Why Yogi Adityanath’s Posters Appeared at a Nepal Rally
Recently, posters of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were displayed at a rally in Kathmandu, Nepal, welcoming the country’s former king, Gyanendra Bir Shah. This event sparked curiosity and discussion in Nepal, but the connection between Yogi and Nepal’s former monarchy is not new—it dates back centuries.
A Long-Standing Bond with Nepal’s Royalty
Yogi Adityanath leads the Goraksh Peeth, a religious institution in India tied to the Nath sect. The Shah Dynasty, which ruled Nepal until 2006, followed the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath, the Nath sect’s founder, and called themselves “Gorakhpanthi.” Even today, though the monarchy has ended, the Shah family maintains traditions with the Goraksh Peeth. For example, they send offerings—like Rs 10,000 during the Khichdi festival—and the temple sends back blessings. This bond is rooted in history, with a legend claiming Guru Gorakhnath blessed Prithvi Shah, the first king of modern Nepal, helping him unify the country.
Yogi’s Push for a Hindu Nepal
Yogi Adityanath has actively supported the idea of Nepal being declared a Hindu nation, a status it held before becoming a secular state. In 2015, he visited Kathmandu, speaking to a crowd of about 10,000 people, demanding Nepal reinstate its Hindu identity, ban cow slaughter, and stop religious conversions. He even wrote to Nepal’s then-Prime Minister, Sunil Koirala, with these demands. With 82% of Nepal’s population being Hindu, many of whom revere Guru Gorakhnath, Yogi’s stance resonates with those who feel the current government—seen as influenced by communism and China—ignores their traditions.
The Rally and Poster Incident
At the recent Kathmandu rally, a man named Pradeep Bikram Rana waved Yogi’s posters to show support for these ideas. The rally was held to welcome Gyanendra Bir Shah, and the crowd’s backing of a Hindu nation aligned with Yogi’s views. Rana, who sees Yogi as a symbol of Hindu pride, later fled to Gorakhpur, India, claiming he faced persecution from Nepalese authorities for his actions.
Nepal’s Ties to the Nath Sect
The Nath sect holds deep significance in Nepal, where several temples honor Guru Gorakhnath. Some even link the famous Pashupathi Nath temple to him. This religious connection strengthens Yogi’s influence, as many Nepalese Hindus view the Goraksh Peeth as a spiritual authority.
Meetings with the Former King
Since becoming UP Chief Minister, Yogi has met Gyanendra Bir Shah twice. Their latest meeting was in January this year in Gorakhpur, when the former king was traveling to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. They also met in 2018 in Lucknow, ahead of the 2019 Kumbh. These interactions highlight the ongoing relationship between the Goraksh Peeth and Nepal’s former royalty.
Why Yogi Stands Out
Whenever calls to restore Nepal as a Hindu nation grow louder, Yogi Adityanath emerges as a key figure. His leadership of the Goraksh Peeth, his advocacy for Hindu causes, and his historical ties to Nepal’s monarchy make him a natural “poster boy” for this movement—literally, as seen at the Kathmandu rally.