### Vijayadashami 2025: Yogi Adityanath Leads Grand Celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple – Full Schedule Inside
On October 2, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Gorakshpeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath spearheaded the vibrant Vijayadashami (Dussehra) festivities at the iconic Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, embodying the triumph of good over evil and the spirit of Ram Rajya. Dressed in traditional Nath sect saffron robes, Yogi performed elaborate rituals, including special worship of Guru Gorakhnath and Shrinath Ji, before leading a majestic Shobha Yatra that drew thousands in a display of communal harmony. The event, steeped in Nath Panth traditions, featured Vedic chants, traditional instruments, and a "saint's court" where Yogi mediated as Dandadhikari (arbitrator) among ascetics. As the festival symbolizes righteousness and justice, Yogi emphasized in his address: "This is the victory of Dharma, truth, and justice—over inner and outer demons."
The celebrations, culminating Navratri's nine-day devotion to Maa Durga, were marked by heightened security and enthusiastic participation from diverse communities, including weavers and minorities. Below is the **full schedule** of key events for Vijayadashami at Gorakhnath Temple, pieced together from official temple announcements and live updates. (Note: Times are approximate and in IST; the day unfolded dynamically with the Yatra as the highlight.)
#### Full Vijayadashami Schedule at Gorakhnath Temple (October 2, 2025)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| **Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)** | Special Puja of Guru Gorakhnath and Shrinath Ji | Yogi Adityanath, as Peethadhishwar, conducted elaborate prayers to Shivavatari Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath and his incarnation Shrinath Ji. This included offerings of flowers, incense, and aarti, with Vedic mantras echoing through the temple. Devotees gathered early for darshan. |
| **Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)** | Tilakotsav Ceremony and Blessings | Traditional tilak application to the Peethadhishwar (Yogi) by saints and followers, followed by blessings for attendees. This ritual honors the guru-disciple bond and sets a devotional tone. |
| **Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)** | Worship of Temple Deities and Saint's Court | Yogi paid homage to all installed deities across the premises. Concurrently, the annual "saint's court" convened, with Yogi presiding as magistrate to resolve disputes among Nath sect ascetics—a unique Gorakshpeeth tradition. |
| **Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)** | Preparations for Shobha Yatra | Assembly of the grand procession chariot (Vijayrath), adorned with flowers, tableaux of Ramayana scenes, and cultural floats. Trumpets, drums, and bands warmed up the crowds. |
| **Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)** | Vijayadashami Shobha Yatra | The highlight: Yogi, mounted on the Vijayrath, led the procession from Gorakhnath Temple through Gorakhpur's streets to Mansarovar Ramlila Ground. Chants of "Jai Shri Ram" filled the air, with fireworks, folk dances, and participation from all faiths showcasing social unity. The Yatra symbolized Lord Ram's victory over Ravana. |
| **Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)** | Coronation of Lord Ram and Final Puja | At Mansarovar Ramlila Ground, special worship and symbolic coronation (Rajtilak) of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman idols, invoking the essence of Maryada Purushottam. |
| **Evening (7:00 PM onwards)** | Bhandara (Community Feast) and Prasad Distribution | Massive langar (free meal) served at Gorakhnath Temple's Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan, with prasad distributed to thousands. Cultural programs and Ramleela excerpts capped the night. |
#### Highlights and Significance
- **Spiritual Core**: The rituals blend Shakti worship (from Navratri) with Nath Panth devotion to Guru Gorakhnath, whom Yogi reveres as his spiritual guide. Yogi's post on X captured the essence: "A grand and divine procession... blessed with the supreme fortune of worshiping Lord Shri Ram."
- **Social Harmony**: The Yatra, a Gorakhpur staple, featured inclusive elements like Muslim weavers' bands and interfaith garlanding, reinforcing Yogi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
- **Broader Context**: This comes after Yogi's Kanya Pujan on Maha Navami (October 1), where he honored nine young girls as embodiments of the Divine Mother, stressing women's empowerment. Amid national Dussehra revelry, including effigy burnings elsewhere, Gorakhpur's focus remained on devotion over spectacle.
As the flames of Ravana effigies light up skies nationwide, Gorakhnath's celebrations remind us of Dussehra's timeless message: Victory through virtue. Jai Shri Ram! If you're tuning in live or sharing photos, tag us—what's your favorite part of the festivities?
*(Sources: Official temple updates, ANI, Jagran, and Times of India as of October 2, 2025.)*
