The Heartland of India, Uttar Pradesh is literally true to its title as the state presents a great fusion of diverse cultures, customs, and traditions. The culture that prevails here is reflective of Indian culture that is deeply rooted in the values of different religions. Uttar Pradesh is the land of renowned leaders, yogis, poets, and artists who have immensely contributed to the dignity of the nation. Speaking of the places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, the list is indeed long but a fulfilling one for wandering souls.Of several popular tourist places and religious spots that the state of Uttar Pradesh hosts, Gorakhnath Mandir in Gorakhpur is a prominent site that is extensively thronged by people from all over India.Let us explore more about the Gorakhnath Temple of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur: Religious & Historical Significance:
Gorakhnath Math or Gorakhpur Mandir is located in the town of Gorakhpur. The city got its name from Gorakhnath, also known as Goraksanath, a revered saint who travelled the whole country and penned down several texts that today form a foundation of principles, values, and beliefs for the Nath Sampradaya (community).Sitting quietly in the expansive area of 52 acres, the Gorakhnath temple of Gorakhpur belongs to the Nath monastic group of the Nath tradition which was instituted by honourable Guru Matsyendranath Ji. Gorakhnath was one of the notable disciples of Matsyendranath Ji and well-known for his Hatha Yoga, a renowned branch of Yoga. In the entire history of the Yogic Culture, Gorakhnath is considered a highly accomplished Hindu Yogi. The Gorakhpur Mandir was built in honour of the saint Gorakhnath who did his Sādhanā here only.The history of Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, UP is pretty well explained in the autobiography of Yogi Adityanath, titled ‘The Monk Who Became Chief Minister’ and written by Shantanu Gupta.Speaking of the historical significance of the home of Gorakhpur Mandir, one can find the mention of Gorakhpur city as a part of the kingdom of Kosala in the 6th century, which was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Not only this, but the ancient city of Gorakhpur has also been an important part of several erstwhile empires of dynasties like Kushan, Maurya, Shunga, Gupta, and Harsha. Spread along the banks of the Rapti river, Gorakhpur is a notable city in the Purvanchal region of the state and thus finds its place in most Uttar Pradesh tour packages.
Architectural Style of Gorakhnath Mandir, Gorakhpur
Located in the heart of Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur Mandir is the main Nath monastery of Nath Sampradaya. Speaking of the architectural style of the temple, it is an amalgamation of modern and ancient construction technique.
The temple comprises several hallways and rooms, mentioning many Hindu deities. The very first chamber is Samadhi which is dedicated to the Gorakhnath. The room used to house a statue of him which now has been replaced by his foot impressions. Besides, the room still has his prayer seat where he used to sit after his travels.
Outside of the chamber is a gallery that has idols of Hindu gods and goddesses like Ganesha, Shiva, Kali, and Bhairava. Also, there is a room that has nine Naths in their statue forms along with several other important statues.
Other than rooms and hallways, the seat of Gorakhnath Baba and the eternal flame (Divya Jyoti) are two major defining features of this temple. People believe that the eternal flame at this temple has been burning since the time of Gorakhnath himself.
In Hinduism, cows are deemed sacred and viewed as a caregiver or maternal figure. Gorakhnath Ji was extremely dedicated to raise and serve cows and thus following the same path, the temple houses and maintains a cow shed called Goshala.
At a distance from the main temple, there is adequate provision for accommodations for current practising ascetics. Gorakhpur’s Gorakhnath Mandir is a huge pilgrimage centre that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from across the nation.
Festivals Celebrated at Gorakhnath Mandir of Gorakhpur
Gorakhnath Math, situated in the heart of Gorakhpur runs and manage two Gorakhnath Temples. The one located in the Gorkha district of Nepal (The place is believed to be named after the saint, Gorakhnath) and the other one is a little south of Gorakhpur.
Every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands of devotees visit Gorakhnath Mandir of Gorakhpur to offer their prayers and Khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. The temple is also occasionally visited by The King of Nepal during such festivals.
Besides Makar Sankranti, Gorakhpur ka Gorakhnath Mandir conducts several cultural and social activities that are intended to maintain the Hindu customs and traditions, and thus it is deemed as a cultural hub of the city.
As per the principles of Baba Gorakhnath, the temple does not discriminate on the basis of caste, and thus non-Brahmins may serve here as priests. At present, the Mahant or the Chief Priest is Yogi Adityanath Ji who is also the ongoing Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Timings to Visit Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur
Gorakhnath Temple is just 4.5 km away from the Gorakhpur railway station. If one chooses to go by train, they can use local transport that is easily available outside the railway station to reach the temple.
Talking about the timings to visit Gorakhpur Mandir, it is open all days of the week between 3 AM to 10 PM.
After visiting the most prominent Gorakhdham Mandir in Gorakhpur, you can also explore other famous places that fall within the range of 5 kilometres and include Vishu Mandir, Kushmi Forest, Ambedkar Park, Railway Museum, and Nir Nikunj. There’s a lot to explore so get going!
