Amritsar, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, announcing that ₹17.72 crore is being spent during the financial year 2026–27 on the development and beautification of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) in Amritsar. The government aims to transform the sacred site into a world-class tourist destination while improving facilities for devotees.
The Chief Minister paid obeisance at the shrine and attended the state-level celebration marking the Parkash Purab of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji. He extended greetings to devotees in India and abroad and emphasised that the teachings of the revered sage continue to inspire humanity towards equality, compassion, righteousness and social harmony.
Sharing his message on X, Mann said he was blessed with the opportunity to pay obeisance at the state-level function. He reiterated that religious institutions should be managed by religious and learned personalities rather than politicians, adding that Punjab’s sacred soil could nurture every seed except the seed of hatred.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the spiritual, historical and cultural legacy of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji would be preserved for generations to come. He described the sage as the Pitaamah of Sanskrit literature and the Adi Kavi, noting that the Ramayana has guided humanity towards truth, morality, compassion and ethical conduct for thousands of years.
Mann said the teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji transcend any particular period or community and belong to all humanity. He added that the ideals reflected in the Ramayana remain especially relevant at a time when materialistic considerations increasingly influence human relationships.
Emphasising the contemporary relevance of these teachings, the Chief Minister said Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji laid down enduring ideals of an exemplary individual, an ideal ruler and an ideal society. These principles, he said, could inspire people to rise above divisions and build a society founded on mutual respect, social justice and brotherhood.
Mann also highlighted Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage, shaped by great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. He said it was a matter of pride that Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji imparted knowledge and training to Luv and Kush, the sons of Prabhu Shri Ram Ji, on this sacred land.
Detailing the development works at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, the Chief Minister said the government was investing ₹17.72 crore during 2026–27 to improve the shrine and its surrounding facilities. The works include renovation and beautification of the main temple building, installation of a new sound system, CCTV cameras for security, cleaning of the sacred sarovar and related improvements.
He said a sewage treatment plant is also being commissioned, while air conditioners are being installed in the temple and sarai. These works involve an expenditure of ₹2.60 crore.
Mann noted that a panorama depicting the life and teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji was dedicated to devotees in 2024 at a cost of ₹25 crore. Façade lighting has also been installed to enhance the appearance of the shrine and give the complex a striking look at night.
Describing the project as more than an infrastructure initiative, the Chief Minister said the development of the tirath sthal reflected the government’s deep reverence for Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and his contribution to humanity. He said the objective was to enable devotees to experience the spiritual significance of the site while preserving its heritage and presenting it to visitors from across the country and abroad.
Mann assured devotees that the government would continue to provide the necessary resources for the shrine’s comprehensive development and undertake additional works as required to improve facilities. He said there was no shortage of funds for the development of the sacred site and that the government remained committed to fulfilling its promises.
Reiterating his position on the management of religious institutions, Mann said they should remain rooted in their spiritual traditions and be managed by people associated with the respective faiths, without unnecessary political interference.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, under which devotees visiting Amritsar are facilitated in paying obeisance at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal alongside other prominent religious sites in the city.
Calling upon people to follow the life and philosophy of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Mann said the true tribute to the revered sage would be to put his teachings into practice by promoting equality, compassion, righteousness and mutual respect in everyday life.
He urged people to work towards a society free from discrimination, where every individual is treated with dignity and the bonds of brotherhood, peace and communal harmony continue to grow stronger.
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