Gorakhnathji idol vandalised on Girnar Hill, probe launched

Tension has gripped the Girnar pilgrimage site in Junagadh after the idol of Gorakhnathji at the Gorakhnath peak temple was found vandalised late on Friday night. The incident has sparked widespread anger among devotees and members of the Nath sect.

According to police officials, four unidentified individuals allegedly locked the temple priest inside his room before decapitating the idol and throwing away the head. The attack took place while the priest was asleep.

District police chief Subodh Odedra, along with a police contingent, reached the spot soon after learning of the incident. “This is a very serious matter,” Odedra said, adding that an extensive investigation was under way.

Investigation under way

A case has been registered against four unidentified individuals based on the priest’s complaint. The investigation has been handed over to the Local Crime Branch (LCB). Additional teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG), the Deputy Superintendent’s office, and Bhavnath police are examining CCTV footage and collecting statements from witnesses.

Separate police units have also been deployed to conduct searches across Girnar Hill. Officials said old and new CCTV recordings were being analysed to trace the suspects.

Temple holds key significance for Nath sect

The Gorakhnath peak, the highest point on Girnar Hill, is home to the temple dedicated to Gorakhnathji, the principal deity of the Nath sect. The site attracts thousands of devotees each year, particularly during festivals and annual pilgrimages.

Anger among seers, religious community

Mahant Somnath Bapu of the Gorakhnath temple said that the desecration had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees. “The idol, which is the centre of faith for millions, was broken,” he said. According to the priest, three to four masked men dressed in white carried out the act while he was asleep.

Somnath Bapu alleged that the attack may be linked to opposition over the distribution of Nirvana Ladoo, a ritual offering, though the motive remains unclear. He demanded immediate action to identify and arrest those responsible.

Calls for unity and vigilance

Mahant Maheshgiribapu of the Guru Dattatreya Shikhar temple condemned the incident, saying, “To dare such an act is remarkable and needs thorough investigation. Saints must now remain vigilant.” He also suggested that internal disputes within the community sometimes embolden outsiders to commit such offences.

He urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that the “patience and tolerance of saints are being severely tested.” Maheshgiribapu noted that the recent desecration followed an earlier attack at the Guru Dattatreya Shikhar temple on October 1–2, adding to growing concern over security at the Girnar pilgrimage sites.