Giridih, June 22: In the age of hatred and distrust, a temple — Kabir Gyan Mandir — is spreading the message of love, peace and universal brotherhood in the state.

Built 23 years ago in Giridih, it has been bridging differences between various communities in the state since inception. And now, several people are adopting the path shown by Kabir, the 15th century saint.

Every year on June 17 and 18, the temple commemorates the birth anniversary of the saint. Followers of Kabir from across the state take part in the two-day celebrations.

“The relevance of Kabir is more today. And that is why we want to spread his message to a larger cross-section of people,” said Sadhwi Gyanandji, popularly known as Maa Gyan of Kabir Gyan Mandir.

“He had reached out to people of all religions. But today people are fighting with each other in the name of religion,” she said. She spreads the message of the saint through songs, dramas and cultural programmes. “We also distribute books and compact discs (CDs) on the life and works of Kabir on the temple premises,” said Arun Mathur, a follower of Kabir.

Sadhwi Gyanandji, whose discourses on Kabir are also broadcast on a TV channel, said: “Kabir believed that the welfare of a nation depends on religion, but that religion has to be the right one. Today followers of every religion say the one they follow is the best, thereby sowing the seeds of discontentment among people.”