Controversy Erupts As Yogi Adityanath Says Gyanvapi Embodiment Of Lord Vishwanath, Not A Mosque

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (14 September) said that Gyanvapi in Varanasi is the embodiment of Lord Vishwanath, though some people "unfortunately" call it a mosque.

The Uttar Pradesh CM made these remarks during the opening session of an international seminar on ‘Contribution of Nathpanth in the Creation of a Harmonious Society’ held at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University.

As a follower of the Nath sect, Yogi also serves as the chief priest of Gorakhnath Math.

During his speech, the CM highlighted the enduring tradition of saints and sages, portraying it as a unifying force for both society and the nation.

He also shared the tale of Adi Shankar, a spiritual leader from Kerala, who established religious centres in various corners of India.

“When Adi Shankar visited Kashi, Lord Vishwanath decided to test him. One morning, as Adi Shankar was on his way to bathe in the Ganga, Lord Vishwanath, disguised as an untouchable, appeared before him. When Adi Shankar asked him to step aside, Lord Vishwanath, still in that form, said to him, ‘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’,” he said.

According to the CM, when a stunned Adi Shankar asked him who he was, he replied, “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 (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.)”, Indian Express reported.

The Chief Minister emphasised that saints and sages have long taught that untouchability hinders not just spiritual growth but also the unity and integrity of the nation.

Yogi suggested that if untouchability had been tackled more effectively, the country might never have been enslaved.

“The tradition of saints never prioritised untouchability within society, and this is also the ethos of the Nathpanth. The Nathpanth respects all castes, sects, religions, and regions, striving to bring everyone together," he said.

However, Yogi's remark on Gyanvapi stirred controversy with the Samajwadi Party accusing the Uttar Pradesh CM of disrespecting the court

"The matter is pending in court. It is unfortunate that the CM who has taken oath of the Constitution, is not giving due respect to the court...," said SP spokesperson Abbas Haidar.

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