In the city of Ujjain, known as the abode of Mahakala, a meeting took place on Tuesday as part of the special program 'Aajtak Dharma Sansad'. During the session 'The ‘Immortal’ of Ujjain', Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Satishacharya Maharaj, Manoj Kumar Srivastava, an IAS officer and author of books on Devadhidev who has retired, and Pandit Shyan Manawat, a storyteller, participated. All three speakers called for an understanding of the fundamentals of Indian culture, the true meaning of religion, and acquaintance with the culture.
Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Satishacharya Maharaj elaborated on the basics of Hinduism, the spiritual heritage of Ujjain, and the authentic meaning of religion. He emphasized that Hinduism is not limited to mere worship rituals but is a system guiding a person in life. He appealed to the youth to study their traditions and sacred scriptures. Swami Satishacharya Maharaj noted that the identity of Ujjain is linked not only to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple but also to the traditions of knowledge, practice, and asceticism.
He mentioned the religious and historical significance of Ujjain, stating that this city has served for centuries as a place of activity for saints, sages, and scholars. The city of Mahakala conveys a message about understanding the truth of time and life. When asked about the connection between religion and modern life, he stated that merely presenting rituals is insufficient to attract a new generation to faith; it is necessary to explain the underlying feelings, goals, and philosophy. He added that studying sacred texts is important not only for becoming a religious person but also for developing the ability to make sound decisions in life.
During the discussion, the question arose regarding the significance of Bhasma Aarti and who should observe it, as well as views on men and women attending it. In response, Swami Satishacharya Maharaj said, 'Bhasma Aarti has great influence. Lord Shiva says that where there is an end, infinity begins. This is the form of Paramatma. The Vedas have named bhasma as the highest element. And there is no prohibition for anyone to watch Bhasma Aarti.'
'Men and women are just names of clothing. Inside all of them is one soul. The sacred scriptures do not indicate any difference. Differences were introduced later based on a system, but systems also change. Shiva is changeable, and what is changeable is bhasma.'
Issues related to Hinduism, religious education, and the role of saints in society were also touched upon during the discussion. Swami Satishacharya Maharaj stated that the goal of religion is to unite society, not divide it. Religious conduct becomes meaningful only when it includes compassion, service, and respect for others. He stressed the urgent need to introduce the youth to their culture in the present time. At the same time, he noted that both family and educational institutions play an important role in this process. He concluded that passing on India's spiritual tradition to the next generation is the responsibility not only of the saints but of the entire society.
