Lord Devnarayan is a folk deity popular in Rajasthan and northwestern Madhya Pradesh, revered mainly by the Gujjar community. The year 2023 marks the 1111th birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan and is celebrated as Avataran Mahotsav.
About Lord Devnarayan:
Lord Devnarayan was born in Malaseri, a place considered holy by Gujjars. He is known for his role in public service and is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Epic of Devnarayan is one of the most well-known and longest religious oral narratives that originated in Rajasthan, classified as a “martial epic.” From November to July, Bhopas (traditional priest singers) perform this epic in villages in Rajasthan and Malwa.
State Holiday Announced:
A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhilwara, the Rajasthan government announced a state holiday to mark the 1111th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Devnarayan Ji.
PM Modi’s Address at the Ceremony:
The Prime Minister addressed the ceremony commemorating the 1111th Avataran Mahotsav of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. He performed mandir darshan and parikrama, planted a neem sapling, and performed Purnahuti in the ongoing Vishnu Mahayagya at Yagya Shala. In his address, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be present on the auspicious occasion and seek the blessings of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji for the constant development of the nation and welfare of the poor.
Devnarayan Ji’s Contributions to Public Service:
Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan is worshipped by the people of Rajasthan and is revered especially for his work towards public service. The Prime Minister praised Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan’s devotion to people’s welfare and his choice of service to humanity, noting that the path shown by Bhagwan Devnarayan is of “Sabka Vikas” through “Sabka Saath.”
Current Efforts for Empowerment and Development:
The Prime Minister spoke about the efforts in recent years to empower every section that has remained deprived and neglected, with a mantra of “precedence to the deprived.” He highlighted the progress made in addressing the concerns of the poor, including availability of full and free ration, access to medical treatment through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, housing, toilet, gas connection, electricity, and financial inclusion.
