Newly constructed Shri Valinath Gurukul Inaugurated at Tarabh Dham in Mahesana

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the newly constructed Shri Valinath Gurukul at Tarabh Valinath Dham in Mehsana district and offered prayers to Lord Valinath for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

Patel appreciated the Dham’s educational initiatives, including free distribution of books to students from Class 5 through college and efforts to promote girls’ education. He said around 200 students are currently receiving free coaching for competitive examinations at Valinath Gurukul.

Speaking at the ceremony in the presence of Valinath Dham Mahant Jayramgiri Ji Maharaj, Patel said that the combination of education and religion is essential for building a Viksit Bharat.

Describing Valinath Dham as a symbol of the Rabari community’s devotion, strength and progress, the Chief Minister said the new Gurukul, established through the blessings of Pujya Baldevgiri Ji Bapu and the efforts of Jayramgiri Bapu, would set new benchmarks in education.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”, Patel said the Gurukul marks another important step towards social reform following the Prana Pratishtha of the new Shiva temple at the approximately 900-year-old heritage site. He noted that temples have traditionally been centres of knowledge and said Valinath Dham is continuing that tradition through education.

The Chief Minister also urged young people to reduce excessive mobile-phone use, participate in sports and contribute to the campaign for a drug-free society.

He announced the upcoming ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, to be held from September 17 to October 17, and appealed to people to light the ‘Aashirwad no Deevo’ as a gesture of gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel said Valinath Dham has emerged as a major centre of faith for devotees across Gujarat. He said the state government has sanctioned a special grant of ₹2.68 crore for solar and electrical works to improve facilities at the shrine. He added that the area has the potential to emerge as a major destination for religious tourism.

Rajya Sabha MP Babubhai Desai thanked the state government for its support, while Mahant Jayramgiri Ji Maharaj blessed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s social and educational activities.

The Chief Minister and the Mahant also felicitated donors during the ceremony. Earlier, Patel planted a sapling on the temple premises under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

The event was attended by several elected representatives, community leaders, government officials, donors and a large number of devotees and members of the community.