Gorakhpur: The week-long tribute programme marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and the 12th death anniversary of Rashtrasant Mahant Avaidyanath will conclude on Wednesday with a memorial meeting at Gorakhnath Temple. UP chief minister and Gorakshapeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath will pay homage to his guru at the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Sabhagar, where saints and religious leaders from across the country are expected to attend.Mahant Avaidyanath is remembered for his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his efforts to promote social harmony. Born on May 18, 1919, in Kandi village of present-day Uttarakhand, he was initiated into the Gorakshapeeth by Mahant Digvijaynath in 1942 and succeeded him as Peethadhishwar in 1969.A key leader of the Ram temple movement, Mahant Avaidyanath worked to unite saints and religious leaders from different traditions. In 1984, he became president of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yagya Samiti and remained associated with the campaign throughout his life.He also led campaigns against untouchability and caste discrimination, promoting social cohesion through community feasts and outreach programmes in Dalit settlements. Scholars of the Nath tradition note that he often cited examples from Lord Ram’s life to emphasise unity and social equality.Mahant Avaidyanath expanded the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad and remained active in politics, representing Maniram Assembly constituency five times and Gorakhpur in Lok Sabha four times. His contributions to religion, education, social reform and public life continue to be remembered.
