The Battle for Varanasi: Naga Sadhus vs. Mughal Kings
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the most sacred cities in Hinduism, revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and a significant spiritual center for millions of devotees. Over centuries, this ancient city has been the target of several invasions and attempts at desecration by foreign rulers, particularly during the reign of the Mughal Empire. Among the fiercest defenders of Varanasi and its religious heritage were the Naga Sadhus—ascetic warriors who took up arms to protect the city’s temples, including the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, from destruction.
This account delves into the historical battles between Naga Sadhus and Mughal kings, particularly focusing on Aurangzeb’s attempts to destroy the spiritual heart of Varanasi, and how the Naga Sadhus emerged as guardians of the city’s cultural and religious identity.
- The Mughal Threat to Varanasi
During the reign of the Mughal emperors, particularly under Aurangzeb, there was a concerted effort to establish Islamic dominance across the Indian subcontinent. Aurangzeb, known for his aggressive policies toward non-Islamic practices, sought to demolish key Hindu temples and cultural symbols. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was one of the prime targets of his campaign to weaken Hinduism’s religious centers.
- Aurangzeb’s Desecration of Temples
In 1669, Aurangzeb issued an edict ordering the demolition of Hindu temples in Varanasi, Mathura, and other prominent cities. His goal was to destroy not just the physical structures, but the spiritual and cultural heritage they represented. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a site of great reverence for millions of Hindus, was razed to the ground, and in its place, Aurangzeb constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque.
This attack on one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples sent shockwaves across the region. It was not just an assault on religion but also on the cultural identity of the people of Varanasi. The destruction of the temple and the mosque’s construction became a rallying cry for Hindu warriors, including the Naga Sadhus, to protect what remained of the city’s spiritual legacy.
- The Rise of the Naga Sadhus as Warrior Ascetics
Naga Sadhus, known for their extreme austerity, are not just spiritual monks but also formidable warriors when the need arises. Their tradition of asceticism involves renouncing worldly life, yet they maintain a connection to ancient martial practices. They are trained in combat, weaponry, and military strategy as part of their spiritual discipline, and when the situation demands, they rise as protectors of the faith.
The history of Naga Sadhus fighting in defense of Hinduism can be traced back to earlier centuries, but their role in defending Varanasi and its temples became particularly pronounced during the Mughal period. These warrior ascetics saw it as their divine duty to safeguard the sacred land of Kashi, the city of Shiva, from invaders.
- Resistance Against Aurangzeb
The destruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by Aurangzeb was not met without resistance. Naga Sadhus, along with local Hindu kings and warriors, fought back against Mughal forces. While historical accounts of specific battles are sparse, it is known that many skirmishes took place in and around Varanasi, where Naga Sadhus played a pivotal role.
The Naga Sadhus, armed with traditional weapons like tridents (trishuls), swords, and bows, often ambushed Mughal armies and engaged in guerrilla warfare to defend their sacred city. Despite being outnumbered and less equipped than the Mughal soldiers, their unshakable devotion to Lord Shiva and the spiritual significance of Varanasi fueled their resistance.
- Naga Sadhus and the Akharas
The Naga Sadhus belonged to Akharas—monastic orders that trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher who established these groups in the 8th century to safeguard and propagate the Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). The Akharas not only served as spiritual centers but also as training grounds for ascetics in martial arts.
During Aurangzeb’s campaign to destroy Hindu temples, the Akharas mobilized their warrior monks, including the Naga Sadhus, to defend key religious sites. The Naga Sadhus saw themselves as the foot soldiers of Lord Shiva, standing guard over his earthly domain. Their participation in resisting Aurangzeb’s forces was a critical element in the defense of Varanasi and other Hindu cities.
- The Legacy of the Naga Sadhus’ Resistance
While Aurangzeb succeeded in destroying the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the resistance put up by the Naga Sadhus and local defenders prevented further desecration of other religious sites. The resilience of the Naga Sadhus became legendary, and their role as protectors of the faith has been immortalized in the annals of Hindu history.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, though destroyed during Aurangzeb’s reign, was later rebuilt by Ahilya Bai Holkar, the queen of the Maratha Empire, in 1780. The presence of the Gyanvapi Mosque adjacent to the temple remains a reminder of the Mughal invasion, but the spirit of Varanasi and its defenders, including the Naga Sadhus, endures.
- Conclusion: Guardians of Spiritual Heritage
The Naga Sadhus’ resistance against Mughal rulers like Aurangzeb was not just a physical battle but a fight for the preservation of Hinduism’s cultural and spiritual heritage. These ascetic warriors symbolize the indomitable spirit of Varanasi and its deep connection to Lord Shiva. Their role in defending the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other holy sites during one of Hinduism’s darkest periods is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the sacred.
As guardians of India’s ancient spiritual traditions, the Naga Sadhus continue to be revered not only for their renunciation of the material world but also for their willingness to fight when the very soul of Hinduism was under threat. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience of Varanasi and its people, who have withstood centuries of upheaval while remaining a spiritual beacon for the world.
