Why in the News?

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Uttar Pradesh’s first AYUSH University, named Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, in Gorakhpur.
• The President highlighted the spiritual and historical legacy of the region, stating that it is also the birthplace of Paramhansa Yogananda.

Key Points:

Spiritual and Historical Legacy of Gorakhpur:

• The Nath Tradition:
  • The Nath tradition, rooted in the teachings of Shri Adinath, Matsyendranath, and Guru Gorakhnath, traces its origins to Gorakhpur.
  • Over time, this spiritual lineage has spread across India and reached several countries worldwide, influencing diverse yogic and ascetic practices.
• Role in India’s Freedom Struggles:
  • Gorakhpur holds not just spiritual significance but also a deep historical connection to India's freedom movements.
  • From monk-led uprisings in the 18th century to the Revolt of 1857- First War of Independence, this region has been a centre of resistance.
  • The sacrifices of freedom fighters like Babu Bandhu Singh and Ram Prasad Bismil are closely linked to this sacred land, highlighting its legacy of courage and patriotism.

About Guru Gorakhnath:

⇒ Gorakhnath, who likely flourished around the 11th century CE, is regarded as a revered Hindu yogi and the spiritual founder of the Kanphata yogis, a sect of ascetics known for practising Hatha Yoga.

⇒ The Kanphata yogis emphasise both physical discipline and spiritual mastery, aligning with the principles of Hatha Yoga.

⇒ Hatha Yoga, associated closely with Gorakhnath’s teachings, is a philosophical and spiritual system that uses control over the body as a path to spiritual perfection.

⇒ This school of thought blends asceticism with intense yogic discipline, marking a departure from ritualistic or purely devotional practices.

Paramhansa Yogananda:

About: Paramhansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was the first Indian yoga master to establish permanent residence in the Western world. He played a pivotal role in introducing Indian spiritual philosophy to Western audiences in the early 20th century.

A Lasting Spiritual Legacy: While his early presence in the West had a remarkable cultural impact, Yogananda's enduring legacy lies in the spiritual awakening he inspired. He continued to lecture and write actively until his death in 1952, promoting a blend of Kriya Yoga, meditation, and universal spirituality. His seminal work, Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946, sparked a spiritual revolution in the West.