Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next four days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined India’s soul.
Addressing the “Shakti Mimamsa” national symposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, the LG said, “Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of India’s spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable.”
Sinha said Indian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but live in everyday traditions. “One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of India’s cultural and spiritual continuity,” he said.
The LG said that Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. “A nation’s unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths, and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key goals driving the academic focus on Shakti Peethas:
1. Reviving ancient knowledge systems: Youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. “Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance.”
2. Renaissance of feminine consciousness: “The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister, and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity, and opportunities for women in society,” he said.
3. Preserving heritage: The Lieutenant Governor observed that many ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away, and without proper documentation, future generations will lose this priceless legacy.
4. Building national confidence: “While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this,” he said.
The symposium was attended by Padma Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri, Central Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar, SMVDSB Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya, Central Sanskrit University Registrar Prof R.G. Murali Krishna, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus Director Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, distinguished scholars, and students.
