In Episode 147 of the India Darshan travel series, I explored the historical and cultural gems of Gorakhpur, a city nestled by the banks of the Rapti River and named after Saint Gorakhnath. My day began at Rajghat, situated along the riverbank, offering a serene start to the day. From there, I embarked on a short drive to Chauri Chaura, a place etched in the pages of India’s freedom struggle.
Chauri Chaura is famous for the incident that took place on February 4, 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement. When a group of protestors clashed with British police, it escalated into violence, resulting in the burning down of a police station and the death of 23 policemen. This tragic incident led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement, believing that the movement had taken a violent turn that was against his principles of nonviolence. Today, Chauri Chaura stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during India’s struggle for independence.
On my way back to Gorakhpur, I stopped at the Tarkulha Mata Mandir, located about 5 kilometers from Chauri Chaura. This temple is deeply connected to the legacy of Shaheed Bandhu Singh, a revered freedom fighter who resisted British rule using guerrilla warfare techniques. According to local lore, Bandhu Singh would offer the heads of his enemies to Tarkulha Devi at this temple. However, he was eventually captured by the British and publicly hanged on August 12, 1857, at Ali Nagar Chauraha in Gorakhpur. It is said that the hangman’s rope broke seven times, and the execution was only successful on the eighth attempt after Bandhu Singh prayed to Tarkulha Devi. A memorial now stands in his honor near the temple, making this a site of historical and spiritual importance. After offering my prayers, I made a quick stop at a nearby potter’s workshop, where earthen pots used for slow-cooked mutton (a sacrificial delicacy associated with this temple) were being crafted.
Upon returning to Gorakhpur, my next stop was Gita Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious texts. Gita Press has been disseminating spiritual knowledge through its publications for over a century. They have a small but informative visitor area where one can learn about their history, operations, and contributions to society.
For lunch, I was invited to Big Daddy Family Restaurant, where I spent some time enjoying a delicious meal with the owner. Post-lunch, I visited Gita Vatika, a serene garden dedicated to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. This peaceful spot allowed me to reflect on the spiritual essence of the city.
The final highlight of my day was a visit to Gorakhnath Math, a temple and monastery dedicated to Saint Gorakhnath, the Nath yogi who founded the Nath tradition of Hinduism. This temple is not only a spiritual hub but also holds political significance, as the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, is the head priest of this Math. The Gorakhnath Math is a grand complex with a beautiful temple, where devotees from across the region come to seek blessings.
With my day in Gorakhpur coming to a close, I wrapped up this episode of India Darshan. In the next vlog, I’ll be heading to my next destination in Uttar Pradesh. Stay tuned to discover where the journey takes us next!
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