Gyanvapi well not merely a structure  but symbol of Lord Vishwanath: Yogi Adityanath

Addressing a gathering during the conclusion of the Srimad Bhagwad Mahapuran Katha Gyan Yagna on the occasion of the 55th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and the 10th death anniversary of Mahant Avedyanath at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said, “During Adi Shankar’s visit to Kashi for gyan sadhna, Lord Vishwanath appeared before him in the form of an untouchable chandal, deepening his understanding of Advaita and Brahma.”

He added, “No one can predict the form in which God will appear. When sanyasi Adi Shankar from Kerala believed he had reached maturity in Advaita knowledge, he journeyed to Kashi, the sacred city of Lord Vishwanath, to deepen his understanding. One morning as he headed to bathe in the Ganga, Lord Vishwanath appeared before him disguised as a chandal, a figure traditionally considered untouchable.”

Recounting a comment by a former Leftist leader from Kerala, who also served as the Chief Minister, Adityanath said, “The leader reflected that when he joined the Communist Party, it was suggested that India was not a nation but merely a collection of regional identities. But as he travelled from west to east and north to south, he encountered India’s rich heritage, with monasteries and temples everywhere. He learned that a monk from Kerala established four peeths in the country’s corners, working to unite people through a widespread campaign of religious awakening without discrimination. This experience led him to realise that monasteries and temples are not just centres of worship but also the foundation of nationalism.”

During a janata darshan at the Gorakhnath temple where he addressed around 300 people, Adityanath directed the officials to resolve public grievances swiftly and satisfactorily and emphasised that injustice would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Adityanath also issued a stern warning to the “land mafia and strongmen occupying land illegally, stating that no leniency would be shown to those exploiting the weak, , the state government said in a statement.

“Strict legal action must be taken against anyone forcibly occupying land and they should be treated as land mafia,” he said and instructed that legal measures against such offenders must serve as a deterrent.

The chief minister interacted with individuals outside the Mahant Digvijaynath Memorial Auditorium at the temple. Several women raised concerns over land disputes, with complaints about attempts by influential people to seize their property.

In response, Adityanath urged the officials to act decisively in such cases and ensure prompt resolutions. He also addressed petitions related to family disputes, advising the officials to encourage dialogue between all parties for an amicable solution.

Adityanath assured those seeking financial aid for serious treatments that lack of funds would not hinder their care. He instructed the officials to expedite cost assessments for the patients and submit them to the government, promising immediate release of funds once estimates were received.

The chief minister also tended to two Punganur calves that arrived at the temple, known for its service to cows, from Andhra Pradesh, the statement said.

Adityanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath mutt, took stock of the welfare of the cows, discussing their health and diet with the cowshed staff.