Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked controversy on Saturday by referring to Gyanvapi as the “embodiment of Lord Vishwanath” rather than a mosque. He made these remarks at an international seminar on “Contribution of Nath Panth in Building a Harmonious Society” in Gorakhpur.
Adityanath highlighted the spiritual significance of Kashi and Gyanvapi, narrating an anecdote about legendary sage Adi Shankar’s encounter with Lord Vishwanath. He emphasized the importance of Indian saints promoting inclusivity and equality.
[news_related_post]The Gyanvapi issue centers on a long-standing legal dispute, with Hindus claiming the mosque was built on the remains of a pre-existing temple, while Muslims contest this claim. The matter is currently sub judice, with the court yet to deliver a verdict.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) criticized Adityanath’s statement, saying he was dividing society and disrespecting the court. SP spokesperson Abbas Haidar accused the chief minister of prioritizing political interests over people’s issues.
The BJP and some Ayodhya saints rallied around Adityanath, citing historical and archaeological evidence to support his claim. Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple said, “Only unfortunate people call Gyanvapi a mosque. It is itself Vishwanath, and a temple of Kashi Vishwanath.” The controversy surrounding Gyanvapi is likely to continue, with tensions simmering between Hindu and Muslim communities.
