Gorakhpur, Sep 14 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday termed the Gyanvapi as an embodiment of Lord Viswanath and said it is ‘unfortunate’ to call it as a mosque.
The CM made this statement while addressing the inaugural session of an international seminar on the ‘Contribution of Nathpanth in the Creation of a Harmonious Society’ at Deendayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University.
The two-day seminar was jointly organised by Gorakhpur University and Hindustani Academy Prayagraj.
During the programme at Deeksha Bhavan, Yogi elaborated on the tradition of saints and sages, describing it as a force that unites society and the nation. He spoke in detail about Adi Shankar, born in Kerala, who established key Peethas for religion and spirituality across the country.
He said, “When Adi Shankar arrived in Kashi, Lord Vishwanath sought to test him. As Adi Shankar went to bathe in the Ganga during Brahma Muhurta, Lord Vishwanath appeared before him disguised as an untouchable.
When Adi Shankar asked him to step aside, Lord Vishwanath, still in that form, challenged him, saying If you are truly full of Advaita knowledge, you should not see only the physical body. If Brahma is the ultimate truth, then I possess the same Brahma as you.”
Yogi said, “When the stunned Adi Shankar asked the untouchable Lord for his identity, he revealed, I am the very one for whose worship (Adi Shankar) has come to Kashi– Gyanvapi.”
He emphasised that Gyanvapi is an embodiment of Lord Vishwanath.
Stating that the tradition of Indian sages and saints has always been a force for unity, the CM said that this tradition has valued an egalitarian and harmonious society since ancient times. “Our saints and sages have consistently emphasised that physical untouchability is not only a barrier to spiritual practice but also an obstacle to national unity and integrity,” he said.
Yogi said that if more attention had been given to eliminating untouchability, the country might never have been enslaved. “The tradition of saints never prioritised untouchability within society and this is also the ethos of the Nath Panth. The Nath Panth respects all castes, sects, religions and regions, striving to bring everyone together,” he said.
The CM said that the Nath sect, on one hand, focuses on spiritual elevation through physical purification, while on the other, it makes efforts to unify every section of society.
He highlighted that the words, verses, and couplets of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath emphasise societal connection and harmony, adding that his leadership is well-known for enhancing social cohesion.
Yogi said that the enduring influence of the Nath Panth tradition is evident not only across India but also internationally. He recounted his meeting with a prominent saint from Tamil Nadu in Ayodhya, who provided manuscripts of Nath Panth from remote areas of Tamil Nadu. “Many places of worship and traditions linked to Gorakhnath ji still exist,” he said.
He observed that Maharashtra maintains a tradition of reading Navnaths similar to the Ramcharitmanas, and predicted that the Nath Panth tradition would continue to expand in states like Punjab, Sindh, Tripura, Assam, Bengal, and beyond Greater India, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Tibet, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Emphasising the importance of preserving Nath Panth symbols, the Chief Minister suggested that the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Shodhpeeth at Gorakhpur University could lead efforts to create a museum to document and store these traditions. He urged the Shodh Peeth to compile all aspects and symbols of Nath Panth into an Encyclopedia.
Yogi said that Nath Panth has always adapted its role to fit the country’s needs, times and circumstances. “When external threats began to emerge in the country, the Yogis of Nath Panth raised awareness about these dangers through their music. Similarly, Nath Panth has led efforts in challenging social stereotypes. It is indeed a great fortune that Mahayogi Gorakhnath blessed Gorakhpur with his spiritual practices,” he said.
On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Yogi emphasised that Hindi is a practical language for uniting the country and is derived from Sanskrit, the language of the Gods. He referenced Bharatendu Harishchandra’s concept of ‘Nij Bhasha Unnati,’ noting that Harishchandra’s passion for the language continues to inspire people.
He said, “If our language and sentiments are not our own, progress will be hindered at every level.”
The CM commended the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for promoting Hindi both in India and globally over the past decade.
