Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh – On the occasion of Hindi Day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a notable statement regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. He emphasized that Gyanvapi is the true form of Lord Vishwanath and criticized the labeling of it as a mosque, calling it unfortunate.
CM Yogi’s Address
At a Hindi Day event in Gorakhpur, CM Yogi described Gyanvapi as the embodiment of Vishwanath, lamenting that it is currently referred to as a mosque. He recounted the story of Adi Shankar, who, according to him, had performed penance for the Gyanvapi, which is now incorrectly identified as a mosque.
This isn’t the first time CM Yogi has commented on the Gyanvapi issue. In an interview last July, he warned that referring to Gyanvapi as a mosque could lead to controversy. He questioned the presence of tridents and deities within the mosque, suggesting that the Muslim community should acknowledge the historical error and address it.
CM Yogi’s Remarks at the Event
During the event, CM Yogi was seen reading from a book and recounted the story of Adi Shankar and Lord Shiva. He highlighted how Adi Shankar, who established four Peeths (monastic centers) in the four corners of India, faced a test from Lord Vishwanath during his visit to Varanasi.
In a significant moment, Adi Shankar was confronted by a Chandala (outcaste) while heading to bathe in the Ganges at Brahma Muhurta. The Chandala questioned Shankar’s understanding of non-duality, challenging him on the nature of reality and the divine essence present in every being. The Chandala revealed his true identity as Vishwanath, the very deity Adi Shankar had come to worship, underscoring the divine presence of Gyanvapi.
Three Key Points from CM Yogi’s Speech
- Hindi as a Unifying Language: CM Yogi praised Hindi as a unifying national language, rooted in the divine language of Sanskrit. He emphasized that all languages and dialects have their origins in Sanskrit, whether Vedic or practical.
- Progress and Language: He stressed that languages should not hinder progress. CM Yogi pointed out that medical and engineering courses are now available in Hindi, which reflects the integration and respect for all sections of society, as exemplified by the traditions of Mahayogi Gorakhnath.
- Importance of Guru and Tradition: Referring to Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s “Padmavat,” CM Yogi quoted, “Without a guru, one cannot attain the path; if forgotten, it remains a mere offering.” He highlighted that even Kabir Ji spoke about Gorakhnath’s yogic methods. The tradition of Saint literature, including that of Mahayogi Gorakhnath, is crucial for advancing understanding and scholarship.
The Gyanvapi Controversy
The Gyanvapi dispute dates back to May 2022 when a court-appointed survey team investigated the site. It is believed that in 1669, Emperor Aurangzeb demolished part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to build the Gyanvapi Mosque. The Hindu side claims that the mosque was constructed over a self-manifested Jyotirlinga of Lord Vishveshwar.
Currently, there are five petitions filed in the Allahabad High Court regarding the ownership of the Gyanvapi complex. Rakhi Singh and three other women have filed a civil suit in Varanasi court, claiming ownership of the temple within the complex. However, the mosque’s management committee and the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board have challenged this in the High Court, arguing that such suits are barred under the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
An ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex has already been completed, with the report revealing statues of Vishnu, Ganesha, and Shiva Lingam. The Vyas Takhana was opened on January 31, 2024, after 31 years, allowing for worship and rituals.
Recent Developments
On September 13, 2024, the Varanasi court rejected a petition to ban prayers on the roof of the Vyas Takhana and declined to order repairs to the structure. However, the ongoing worship in the Vyas Takhana will continue.
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