May Lord Bholenath’s blessings always remain upon all of you, and may nation & Punjab continue to progress and prosper: Arvind Kejriwal
DHURI, 15th February 2026: On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann paid obeisance at the revered Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple and performed Pooja at the historic Siddh Peeth, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and continued progress for Punjab and the nation. Greeting people at the festival, the AAP Chief described Mahashivratri as a civilizational celebration rooted in India’s ancient spiritual tradition and prayed that Lord Bholenath’s grace always remain upon every citizen.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to preserving and promoting the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage for future generations. He underscored that from commemorating the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji to celebrating the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, Punjab continues to honour its glorious legacy with pride and devotion.
Kejriwal, Mann Offer Prayers on Maha Shivratri
Sharing a few snippets from the puja on X, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated: “On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, I had the privilege of offering prayers at Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dhuri along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The divine energy of Mahadev brings peace to the mind and renewed strength to the spirit. May Lord Bholenath’s blessings always remain upon all of you, and may the nation and Punjab continue to progress and prosper.”
Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “On the occasion of Maha Shivratri today, I paid obeisance and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at Shri Rankeshwar Temple in village Ranike, constituency Dhuri, along with AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Incharge Manish Sisodia. I prayed for the prosperity of the nation, peace and harmony, and enduring brotherhood among all. May Lord Shiva’s blessings always remain upon everyone.”
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We paid obeisance at Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev temple and prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state.” They further said, “On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, we performed Pooja at Siddh Peeth and extend our good wishes to all.” Highlighting the essence of the festival, they said, “Maha Shivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth that leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomized by Lord Shiva.” They added, “The festival lays stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony.”
Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev: Pride of Malwa
Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the cultural importance of the occasion. They said that this is an important festival and one of the cornerstones of great Indian civilization. They added that people regard Sri Rankeshwar Mahadev as a revered Siddh Peeth in the Malwa region of Punjab. Explaining the spiritual legacy of such sites, they said that historically devotees considered Siddh Peeths sacred places, where sages performed intense penance and spiritual practices, leading to divine manifestation.
Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “Such places hold immense importance in our tradition. People believe that centuries of devotion and tapasya have spiritually energized them. They also say that this temple has a traditional association with the Mahabharata period, especially with Arjuna’s penance to please Lord Shiva. Elaborating further, they said, “According to beliefs, after severe tapasya, Lord Shiva appeared before Arjuna. He blessed Arjuna with divine weapons, including the Gandiv Dhanush.”
Kejriwal & Mann Link Shrine to Mahabharata Legacy
Linking the shrine to India’s epic heritage, Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This connection links the shrine to one of India’s greatest epics. It gives the shrine deep mythological and historical resonance.” They added, “Sri Ranakeshwar Mahadev represents this continuity of Shaivite devotion in the Malwa belt.” They further said, “This sacred place stands as a reminder. Punjab’s cultural identity has been shaped by multiple layers. It is a spiritual history.” Emphasizing the broader significance of the festival, they said, “Mahashivratri is not merely a religious observance. It is a civilizational festival rooted in ancient tradition.”
Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The festival commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It symbolizes spiritual awakening and self-discipline.” They added, “Celebrating Mahashivratri at such a historically significant Tapasthali reinforces the continuity of age-old customs and faith practices.” They further said, “Annual celebrations at Sri Ranakeshwar Mahadev help preserve it as a living heritage site. These festivities prevent it from becoming a forgotten monument of the past.”
Govt Focus on Punjab’s Rich Heritage
Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the shrine’s cultural continuity. They said, “This sacred place reflects centuries-old devotional practices. These practices have been passed down from one generation to another.” They added, “The continuity of rituals demonstrates how faith traditions adapt over time. This adaptation happens while maintaining their core essence. It is an important part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.” They further said, “Such events strengthen regional identity and social unity in the Malwa area. They bring together people from different walks of life under a shared spiritual and cultural banner.”
Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the state government’s dedication to preserving heritage. They said, “The state government is already working hard. It aims to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state. This effort is aimed at younger generations.” They added, “The state government has already commemorated the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji. This was done in an unsurpassed manner.” They further said, “It is all set to celebrate the 650th parkash purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji. This celebration will be in an unprecedented manner.” Concluding, they said, “The state government wants to ensure that our coming generations know about the rich cultural heritage. They wish to make our youth aware of the state’s historical significance.”
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