Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that Gyanvapi, often referred to by some as a mosque, is in fact Lord Vishwanath himself. Speaking at the inaugural session of an international seminar titled ‘Contribution of Nathpanth in the Creation of a Harmonious Society’ at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Yogi Adityanath, who follows the Nath sect and serves as the head priest of Gorakhnath Math, elaborated on the rich traditions of saints and sages as forces that unite society and the nation.
The Spiritual Significance of Gyanvapi
In his speech, Yogi Adityanath recounted the story of Adi Shankar, the 8th-century philosopher who established spiritual centers across India. He highlighted an incident where Lord Vishwanath, disguised as an untouchable, tested Adi Shankar during his visit to Kashi (Varanasi). Yogi quoted Lord Vishwanath’s words to Adi Shankar:
“Jis Gyanvapi ki saadhna ke liye – durbhagya se uss Gyanvapi ko aaj log dusre shabdon mein masjid kehte hain lekin woh Gyanvapi saakshaat Vishwanath hi hain – jis Gyanvapi ki upasana ke liye aap chal kar yahan aaye hain, main uska saakshaat swaroop Vishwanath hoon”.
(Translation: “The Gyanvapi for whose worship you have come here – unfortunately, some people today call it a mosque, but Gyanvapi is Lord Vishwanath himself – I am its embodiment.”)
Emphasizing the Harmful Impact of Untouchability
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the Nath sect’s rejection of untouchability as a hindrance to both spiritual practice and national unity. He noted that saints and sages, particularly in the Nath tradition, had always worked towards social integration. The Nathpanth, he explained, respects all castes, sects, religions, and regions, aiming to bring everyone together.
Reflecting on India’s past, he argued that if greater attention had been given to eliminating untouchability, the country might never have been enslaved. He also remarked that the Nathpanth continues to thrive in regions such as Punjab, Sindh, Tripura, Assam, Bengal, and beyond, reaching even to Nepal, Bangladesh, Tibet, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit
In light of Hindi Diwas, Yogi Adityanath spoke about the significance of Hindi as a language that unites the nation, derived from Sanskrit, the language of the gods. He cited Bharatendu Harishchandra’s vision of language progress and commended the central government for its efforts in promoting Hindi both in India and internationally over the last decade.
Nathpanth Museum Proposal
The CM suggested that the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Shodhpeeth at Gorakhpur University take the lead in establishing a museum to document the traditions of the Nathpanth, preserving and showcasing the spiritual heritage of the sect.
Yogi Adityanath’s speech reflected the Nath sect’s inclusive philosophy, its reverence for spiritual unity, and its strong opposition to societal divisions.
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