CM Yogi Performs 2-Hour Nath Puja, Gau Seva & Prays for UP’s Prosperity
Commencing the auspicious festivities of Vijayadashami at the historic Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed elaborate two-hour-long Vedic and Nath sect rituals in his traditional spiritual role as the Gorakhpeethadhiswar. Dressed in the sanctified ceremonial attire of the head of the Gorakshapeeth, the Chief Minister dedicated the auspicious day to seeking the blessings of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath for the universal peace, happiness, and prosperity of the people of Uttar Pradesh and the nation. The sacred ceremonies formally ushered in the Vijayadashami celebrations at the monastic seat, accompanied by the resonant chanting of Vedic hymns by scholars of the Sanskrit Vidyapeeth alongside the rhythmic acoustic harmony of conch shells, sacred bells, damarus, and traditional brass instruments echoing across the temple precinct.
Sacred Rites of the Nath Tradition: Sanctum Aarti, Akhand Dhuni & Tributes to Lineage Gurus
Accompanied by the temple’s chief priest Yogi Kamalnath and senior ascetic seers, the Chief Minister entered the inner sanctum sanctorum of the primary shrine amidst an atmosphere steeped in devotion. There, he executed the sacred worship of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath in strict accordance with the ancient liturgical procedures of the Nath monastic order, presenting consecrated barley sprouts cultivated on the altar of the Shaktipeeth during Navratri, performing a solemn aarti, and offering ritualistic fan-waving respects before the deity. Following the main sanctum rituals, the Gorakhpeethadhiswar completed a devout circumambulation (parikrama) of the shrine, paying reverence to the temple's eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti), the unbroken sacred fire (Akhand Dhuni), the consecrated sacrificial altar (Yajna Vedi), and the pantheon of divine deities. Extending his prayers across the sacred lineage of the peeth, he visited the samadhi shrines of his spiritual mentor, the late Mahant Avedyanath, and offered floral tributes before the life-size statues of Dadaguru Mahant Digvijaynath, Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath, and other venerable sages, amidst the continuous resonance of the traditional nagphani, ceremonial drums, and brass bands.
Compassion in Action: Gau Seva at the Temple Gaushala and Fish Feeding at Bhim Sarovar
Translating ritual devotion into service, the Gorakhpeethadhiswar concluded the festive morning by performing traditional Gau Seva within the extensive temple gaushala. Honoring India’s agrarian and spiritual reverence for the cow, he worshipped the cattle with folded hands, affectionately caressed the herd, and hand-fed them fresh jaggery (gud) and fodder while blessing the shelter workers. Continuing his customary routine of nurturing local biodiversity, the Chief Minister proceeded to the banks of the sacred Bhim Sarovar within the temple complex to feed the resident fish population. Reflecting on the profound essence of Vijayadashami, Yogi Adityanath extended his heartfelt festive felicitations to citizens across the state, reiterating that true devotion finds fulfillment when moral discipline, compassionate action, and selfless dedication to public welfare guide every sphere of life.
