Yogi Adityanath's 'Temple' & Imambara Gorakhnath-Unique Association

Gorakhnath Temple

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Truth is stranger than fiction. No one in India can imagine any association between the famous Gorakhnath Temple and Imambara Miyan Sahib in Gorakhpur for the simple reason that the temple has been a center of ‘Hindutva’ politics since Independence while the caretaker of the Imambara is considered as head of the Muslim community of Gorakhpur and adjoining areas. Yogi Adityanath who recently became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India, is not only head priest of the temple but also wears the image of a firebrand ‘Hindutva’ leader. His very name has been scaring the minority community ever since he joined active politics and became Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur in 1998.Since then he has always emerged victorious in subsequent elections. 

Yogi Adityanath 

Known for his fiery speeches, stand on Love Jihad and statement on compulsion of Yoga, Dadri Issue and ban on slaughter houses, Yogi has always been demonized by anti-saffron forces in India.

But a look at his personal life reveals an altogether different picture. His most faithful servants happen to be Muslims. Maximum shop keepers at Gorakhnath Temple are Muslims. Moreover, he has been keeping a tradition involving the Imambara and temple alive despite his apparent anti-Muslim picture. Everyone in Gorakhpur knows that a ‘Dhooni’(Incense) is burnt round the clock at Gorakhnath Temple and Imambara Miyan Sahib. If the fire of ‘Dhooni’ extinguishes at Imambara, it is burnt with the fire procured from the temple and vice-versa. Fire from no other place is ever procured to put ‘Dhooni’ to flames. The tradition has been in existence since the days of Sufi Roshan Ali Shah. He was a prominent Sufi during the reign of Nawab Asaf- Ud- Daula. Once Nawab found him in deep meditation in a  Jungle near Gorakhpur with a ‘Dhooni’ in front of him. As the Sufi had bare clothes on his body, Nawab wrapped his body with his shawl that disturbed the meditating Shah. He threw shawl into the flames of ‘Dhooni’ and it reduced to ashes in no time. When Sufi cast a glance at Nawab he noticed signs of displeasure on his face. Then, Sufi retrieved shawl within seconds in its original form and handed over to Nawab. The miracle prompted Nawab to bow down his head before the Sufi. He also asked as to what he can do for Shah. He expressed his desire to erect an Imambara and Nawab immediately granted land and revenue villages to fulfill his desire. Then, Sufi asked him to donate land for Gorakhnath temple as well and Nawab did likewise. Later on, Nawab also sent Tazia made of gold and silver for Imambara from Lucknow.

Gorakhpur Imambara  

Legend says that Yogis of ‘Nath Sampradaya’ traditionally carries ‘Dhooni’ with them wherever they go or stay. Gorakhnath Temple has been their headquarters for centuries. There is striking similarity between the life style of wandering Nath Yogis and ‘Malangs’ of Madariya Sufi order. History records interaction between Gurus of Nath Sampradaya and Sufis in the medieval India. Both the groups also have certain common rituals. It is therefore believed that Sufi Roshan might have ignited his ‘Dhooni’ from the temple and hence, the tradition of exchange of fire came into existence and it is still in practice. It is also an established fact that Heads of Gorakhnath Temple and caretakers of Miyan Sahib Imambara have been visiting each other for decades. Elsewhere in India Yogi might by the front ranking campaigner of ‘Hindutva’ but in Gorakhpur he commands respect from both the communities. His elevation to the post of chief Minister was equally celebrated by Hindus as well as Muslims with equal enthusiasm. This remarkable peaceful co-existence can be attributed to the traditions set by Mahants of the temple and Miyan Sahibs of Gorakhpur (References available on Request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)