UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s Statement on Gyanvapi: "It’s Not a Mosque, It’s Vishwanath"
His comments came during a public address where he also referenced the legendary philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and his encounter with Lord Vishwanath.
VARANASI, India — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a significant statement regarding the Gyanvapi complex, located in Varanasi, saying that while some people today refer to it as a mosque, in reality, Gyanvapi is none other than “Vishwanath” himself. His comments came during a public address where he also referenced the legendary philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and his encounter with Lord Vishwanath.
During the event, CM Yogi remarked, "When Adi Shankaracharya, filled with his non-dualistic knowledge, came to Kashi for further spiritual practices, Lord Vishwanath decided to test him." He narrated the story of how Lord Vishwanath, disguised as an ordinary man, stood before Adi Shankaracharya as he made his way to the Ganga for his morning rituals.
ज्ञानवापी को आज लोग दूसरे शब्दों में मस्जिद कहते हैं,
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 14, 2024
लेकिन ज्ञानवापी साक्षात 'विश्वनाथ' ही हैं... pic.twitter.com/njo9Fk03Xe
The Encounter with a 'Chandala'
Yogi Adityanath continued, "Adi Shankaracharya was startled when a 'chandala' (a person considered untouchable in ancient Hindu society) blocked his path. Naturally, Adi Shankaracharya asked him to step aside. However, the 'chandala' challenged him, questioning the essence of Adi Shankaracharya's knowledge. He asked, 'You consider yourself an expert in non-dualistic knowledge, but whom are you asking to move? Is your knowledge observing this physical body, or the divine soul (Brahman) within it? If the Brahman is true, then the same Brahman resides in both of us. If you reject this Brahman, then your knowledge is not true.'"
The chief minister described how Adi Shankaracharya was left astonished by this profound question and asked the 'chandala' who he truly was. In response, the 'chandala' revealed that he was none other than Lord Vishwanath, the deity for whom Shankaracharya had come all the way from Kerala to worship. CM Yogi emphasized this point, stating, "Unfortunately, today people call Gyanvapi by another name—a mosque. But in truth, Gyanvapi is none other than Vishwanath himself."
Breaking Social Barriers
Reflecting on the encounter, CM Yogi added, "After hearing these words, Adi Shankaracharya bowed before Vishwanath and realized that physical untouchability is not just a major obstacle in the path of spiritual practice but also a significant hurdle in the nation's unity and integrity. Had our society recognized this barrier earlier, India might never have been enslaved."
The chief minister’s remarks come amid ongoing debates and legal disputes surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque, which has historical significance in the region. His statement underscores the religious and cultural sentiments attached to the site, positioning it as a crucial element in the larger narrative of Hindu spirituality and Indian unity.
The event drew attention to not only the historical importance of the Gyanvapi complex but also to the broader themes of societal equality and spiritual wisdom.
