Uttar Pradesh's First AYUSH University | Uttar Pradesh | 02 Jul 2025
Why in 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.
- The Nath Tradition:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
