Yogi Naraharinath: Nepal’s ‘Nation Saint’ And Extraordinary Spiritual Personality

Introduction

Yogi Narahari Nath was a renowned saint, historian, archaeologist, and writer from Nepal. Revered as “Rashtra Guru” or the “Nation’s Saint,” he made immense contributions to Nepal’s history, culture, and spirituality. His work included preserving the country’s cultural heritage and advocating for spiritual and national unity. Not only in Nepal but also in India, he is considered a respected saint who has served there for a long time. It is not easily possible to write a biography of a great saint like him. Still, as a sign of his honor, we have dedicated this small effort: Biography of Yogi Naraharinath (Yogijee).

Early Life

Yogi Naraharinath was born on February 28, 1915, at Lalu village in Kalikot District, a remote Himalayan district of Nepal. His childhood name was Balveer Singh Thapa. His father’s name is Lalit Hriksen Thapa, and his mother’s is Gauri Thapa. Yogijee was his parents’ second son. Although his family is typical, the father and mother want to educate their son.

His parents entrusted Yogijee with the responsibility of Saint Chhapranath of the Nath sect. At the age of 10, while studying, he took initiation into the Nath sect (Nath Sampradaya), and by following the same religious practice throughout his life, he emerged as a great personality.

At that time, schools were poorly managed in hill areas of Nepal. It was the trend to take elementary education in limited Sanskrit schools opened in villages of Nepal and then go to India for those who wanted to study higher education.

Education

Yogi Naraharinath’s initial education was started by his parents on the day of ‘Baisakhi Purnima’ in 1920. His parents handled their son to study over Yogi Chhipranath. Yogi Chhipranath was a saint (Mahanta) of Chandannath Temple. He joined Balveer Shingh in ‘Chandannath Bhasha Pathshala’ (A Sanskrit school), which is located in the recent Jumla district of Nepal.

At age 10, after taking initiation into the Nath religion sect, Mahant Chipranath Yogi of Jumla Chandannath Temple changed Balbir Singh Thapa’s name to Yogi Narharinath.

At the age of 13, Naraharinath took the initiation called ‘Initiation in the Life of a Sage.’ By 1930, he studied Hindu scriptures and philosophy under Guru Chipranath at Gorkhanath Math. He then went to Haridwar for higher education in grammar and philosophy.

Yogi Narahari Nath pursued his spiritual and scholarly education from various sources. He traveled across India and Nepal, learning Sanskrit and ancient texts from religious and spiritual teachers.

In 1939, he passed Shastri from Saraswati Sanskrit College, Ludhiana. After that, in 1942, he passed the ‘Vedalankar’ examination from Gurukul Kandi University, Haridwar, studying Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, etc.

Yogijee became a master (Acharya in Sanskrit) in philosophy, history, and archaeology, which was pivotal in his later work. He studied the Nepali language, grammar, literature, history, philosophy, and culture deeply. He sincerely believed in his country, nationalism, Vedic religion, and Nepali culture. He visited different parts of the country to advocate for the Hindu religion and culture.

Naraharinath Yogi knew different languages. He could fluently speak and write in Nepali, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, and various local languages. However, Yogi loved the Sanskrit language, saying it is our origin language. He always used to write even letters in Sanskrit. Still, the letter written in Sanskrit to then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Bajpeyi is considered significant writing in his context.

Many notable figures have contributed to Eastern spiritual philosophy. Their contributions played a significant role in the development and expansion of the ancient religious culture. Yogi Narharinath, the national guru of Nepal, was one of the great stars that rose in the spiritual sky and lap of Himalaya.

Participation in the Indian Independence Movement and Arrest

Narahari Nath completed his studies while visiting various places of pilgrimage when India was in a state of extreme freedom struggle. So, after completing his studies, he joined India’s freedom struggle and movement called Satyagraha.

At that time, he was also involved in the ‘No Cow Slaughter Movement’ in India. Yogijee was repeatedly imprisoned in Punjab, Delhi, and Calcutta for participating in various movements of this period.

Meanwhile, India became independent on August 15, 1947, and its people celebrated joyfully.
However, Rana’s reign was in power in Nepal, and the people were unhappy. Parties were preparing for a final democratic movement.

That is why Narahari Nath also wanted to return to his country, Nepal, and use his studied knowledge. He planned to return to Nepal.

Returned to Nepal to work for his nation.

After forming a democratic government in India, it seems that the government wants to honor Naraharinath in various ways for contributing to the freedom struggle. He refused the copper letter ‘Bharat Ratna,’ the status of freedom fighter, and the appropriate employment given to him by the government. Because he did not care about honor and respect, he would have been happy to show some effort by performing religious duties.

Yogijee wanted to do some research on ancient religious philosophy. For this, he preferred to explore Nepal’s Himalayan region, the center of the ancient spiritual world. Also, where he was born became the center of his research.

Then Yogi Naraharinath returned to Nepal, saying, ‘I love my country and my soil.’ After coming to Nepal, he began to live permanently in Mrigasthali (Pashupati Pilgrimage site) in 1948. This fact also proves how much of a nationalist saint Naraharinath was.

Spiritual Journey and Ascetic Life

On his return to Nepal, Prime Minister Shri 3 Mohan Shamsher appointed Yogi Narharinath the ‘Pir Mahant’ of the Gorakhnath Math with state honors. He remained the Yogi ‘Mahant’ until 1962.
It is said that Shree 3 Juddhashamsher Rana, who was fond of saints at the time, donated 10,000 cows to Yogi Naraharinath after staying in Pashupati.

Yogi Naraharinath became a ‘Mahant’ of Gorakhnath Math but didn’t remain idle. To accomplish the great work he aimed for, he had to visit and study innumerable places in the mountains and hills. Therefore, showing his busyness, he handed over all the work to be done as a ‘mahant’ to Guru Chhipranath Yogi and left for a country visit.

In 1987, Mahant Chipranath of that math also passed away, so the post of Mahant is said to have been given to Ramnath Yogi.

Narahari Nath took to an ascetic life early on, adopting the life of a yogi. He spent much of his life meditating, practicing yoga, and spreading spiritual awareness across Nepal and beyond. His spiritual mission also coincided with his devotion to Nepalese culture and history, as he believed both were intertwined. He was deeply committed to preserving the moral and spiritual fabric of the country.

Contributions to History and Archaeology

Yogi Narhari Nath only collected historical and archaeological material from the villages and carried it to Kathmandu in a bag. A Nepali who has been in so much pain in this great work may not have been born until now, and what will happen in the future?

Traffic has not yet reached many parts of the hilly areas of Nepal. What would have happened at that time? Yogijee traveled on foot to almost all parts of Nepal and discovered and compelled various historical records.

The yogi, who asked for historical material or records by saying ‘Alakh Niranjan, Bhiksham Dehi,’ wandered throughout his life in search of Nepal’s original history and culture. That is why the yogi is also known as ‘Itihas Anveshak Himmanav’ (the History explorer snowman).

Yogi Narharinath’s contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of Nepal is profound. He worked tirelessly to uncover Nepal’s ancient history, including identifying and preserving historical sites and remains.

Writing the background of the Sandhipatra collection published on the day of Indrajatra 1964, Yogi Narharinath said: “Janantu Surve Jan” ( has collected historical material in 63 volumes from the then seven provinces and 14 regions of Nepal. In addition, 20,000 pieces of historical material have been collected from Tista, Kangra, Ganges, and Digarcha outside Nepal in 15 years.

In addition, his research and writings on the unification of Nepal, the genealogy of its rulers, and religious sites have been necessary for historical scholarship. Yogi Nath has written numerous historical books and essays documenting genealogical and ancient texts shaping Nepal’s national identity.

During his stay in Kathmandu, the yogi founded ‘Itihas Prakash Mandal,’ which was studied, researched, interpreted, and published under the leadership of historian Shiromani Baburam Acharya.

Advocacy for Nepalese Culture

Yogi Naraharinath devoted his whole life to exploring Nepal’s cultural history and riches. He fluently memorized the cultural importance of any place in Nepal.

If any questions were raised about Nepal’s castes and tribes, Indigenous people, ethnic groups, language, culture, costumes, the origin of caste, the history and process of settlements in different places, etc., Yogijee could quickly answer them.

As a historian and cultural figure, Yogi Narahari Nath advocated for Nepal’s rich heritage. He emphasized the importance of understanding Nepal’s spiritual, cultural, and political history in shaping its future. His works and lectures encouraged the Nepalese to take pride in their roots and uphold the values of their ancestors.

Yogi in Vedic Work: Chief organizer of the Over One Hundred Kotihom Mahayagynas

Therefore, Narahari Nath is also considered the chief organizer of more than 100 Kotihom (Koti havan) Mahayagynas. He started Kotihome from Galeshwar Baba Ashram, Devghat, Tanahun on Bikram Samvat 2038 Makar Sankranti (AD 1981). He completed 129 Kotihom Mahayagynas, 45 Laksha hom Mahayagynas, and five Shivayagynas at various places.

He used to perform such huge Mahayagnas to share spiritual knowledge with human society about Vedic Sanatana philosophy, original cultures, the Sanskrit language, and the importance of cows.

Usually, Mahayagynas were held for a month, and there were large gatherings of learned ascetics, saints, and devotees from all over the country and beyond. In the Kotihom Mahayagynas, More than One Crore of Havans (Oblations in sacred fire) was performed, and the same number of Gayatri mantras or Om voices were used.

Yogi Naraharinath spoke about Nepal’s original culture and spiritual philosophy in these tremendous holy programs. Yogijee’s discourses were filled with spiritual facts and research-based knowledge, so no one would have liked to miss them.

Various materials, crops, and money were donated to these Kotihom Mahayagynas. But Yogi Naraharinath never showed greed toward these properties. He never thought about acquiring wealth or personal gain because he had a sense of complete asceticism and dispassion. Also, he was never interested in household life. That’s why he is believed to be a true Yogi.

Yogijee used to instruct the spending of the remaining collected amount from Kotihom to establish Gurukul School (a school conducted according to Hindu spiritual tradition). He also inspired the construction of pilgrimage establishments with herbal Ayurveda, cow farming, saint ashrams, ins, free food kitchens, etc.

Narahari Nath started a spiritual revolution in Vedic philosophy. He quickly explained the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads. He highlighted the importance of conserving the earth, water, plants, air, and nature. He also emphasized the importance of Sanskrit education and preserving the Sanskrit language, the mother tongue of all other languages. He initiated the establishment of ‘Nepal Sanskrit University’ in Beljhundi, Dang district, Nepal, and ‘Sarayu Sanskrit University’ in Girijapuri, India.

Major Achievements in Summary

• Preservation and Exploring of Historical Sites: Yogi Narahari Nath identified and helped preserve numerous archaeological sites, including religious monuments, temples, and relics of historical importance across Nepal. He also compiled a ton of archaeological properties to research ancient spiritual and human history.
• Writing on National History: He composed many texts on Nepal’s rulers, the unification process, and the significance of religious and cultural traditions. His works remain an essential resource for historians and scholars. He has written over 570 books, of which 114 were published.
• National Unification Movement: Yogi Narahari Nath actively supported Nepal’s national unification efforts, believing that spiritual unity should be at the heart of political unity. His teachings played a role in awakening national pride during crucial moments in Nepal’s history.

Challenges and Struggles

Naraharinath Yogi had to face many obstacles and problems in his life. He was left home at a young age and sent with Yogi, but he did not get affection from his family. After that, during his studies, he spent his life as a hermit in different ashrams and acquired a vast spiritual knowledge.

Yogi did not find peace and happiness even after leaving India and coming to Nepal. The parties of that time used to accuse him of being the king’s political side, Panchayat supporter, or Mandale. In contrast, the king-side or Panchayat system used to accuse him of an anti-system, non-national element, and Indian intelligence, etc.

Yagi was tortured in jail, also in Nepal.

The Panchayat system established by the Mahendra king reached a state of extreme opposition during the Birendra king’s reign in the 1970s. People and parties were divided on different political sides. There was strong opposition to the monarchy everywhere. The anti-panchayat system was spreading within the country. The panchayat took various actions, including torturing and killing various leaders by putting them in jail. But the king was silent, blissful, and engrossed in the advice of a handful of Panchayat rulers.

Seeing the country’s extreme political situation, Narahari Nath cautioned the then-king, ‘The king should hold his crown well; otherwise, the recent political wind would blow it away in a few years.’
At that time, the supporters of Panchayat or King-sides did not digest this message, and they arrested Narharinath, accusing him of being an unpatriotic element.

Being arrested in this way, he was kept in the central prison from August 2 1976 to January 14 1977 with various tortures.

Conspiracy to kill Yogi: As mentioned in one context, Panchayat rulers gave Yogi water with mixed lead dust, intending to kill him. Unknownly, he drank the water and became unconscious for a long time, but he did not die because of his Yoga practice. Later, he got fed up with this torture and pain and went into exile in India for some time after release.

However, Yogijee didn’t stop writing, even tortured in prison, because he had to do something for his country and society. While in custody, Yogi composed ‘Spiritual Nepal and Bhagwan Desh Himalaya,’ ‘Introduction to Avatar Vibhuti Sthal,’ ‘Ayokti Muktavali,’ ‘Deity Tirthamala,’ etc.

Concerns about the security and storage of collected materials

Yogiji had as many worries and problems collecting various spiritual, cultural, and archeological materials and writing history as he had in preserving the materials he collected and created.
The then government of Nepal does not seem to have been helpful in this regard because it was drowned in the concern of saving the panchayat system. Yogijee did not have a large ashram or a well-organized trust then. Therefore, he collected the archaeological materials, and his work had to be entrusted to remote places or forced to leave due to carrying problems. So many of the materials left out were lost and stolen.

It is often heard that the materials collected by Yogi from the complex hilly parts of Nepal had to be left in various difficult Himalayan areas due to transportation problems. A few years ago, news was heard that some of these materials were lost or damaged in different places, including Dang, Jumla, and Delpa.

As mentioned in another context, the then government set on fire various materials collected by Yogi Narharinath with hard effort in 1960. Similarly, in the 1971 Singhdarwar fire, some of the materials collected by Yogi were burnt.

Therefore, according to Yogi’s wishes, it seems that all of Yogi’s dreams could not be fulfilled because of a lack of government, agency, or a solid foundation to support him.

Despite the geographical difficulties of Nepal, lack of means of transportation, and terrible epidemics, Yogi Narharinath dared to contribute to the country. In such circumstances, the courage to face hills, rivers, forests, violent wild animals, the heat of the Terai, and malaria was unimaginable.

Despite all these hardships, he researched and collected important material on culture, art, language, literature, history, and archaeology from Mechi to Mahakali, which is the greatness of Yogijee.

Personal Life

Yogi Narhari Nath led a life of simplicity and celibacy. As a devoted yogi, he did not covet worldly pleasures and material possessions. His life was dedicated to the welfare of society, the pursuit of knowledge, and the spiritual upliftment of people.

Yogi never desired family comforts or personal happiness. Neither did he want a house, property, car, or land. This god-like renunciant was a true saint and renunciant who deserves all praise.

Yogijee’s diet was also simple, pure, and hygienic. As a virtuous person, he had the power of Ashtanga Yoga practice, so he did not worry about worldly suffering. That is why Yogijee’s face was always bright and smiling.

Legacy

Yogi Narahari Nath’February 25n to history, spirituality, and national pride has left a lasting impression on Nepal as a national Saint (Rashtra Guru). His teachings on the interrelationship of history, spirituality, and culture inspire future generations. His works are always referred to as educational institutions. His effort to protect the heritage of Nepal has paved the way for future generations to awaken their religion and culture.

Such a great light of the spiritual world tragically extinguished on 25th February 2003 near the Pashupati Mrigasthali holy place.

His fluent speech, bright face, smiling style, colossal memory capacity—the total of knowledge equal to a thousand brains—willingness always to do something, and agile, slim body strengthened by yoga practice are still fresh in our memories.

Yogijee seems to be alive. He is still alive in the many materials he left behind, the works he composed, and the psyche of all of us.

Nepal has a true patriotic saint. His personality and actions are also identified with time. This is the world’s custom: no one recognizes a person while alive, but he is adequately identified and evaluated after death.

Summary

Yogi Narahari Nath was a spiritual leader, historian, and cultural icon whose life and work have had a lasting influence on Nepal. From preserving historical sites to documenting Nepal’s royal genealogy, his legacy as the ‘Rashtra Guru’ is one of immense knowledge, devotion, and patriotism. His contributions to Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Yogi was worried about the country and the nation even to the last moment of his life. Yogi Narharinath’s entire life was spent in the service of the motherland, patriotism, service to Nepal, and revival of Nepal’s original language and culture. His works are invaluable to society, the nation, and the world human family.

Our hundredfold salutations and tribute to such a great personality who incarnated in the form of God.

Some Details about Writing Contribution Yogi Naraharinath

Books Composed By Yogi Naraharinath

• Goraksha Granthmala: 114 books
• history and Archaeology: 8 books
• various other subjects: 449 books
• Total number of books: 571 (including 176 unpublished books)

Some crucial works towards enlightenment:

• Some parts of Ayokti Muktavali
• Treaty Collection: 75 volumes out of 82 volumes
• 78 out of 82 parts of Itishah Prakash
• Part 14 of the 15 sections of Shikharini Yatra
• Archives, Total about 600 volumes.

Some important works yet to be published:

• Introducing Avatar Vibhuti Phal
• Thara Gotra Genealogy
• Manusmriti Padyamaya Tika
• 74 parts of Kotihome introduction
• It seems that a total of 176 books are yet to be published.

Magazines published on Yogi’s leadership and involvement

Number of Publications: 10 (Including Bi-Weekly/ Monthly/ Quarterly Magazines)

• Details Sanskrit Message (Archive)
• Gram Garima
• Himavatsanskrit (Culture and History)
• Jayatu Sanskritam (Language, Literature)
• Karmaveer Message,
• Purushartha (religion)
• Nathvani
• Nath Sanskritam
• Saryusandesh
• Vishwatmadarshan

Organizations established under the leadership or initiation of Yogi

• Arsh Vidya Research Center,
• Aryaveer Sangh
• History Light Association
• Great Spiritual Council
• Karmaveer Mahamandal
• Nepali Folk Literature Council
• Sanskrit Sahitya Parishad
• Various Kotihome Committees
• Various Gurukul Vedic Vidhapith Committees
• Various local religious and cultural institutions

---

Our primary responsibility is to protect and use these priceless gems left by Yogijee. Today, the main concern is their condition and safety.

We always strive for factual accuracy and fairness in each biography. Despite this, if you see something that doesn’t look right, please let us know here; we are ready to correct it with appreciation.