Nepal and India share a deep cultural, spiritual and historical bond that goes far beyond modern politics. At the heart of this connection is Gorakhnath Peeth, a revered monastery in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose popularity in Nepal is closely tied to this shared heritage.
The Nath tradition, often called Gorakshanath Shaivism, was founded by the 10th-century sage Gorakhnath, a disciple of Matsyendranath from Nepal. Gorakhnath is believed to have meditated at Gorakshya Peeth Siddhachal Mrigasthali near Kathmandu between the famous Pashupati Nath temple and the Guheshwari shrine, receiving blessings from his guru in a place sacred to Lord Shiva. Revered as an incarnation of Shiva himself, Gorakhnath established the Nath ascetic order, with its principal seat in Gorakhpur. This spiritual lineage is the foundation of Yogi Adityanath’s significance beyond India, making him a respected figure among many in Nepal.
The historical ties run deep and have influenced Nepal’s political fabric. The Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal until 2006, proudly traced its roots to Gorakhnath. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the dynasty’s founder and the unifier of Nepal, was blessed by Gorakhnath before embarking on his campaign to establish a unified kingdom. His original seat was at the Gorkha Durbar in central Nepal, where a temple dedicated to Gorakhnath still stands. This legacy remains a potent symbol of cultural unity between the two nations.
Yogi Adityanath’s leadership of Gorakhnath Peeth boosts his stature, and his visits to key religious sites such as Janakpurdham, the Pashupatinath temple, and participation in Lumbini’s Buddha Jayanti celebrations have enhanced his image as a spiritual ambassador. Many Nepalese revere Gorakhnath as a divine saint, and by extension, respect Yogi Adityanath, elevating him as a figure who strengthens the sacred bond between India and Nepal.
This connection even affected Nepal’s monarchy. Former Nepalese kings, including the late King Birendra, maintained close relations with the monastery and its leaders. Ritual offerings to Gorakhnath Peeth continue annually, and the royal family historically regarded the Peeth as a protector and spiritual guide. The Shah dynasty’s identity as “Gorakhpanthi” (followers of Gorakhnath) further symbolizes this enduring link.
The ties between Gorakhnath Peeth and Nepal symbolize much more than religious devotion; they are a cultural bridge reinforcing India-Nepal relations at their deepest level. In today’s context, Gorakhnath Peeth’s role transcends religious authority to become a platform for cultural diplomacy and spiritual unity, capable of healing divides and nurturing cooperation.
For Nepal, this connection offers a profound reminder that the bonds formed through centuries of shared faith and tradition remain unbroken. It also opens opportunities for mutual support, especially through religious tourism linking Gorakhpur, Pashupatinath, Janakpur, and Lumbini—a route that not only strengthens spiritual ties but can also invigorate economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Through the historic legacy of Gorakhnath and the contemporary spiritual leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the relationship between India and Nepal can find a firm footing and flourish again.