GORAKHPUR – In the Gorakhnath Temple, a weekly tribute is paid to the late spiritual and national figures, Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avedyanath. This year, the commemorative events include a Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana recital and a series of seminars on contemporary issues. On Wednesday, September 10, a tribute ceremony will be held to honor the 56th death anniversary of the late Mahant Digvijaynath, followed by a similar event on Thursday for the 11th death anniversary of Mahant Avedyanath. The ceremonies will be presided over by Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and will be attended by prominent saints from across the country.
Why is Mahant Digvijaynath Considered a ‘Yugpurush’ (Man of the Era)?
A ‘Yugpurush’ is a personality who, despite their physical absence, continues to guide future generations through their actions and ideas. Their teachings and ideals remain relevant in every era. Mahant Digvijaynath, who led the Gorakhnath Peeth from 1935 to 1969, is such a figure. On his 56th death anniversary, his life and work are remembered with immense reverence. He was not only the architect of the Gorakhnath Temple’s current form but also dedicated his entire life to public welfare through nationalism, religion, spirituality, culture, education, and social service.
Born Nanhhu Singh in Chittor, Rajasthan, in 1894, he arrived at the Gorakhnath Peeth in 1899. He became the Peethadhishwar on August 15, 1935. A staunch freedom fighter, he left school in 1920 to support Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. He was also a key figure in the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922 but was later released.
His Pivotal Role in the Ram Temple Movement
Mahant Digvijaynath was a cornerstone of the Shri Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya. He led a relentless campaign from 1934 to 1949 and was a prominent leader of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Liberation Movement in 1949. The movement culminated in the appearance of the idol of Lord Ram Lala on December 22-23, 1949, with the Mahant himself present at the site.
An Eternal Champion of Educational Revolution
Mahant Digvijaynath is also an immortal figure in the educational revolution of Purvanchal. He ignited a flame of knowledge in Gorakhpur and surrounding areas by establishing the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad in 1932. His vision for education was far-sighted; in 1958, he donated his institution, Maharana Pratap Degree College, for the establishment of Gorakhpur University. Today, the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad operates around five dozen educational and medical institutions in the region.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service and Politics
Mahant Digvijaynath also brought the Gorakshpeeth’s tradition of public welfare into the political arena. He formally began his political career by joining the Hindu Mahasabha in 1937. He was elected as the All India President of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1961. He also played a crucial role in promoting social and religious unity, and he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Gorakhpur in 1967.
His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to Indian values, national pride, and public service. He passed away in 1969, but his ideas and contributions remain as relevant as ever.
