Gujarat: Amit Shah inaugurates Rs 200 crore Yatri Bhawan at Salangpur's Shri Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple

New Delhi [India], October 31 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited and offered prayers at the Shri Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple in Salangpur, Gujarat, and inaugurated the Yatri Bhawan, a 1,100-room facility constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated in a release on Thursday.

Amit Shah began his address by extending Diwali greetings to the people of Gujarat and the country. He highlighted that the grand Yatri Bhawan, inaugurated on Narak Chaturdashi, is an entirely green facility, offering accommodation for visitors from across the country. The Yatri Bhawan, spanning over 9 lakh square feet and built at a cost of around Rs 200 crore, was completed in just two years, the release noted.
The Union Home Minister attributed the temple's founding to the devotion and spiritual strength of Gopalanand Ji Maharaj, who established the idol of Lord Hanuman in this temple, according to the release.
Shah noted that the temple is also blessed by Lord Swaminarayan. He praised Gopalanand Swamiji for his deep dedication, sense of service, and humility towards Swaminarayan Bhagwan, describing him as a rare soul. He added that the Yatri Bhawan would serve as a haven for travellers for years to come, as per the release.
Reflecting on the qualities of Lord Hanuman Ji Maharaj, Shah remarked that our scriptures portray Hanuman as one of the seven living entities in the world. He cited Tulsidas Ji, who described Hanuman Ji as an ocean of knowledge and virtues. Shah observed that when qualities like devotion, bravery, friendship, and loyalty are offered at the feet of Lord Shri Ram, they attain immortality through Hanuman Ji Maharaj, the release stated.
Shah further elaborated on the symbolism of various idols of Hanuman Ji, each representing distinct qualities. He explained that a Chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol signifies the destruction of enemies; Sankatmochan (remover of troubles) represents freedom from crises; Dakshinamukhi (south-facing) stands for liberation from fear and distress; Panchmukhi (five-faced) is revered for overcoming evil tendencies like Ahiravan; Ekadashi embodies the vanquishing of demonic traits; and Kashtabhanjan represents relief from all forms of trouble, including those caused by Saturn, the release added.
Union Home Minister also acknowledged the 149th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, commending his vision for a unified and powerful India. Shah noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary for two years, which aims to spread Patel's ideals and inspire the youth towards dedication and sacrifice for the nation, the release concluded.