Punjab Government to Build Temple Dedicated to Sita and Luv-Kush in Amritsar, Says Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita and her sons Luv and Kush in Amritsar. The announcement was made during a devotional event held in the city.

Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, attended the 'Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shivji Ke Naam' event in Amritsar. He stated that the Punjab government would build the temple near the existing Bhagwan Valmiki temple.

Kejriwal linked the location to the Ramayana, saying that the sage Valmiki wrote the epic while residing in Amritsar. He added that Luv and Kush were born to Mata Sita there and that they had stopped the Ashwamedha Yagya horse released by Lord Ram. The temple, he said, would preserve this legacy.

Chief Minister Mann seconded the announcement, stating that the temple would be constructed by the Punjab government and would promote harmony, as people of all faiths visit Amritsar.

In addition, Kejriwal announced the expansion of the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojna, which will include new routes to Salasar, Khatu Shyam Ji, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, and Vrindavan. The scheme, expected to begin around August 1, will cover travel, accommodation, and food for nearly 1.5 lakh pilgrims.

Kejriwal also mentioned ongoing restoration work at the Kali Mata temple in Patiala, with a budget of Rs 80 crore, expected to be completed by September.

On cultural initiatives, Kejriwal announced that the play 'Humare Ram' would be staged across Punjab from August 1. The play, which features a conversation between Lord Ram and Ravan, will be shown free of cost. The Punjab cabinet had earlier approved 40 free shows of the play in January.