Who Was Mahant Avadiyanath?
Mahant Avaidyanath: The Saint-Politician Who Bridged Religion and Nationalism
Mahant Avaidyanath, a towering figure in modern Hindu religious and political life, remains one of the most influential personalities in post-independence India. Revered as a spiritual leader, he also carved a niche for himself as a nationalist politician and an advocate for Hindu rights. A unique blend of sage and statesman, his life journey reflects the evolving relationship between religion and politics in India.
Early Life and Spiritual Roots
Mahant Avaidyanath was born as Kripal Singh Bisht on May 11, 1921, in the village of Kandi in the Garhwal region of present-day Uttarakhand. Coming from a devout Rajput family, he displayed an early inclination towards spirituality and asceticism. His destiny took a decisive turn when he came under the tutelage of Mahant Digvijay Nath, the then-head of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Avaidyanath formally renounced worldly life and became a disciple of the Nath tradition, a Shaivite sect deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. After Digvijay Nath’s death in 1969, Avaidyanath succeeded him as the Mahant (chief priest) of the Gorakhnath Math. This marked the beginning of a new era for the temple and for Hindu politics in North India.
The Role of Gorakhnath Math
The Gorakhnath Math was not just a spiritual institution but a center of socio-political influence. Under Avaidyanath’s leadership, the math became a hub for religious renaissance and nationalist thought. The math’s history dates back to the great yogi Guru Gorakhnath, and Avaidyanath took on the mission of preserving and spreading the Nath philosophy while also using the math as a platform to speak on matters of national importance.
Unlike many sannyasis who confined themselves to the spiritual realm, Avaidyanath believed that dharma (righteousness) and rashtra (nation) are intertwined. He advocated for active involvement of saints in national affairs to protect India’s civilizational ethos from what he saw as appeasement politics and cultural dilution.
Entry into Politics
Avaidyanath’s political career began in the 1960s. He contested and won the 1962 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections as an Independent candidate. His electoral success continued, and he became a four-time Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Gorakhpur constituency. Initially, he represented the Hindu Mahasabha and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), playing a pivotal role in its growth in Uttar Pradesh.
His shift from the Hindu Mahasabha to the BJP reflected a broader strategic alignment aimed at uniting Hindu voices under one political banner. Avaidyanath’s speeches in Parliament and public platforms were marked by clarity, conviction, and commitment to Hindu values.
Champion of Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
Mahant Avaidyanath’s name is indelibly associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He was among the earliest voices demanding the reconstruction of a grand Ram temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
In 1984, Avaidyanath convened a Dharma Sansad (religious assembly) in New Delhi and gave the clarion call for reclaiming Ram Janmabhoomi. He later became the President of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yajna Samiti, the organization spearheading the temple movement. His leadership was instrumental in transforming what was initially a religious concern into a massive cultural and political movement that eventually reshaped the Indian political landscape.
Under his stewardship, the movement gained national traction, paving the way for future leaders like Lal Krishna Advani and Uma Bharti to carry the torch. Avaidyanath’s role in mobilizing saints, intellectuals, and the masses ensured that the Ram Janmabhoomi movement became a symbol of Hindu assertion.
Mentor to Yogi Adityanath
One of Mahant Avaidyanath’s lasting legacies is his mentorship of Yogi Adityanath, the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In 1994, Avaidyanath nominated Yogi Adityanath—then known as Ajay Singh Bisht—as his spiritual and political successor. In 1998, after Avaidyanath retired from active politics, Yogi Adityanath won the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat, continuing the tradition of saint-politicians from the Math.
Avaidyanath’s foresight in grooming a young, dynamic leader ensured that his vision lived on. Today, Yogi Adityanath carries forward Avaidyanath’s legacy both as a religious head and a political leader, maintaining the Math’s prominence in India’s cultural and political discourse.
Stand on National Issues
Avaidyanath was a staunch nationalist and voiced his concerns on issues ranging from illegal immigration, religious conversions, and the erosion of Hindu identity. He consistently criticized policies of appeasement and was vocal about the dangers of minority vote-bank politics. For him, secularism did not mean ignoring the majority; it meant justice for all without appeasement.
He advocated for the protection of cows, promotion of Sanskrit and traditional Indian education, and the need for a Uniform Civil Code. Avaidyanath also raised concerns about the threat posed by foreign-funded NGOs and missionary activities in tribal areas.
Despite being unapologetically Hindu in his outlook, he was never communal in the divisive sense. Many of his speeches emphasized cultural nationalism, unity, and the need for pride in one’s heritage rather than hatred for others.
Personal Life and Demise
Mahant Avaidyanath led a simple, disciplined life, true to the ascetic ideals he embraced. Even while being an MP, he remained rooted in his spiritual responsibilities, leading rituals, guiding disciples, and overseeing temple management. He was respected across party lines for his integrity and forthrightness.
He passed away on September 12, 2014, at the age of 93. His death was mourned widely, and tributes poured in from political leaders, spiritual organizations, and citizens across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior BJP leaders acknowledged his immense contributions to the Hindu cause and Indian public life.
Legacy
Mahant Avaidyanath left behind a rich legacy of religious leadership intertwined with nationalist politics. He was among the few spiritual leaders who foresaw the importance of active engagement in democratic processes to safeguard dharmic values. His vision of a culturally strong and spiritually awakened Bharat continues to inspire many.
His life teaches that religion, when rooted in ethics and guided by wisdom, can be a force for national rejuvenation. His fusion of yogic discipline, spiritual authority, and nationalist thought created a model of leadership that remains relevant in today’s India.
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