Aaditya Thackeray to inaugurate Thakur Shyama Shyam Mandir in Mathura

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray will be visiting Mathura to inaugurate the Thakur Shyama Shyam Mandir and visit Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari temple, along with other important temples on November 27, a press release issued from Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi's office said on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

Thakur Shyama Shyam Mandir, a venerable heritage temple situated at Shyam Ghat, Mathura, boasts a rich history spanning 500 years. Rooted in the Pushtimarg tradition, also recognized as the Vallabha Sampradaya within Vaishnavism, this temple holds a unique place as a subtradition of the Rudra Sampradaya, the release stated, reported PTI.

The temple was established in the early 16th century by Vallabhacharya. It was further expanded by his notable successors such as Vitthalnath, reported PTI.

Shri Vallabhacharya assigned eight ashta-sakhas (eight gems) to contribute to the Bhakti movement of Shri Lord Krishna and promote Brij Bhasha, the language of Braj. Dedicated to the Yugal form of 'ashta-sakha' Shri Cheet Swamiji, this sacred temple is maintained by the Cheet Swami lineage, reminiscent of Banke Bihari at Nathdwara, the release mentioned, reported PTI.

As the first temple encountered by the Braj yatris, it holds particular importance during the 84 Kosi pilgrimage. Vaishnavites visiting Vishram Ghat for "Yamuna Paan' find solace in this temple, underlining its significance and historical eminence, reported PTI.

The release further mentioned that the temple had fallen into a state of disrepair, prompting efforts to secure funding for its restoration. However, neither the MPLADS funds nor the CSR funds can be used for the restoration of historical and culturally important places of worship. Priyanka Chaturvedi in her efforts to restore the temple, was helped by N.R. Alluri Ji's Nagarjuna Foundation, the release said, reported PTI.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said those who "stole" his party will be forced to sit at home after December 31, the date by which the Maharashtra assembly speaker is expected to deliver his ruling on the disqualification petitions filed by the warring factions of the Shiv Sena, reported news agency PTI.

Aaditya Thackeray, currently on tour of the Konkan region, has in the past accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of stealing the Shiv Sena after the latter rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray's leadership and split the party, reported PTI.

"Those who have stolen our party, those who are attempting to steal (the legacy of) our grandfather (Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray), will have to sit at home after December 31," said Aaditya Thackeray, a former state minister, reported PTI.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)