Yogi Adityanath slams critics of Sanatan Dharma at Gorakhpur temple event
Synopsis
Speaking at Gorakhpur's Gorakhnath Temple, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned that critics of Sanatan Dharma would resort to 'malicious propaganda' — invoking the Hanuman-Kalnemi myth to urge Ram devotees to identify those spreading misinformation. The remarks, framed around a religious anniversary, carried unmistakable political charge.
Key Takeaways
Yogi Adityanath addressed a lecture at Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur on 29 September , marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijay Nath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath .
He asserted that the collective well-being of 1.4 billion Indians depends on the strength of Sanatan Dharma .
In a veiled attack on the Opposition, he alleged that those who 'cannot tolerate the glory of Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma in Ayodhya ' will resort to 'malicious propaganda'.
He credited PM Narendra Modi with restoring Kashi Vishwanath Dham , Shri Ram Janmabhoomi , and Vindhyavasini Dham .
He highlighted that 50 to 55 institutions now operate under the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad , a legacy of Mahant Digvijay Nath .
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, 29 September launched a sharp attack on critics of Sanatan Dharma, asserting that the collective well-being of 1.4 billion Indians rests on its strength and warning that those who cannot tolerate its 'glory' will resort to 'malicious propaganda' to sow confusion. He made the remarks while addressing a lecture at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, held as part of a week-long ceremony marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijay Nath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath.
Key Remarks from the Gorakhnath Temple Address
'While modes of worship across various sects and denominations may differ, the collective well-being of all depends on the strength of the broader Sanatan Dharma,' Adityanath said. 'If 1.4 billion people raise their voices in unison, no power in the world can stand against them. Divergent paths lead to ruin rather than progress, and discordant voices lead to defeat rather than strength.'
In what was widely read as a veiled attack on the Opposition, the Chief Minister invoked a mythological parallel: 'Those who cannot tolerate the glory of Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma in Ayodhya will resort to malicious propaganda and create confusion. Just as Hanuman recognised 'Kalnemi' while on his quest for the 'Sanjeevani' herb, devotees of Ram must also identify those who spread misinformation.'
Legacy of Mahant Digvijay Nath
Adityanath paid extensive tribute to Mahant Digvijay Nath, stating that the revered figure did not view India's independence merely as political freedom but believed cultural freedom was equally essential for complete sovereignty. 'He held the view that if the Somnath Temple could be restored and reconsecrated, the same should be done in Ayodhya,' the Chief Minister said.
He also noted that Mahant Digvijay Nath, Baba Abhiram Das, and Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans played active roles in the events of December 1949, when idols of Ram Lalla were allegedly placed inside the Babri Masjid structure in Ayodhya. 'Today, after 500 years, the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya fills followers of Sanatan Dharma with a sense of pride,' he stated.
Development Under Modi's Leadership
Chief Minister Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with overseeing the unveiling of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, and the Vindhyavasini Dham. He also cited the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj as a demonstration of the strength of the Sanatan tradition on a global stage.
Institutional and Educational Contributions
Adityanath highlighted that Mahant Digvijay Nath unified the fragmented 'Nath sect' into the Akhil Bharatvarshiya Avadhoot Bhes Barah Panth Yogi Mahasabha and played a pivotal role in founding Gorakhpur University. 'He handed over the math's property and two institutions to the government for the university without seeking any personal credit,' the CM noted. Today, he said, 50 to 55 institutions operate under the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, including a university, medical college, Ayurveda college, engineering college, polytechnic, schools, hospitals, and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
The Chief Minister also recalled that Mahant Digvijay Nath had championed girls' education and supported efforts to establish the fertiliser factory and BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur. Adityanath concluded by underlining that Gorakhpeeth, while the seat of the Nath tradition, is dedicated to all of Sanatan Dharma — with no discrimination based on caste, creed, or sect. As political temperatures around religious identity continue to rise ahead of upcoming state cycles, remarks of this nature from a sitting chief minister are expected to draw sustained scrutiny.
Point of View
Giving the speech deniability while landing a pointed message. This is a pattern: the Gorakhnath Temple pulpit has historically been used to blend religious authority with political signalling, and Tuesday's address follows that template precisely. With the Opposition increasingly vocal on Sanatan Dharma — a debate triggered nationally by remarks from leaders in Tamil Nadu and echoed by Congress — the BJP's most prominent yogi-politician is staking out the counter-narrative. The question mainstream coverage often misses is whether such framing consolidates the base or hardens the polarisation that critics argue works against the 'unity in Sanatan' message Adityanath himself was preaching.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yogi Adityanath say about Sanatan Dharma at Gorakhpur?
Yogi Adityanath asserted at the Gorakhnath Temple on 29 September that the collective well-being of 1.4 billion Indians depends on the strength of Sanatan Dharma. He alleged that those who cannot tolerate its glory would resort to 'malicious propaganda' and create confusion among the public.
What was the occasion for Yogi Adityanath's speech at Gorakhnath Temple?
The speech was part of a week-long ceremony at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijay Nath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath. Adityanath addressed a formal lecture organised as part of this religious commemoration.
Who did Yogi Adityanath target with his 'malicious propaganda' remark?
Adityanath did not name any individual or party directly, but the remark was widely interpreted as a veiled attack on the Opposition. He invoked the mythological figure of Kalnemi — a demon disguised as a saint — urging Ram devotees to identify those who 'spread misinformation' about Sanatan Dharma and Ayodhya.
What role did Mahant Digvijay Nath play in the Ayodhya dispute?
According to Adityanath, Mahant Digvijay Nath, along with Baba Abhiram Das and Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans, played active roles in the events of December 1949, when idols of Ram Lalla were allegedly placed inside the Babri Masjid structure in Ayodhya. He also reportedly held the view that Ayodhya should be reconsecrated just as the Somnath Temple was.
What institutions are associated with the legacy of Mahant Digvijay Nath?
According to Adityanath, Mahant Digvijay Nath donated the math's property to help establish Gorakhpur University and championed girls' education. Today, 50 to 55 institutions operate under the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, including a university, medical college, Ayurveda college, engineering college, polytechnic, schools, hospitals, and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
