Ayodhya represents India’s cultural soul, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) in Ayodhya unveiled statues of South Indian music saints Tyagaraja Swamigal, Purandaradasa, and Arunachal Kavi at Brihaspati Kund in Tedhi Bazaar.

Ms. Sitharaman, addressing the function, said that Ayodhya is not only a centre of faith but also a symbol of India’s cultural soul, and added that the three saints established Indian classical music and devotional traditions on the global stage.

“The cultural relationship between Ayodhya and Karnataka is centuries old, and today, through the unveiling of these saints’ statues, the North-South tradition of India has been united in a single thread. Tyagaraja Swamigal, Purandaradasa, and Arunachal Kavi established Indian classical music and devotional traditions on the global stage. Their poetry and compositions wove society into the fabric of love, devotion, and unity,” the Finance Minister said.

Mr. Adityanath said that Ayodhya is now becoming not only a spiritual but also a cultural renaissance hub. He added that this visit of Nirmala Sitharaman is a strong symbol of India’s cultural unity and harmony.

The U.P. Chief Minister announced that the four major gates of the Ram Temple will be named after India’s great spiritual masters: the southern gate after Jagadguru Shankaracharya, the southeast gate (Gate No. 3) after Jagadguru Madhvacharya, the northern gate after Jagadguru Ramanujacharya, and the entrance from Sugriv Kila Marg after Jagadguru Ramanandacharya.

“The occasion is not only a symbol of cultural unity between North and South India but also a historic step toward national unity and harmony under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi,” Mr. Adityanath said.

Commending Ms. Sitharaman, Mr. Adityanath added that she implemented the ‘Next Generation GST Reform’ across the nation on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, providing relief to 140 crore citizens, which has brought new vigour and strength to the economy.

State Cabinet Ministers Suresh Khanna, Surya Pratap Shahi, Jaiveer Singh, chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee Nripendra Mishra, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Champat Rai, and district panchayat chairperson Roli Singh were present on the occasion.