ritual. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the book “Vedanta Siddhanta Chandrika with Udgra” written by Shri Rohan Achyut Kulkarni of the Sanskrit Seva Foundation, Pune. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also launched the website https://www.oneness.mp.gov.in/ , which focuses on the journey, projects, and future of Ekatma Dham. Short films based on Ekatma Yatra and Advaita were also screened at the event.
- The spirit of unity is expressed in the principle of Antyodaya of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is dedicated to the welfare of all sections of society in accordance with the principles of Sanatan culture. The thoughts of thinker and philosopher Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay also express the spirit of unity. The state government is committed to implementing the principles of Antyodaya. In the liberal Indian Sanatan culture, the highest importance is given to the welfare of others, not to consumption. The saints, sages and scholars attending the five-day Ekatma Parv will underline the global message of unity. This festival will prove to be an innovative and successful effort to connect modern society and the new generation with non-duality.
- A person wants to know the world, but does not want to meet his own soul.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Sadananda Saraswati of Shri Dwarka Sharda Peeth praised the concept of Ekatma Dham. He said that only one who sees the Supreme Being in every living being can achieve oneness. A sense of oneness is essential for the individual. Brahma, God, and soul are all one. Knowledge of the soul element present in every living being is the basis of unity. The feeling of goodness, consciousness, and bliss is unity. Our goal is to attain the Supreme Being from this world. He said that respect for Mother Cow, Mother Earth, and the mother who gave birth is essential. Describing the service and protection of Mother Cow as essential, he said that our culture is rich in values. People want to know the world, but they do not want to meet their own soul. The soul element present in every living being is oneness. Understanding this element requires us to know our goal and its attainment. The body is not merely for pleasure; we must attain the invisible God from this visible world. The Vedas are essential for establishing oneness of the soul. The teachings of the Vedas must be followed.
- Treating everyone with unity is the basis of religion.
Ms. Nivedita Bhide, Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, said that we all have one soul; the body is merely a means. The human body is the most beautiful example of unity. It has many organs, but the consciousness is one. Throughout the universe, we are all like cells of God; the life force of these cells is God, who is completely one. The world is now understanding the principles of quantum physics and the environment contained in our Vedas. People around the world say that if we want to protect human society, we must study India’s Vedas and Upanishads. Swami Vivekananda spoke of the “Vision of Oneness.” Our sages have said that Satyam Vad, Dharmam Chare, meaning, speak the truth and follow the Dharma. Treating everyone with oneness is the foundation of Dharma; our speech should unite people. As part of creation, we must perform our duties in accordance with Dharma. Swami Sharadananda Saraswati, from Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad, Kerala, said that Adi Shankaracharya is a world guru. He took up Sanatana Dharma to new heights by adopting renunciation. Acharya Shankara demonstrated the right path for life through the Advaita philosophy. He explained the conditions of yoga and meditation in the source literature.
- Ekatma Yatra will be taken out from the birthplace of Acharya Shankar
Professor Jayakishore S. Shastri of the Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust stated that the 108-foot Ekta statue of Acharya Shankar, part of the Ekta Dham in Omkareshwar, will be unveiled in 2023. Work on Acharya Shankar’s Advaita Folk Museum, costing ₹2,400 crore, is underway in Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is being developed as a Global Center of Oneness. Two thousand trees have been planted so far. The Trust is conducting activities such as Advaita Awakening Camps and training of Acharya ambassadors. An Ekta Yatra will be held from Acharya Shankar’s birthplace from January to April 2027 to awaken the sense of oneness in India before Simhastha 2028. A film on Acharya Shankar’s life is also being produced. Fellowships are being offered for research on Acharya Shankar.
- More than 700 youths will take a pledge as Shankar Doot in the initiation ceremony.
Swami Shri Vedatvatvanand Puri of Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust said that Acharya Shankar introduced the world to the principle of Advaita. Our great saints made India a pilgrimage site. Their contributions will be highlighted during the five-day festival. There will be discussions on the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Chinmayananda Mission, Uriya Baba, Guru Nanak Dev and the Sikh tradition. Following our traditions, we are moving forward on the path of Advaita for world peace. The role of Advaita in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will also be discussed. This event will achieve the goal of awakening thoughts. Swami Shri Kopashiva Subramanyam Abdhani, from the Venkatesham Veda Vigyan Peetha, Tirumala, highlighted the importance of Vedic rituals. He said that rituals performed in accordance with Vedic tradition will resonate throughout the five-day festival. These rituals taking place on the land of Madhya Pradesh will resonate throughout India and the world. The five-day Ekatma Parv includes thoughtful sessions and cultural programs. On April 21, in the initiation ceremony, more than 700 youth from India and abroad will take a pledge as Shankardoot.
- Advaitamritam – Dialogues on various topics in the Vimarsh Sabha
The opening session began a detailed and meaningful dialogue on contemporary traditions of Advaita Vedanta. Swami Swatmananda Saraswati, Swamini Brahmapragyananda Saraswati, Satavadhani Lalitaditya, and Vishal Chaurasia will address the important and contemporary topic of Advaita and Gen-Z, explaining Advaita from a youth perspective. Mother Purnapragya, Swami Pranavananda Saraswati, and Acharya Mithilasanandini Sharan (Ayodhya) will discuss the philosophical aspects of this tradition.