Statues of south Indian saint-musicians unveiled in Ayodhya

AYODHYA: Ayodhya witnessed a unique confluence of north and south Indian culture on Wednesday as Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to unveil statues of south Indian saint-musicians Tyagaraja Swamigal , Purandara Dasa and Arunachal Kavi at the Brihaspati Kund in Tedhi Bazaar here.

The ceremony, infused with devotion and south Indian rituals, saw the presence of Sitharaman's parents, adding an emotional dimension to the event. Sitharaman is on a two-day visit to the temple town.

Adityanath earlier welcomed the Union minister with a traditional bouquet, highlighting that Brihaspati Kund is not only a historic site but also a symbol of cultural harmony, where the devotional traditions of north and south India converge.

According to an official statement, Sitharaman said, "Ayodhya is not only a centre of faith but also a symbol of India's cultural soul." Paying tributes to the three saint-musicians, she said Tyagaraja Swamigal, Purandara Dasa and Arunachal Kavi established Indian classical music and devotional traditions on the global stage.

"Their poetry and compositions wove the society into the fabric of love, devotion and unity," she said.

The Union minister expressed her delight seeing the grandeur and serenity of Brihaspati Kund.

"The cultural relationship between Ayodhya and Karnataka is centuries old and today, through the unveiling of these saints' statues, the north-south tradition of India has been united in a single thread," she said.

Adityanath said Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram, is now becoming not only a spiritual hub but also a place for cultural renaissance. He said Sitharaman's visit is a strong symbol of India's cultural unity and harmony, according to the statement.

At Brihaspati Kund, Adityanath, along with Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna and Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, sat on intricately-carved stone benches, soaking in the serene lake, the melodious surroundings and the meticulously-maintained grounds.

Praising the artistic craftsmanship and overall beautification, Adityanath highlighted that Brihaspati Kund now stands as a perfect blend of devotion and aesthetic grandeur, reflecting Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage, the statement added.