Gorakhnath Mutt: A temple that imbibes soul of Uttar Pradesh politics

Yogi Adityanath who sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday is the head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt or Muth, a temple of Nath monastic in Gorakhpur, UP. It is for the first time a head priest or Mahant of a ‘Muth’ has become chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The Muth was built in honor of ‘Guru Gorakhnath’, a famous medieval saint who traveled widely across India and written number of books on ‘Nath Sampradaya.’

The Gorakhnath Muth is known not just for its religious importance but also famous for political activities that happen inside the temple.

The Muth has been involved in political matters for more than half a century. Digvijay Nath, a Mehant of Gorakhnath muth was initially a congress member but later joined Hindu Mahasabha and got elected MP from Gorakhpur in 1967.

He strongly opposed Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement and allegedly incited Hindus to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi in a public meeting on 27 January 1948, three days before the assassination.

His Successor Mahant Avaidyanath Joined BJP during Sangh’s  Ram Janambhoomi Movement and elected MP on BJP ticket in 1991.

Yogi Adityanath has also been active in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Adityanath has been the MP from Gorakhpur since 1998 and has emerged as a major power center in Uttar Pradesh. He founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini (Hindu Youth Force).