6 generations & more than 150 years of struggle of Gorakhnath math for Ayodhya :::

Bureau chief R L Pandey

Lucknow। Shashi Prakash Singh's documentary, highlighting the historical struggles of Gorakshpeeth in the construction of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has gone viral on social media. The Gorakshpeeth, an ancient monastery of the Nath sect, has been involved in the Ram Mandir movement since before India's First War of Independence in 1857. This documentary reveals how the Gorakshpeeth initiated efforts for the temple in 1855, two years before the First War of Independence, culminating during the tenure of its current head and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The documentary, produced by Blossom India Foundation, details the pivotal roles played by Yogi Adityanath's predecessors. His grandfather Guru, Mahant Digvijay Nath, laid the groundwork for the temple's construction during the revelation of the Ram Lalla idols in 1949. This was further advanced by his disciple and Yogi Adityanath's Guru, Mahant Avaidyanath. The film also covers how Mahant Avaidyanath, in 1986, collaborated with Veer Bahadur Singh to facilitate the reopening of the temple gates and how the foundation stone was laid by Dalit community member Kameshwar Chaupal at Mahant Avaidyanath's behest.

The documentary emphasizes the inclusive ethos of Yogi Adityanath's Gorakshpeeth, which disregards societal barriers like caste and creed. Shashi Prakash Singh, an acclaimed educator and recipient of numerous national and international awards, has been featured in Forbes for his work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided financial assistance to over 2100 students and has been nominated for the Padma Shri award by several Members of Parliament, who have written to the Home Minister and Prime Minister of India in support of his nomination.
Shashi Prakash Singh has acknowledged the support of key individuals from the Uttar Pradesh government, esteemed journalists, and senior members of the Gorakhnath Math and Mahayogi Gorakhnath University. Their invaluable assistance in gathering and verifying information has been instrumental in the creation and authenticity of the documentary.