Mahant Chand Nath

Mahant Chand Nath (21 June 1956 – 17 September 2017) was an Indian spiritual leader, educationist, and politician associated with the Nath monastic tradition. He was the head of the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak, Haryana, and served as the Chancellor of Baba Mastnath University. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Alwar constituency in Rajasthan in 2014. His life reflected a blend of religious leadership, social service, and political engagement.

Early Life and Spiritual Journey

Chand Nath was born in Begampur village, Delhi, into a family rooted in Hindu traditions. His father, Shri Shreyonath Yogi, and mother, Smt Champi Devi, provided him with a foundation in both education and spiritual values. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Hindi from Hindu College, University of Delhi.
At the age of eighteen, Chand Nath renounced ordinary life to join the Nath sect, a Shaivite monastic order known for its spiritual discipline and yogic philosophy. He received his spiritual initiation (deeksha) in 1978 under the guidance of Mahant Shreyonath. Over the years, his commitment and leadership within the Nath community earned him the position of Mahant of the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak. As a religious leader, he promoted yoga, education, and humanitarian service, upholding the sect’s ideals of self-discipline and compassion.

Religious and Educational Contributions

As the chief of the Baba Mastnath Math, Mahant Chand Nath extended his influence beyond the spiritual domain into education and social welfare. Under his leadership, several institutions were established, including schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable organisations aimed at serving the underprivileged.
He founded Baba Mastnath University in Rohtak, a private university offering programmes in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, management, humanities, and sciences. As Chancellor, he emphasised education as a form of public service, often expressing the belief that “true education is a means of serving humanity.” His efforts contributed significantly to the educational and healthcare development of the region, particularly benefiting rural communities.

Political Career

Mahant Chand Nath’s transition from religious leadership to active politics marked a significant phase of his public life. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and entered electoral politics in the early 2000s.
He first contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from the Alwar constituency in Rajasthan but was defeated. However, he remained active in state politics and later won a by-election from the Behror constituency, serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. His influence as a spiritual leader with a strong social base made him a key figure in regional politics.
In the 2014 General Elections, Chand Nath contested again from Alwar and won, defeating his Congress rival by a substantial margin. His victory reflected his popularity among the electorate and the respect he commanded as both a religious and social leader. As a Member of Parliament, he represented Alwar from 2014 until his death in 2017, contributing to debates on regional development and public welfare.

Social and Humanitarian Initiatives

Chand Nath’s approach to public service was deeply intertwined with his spiritual values. He championed causes such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and rural upliftment. Through the Baba Mastnath Math Trust, he oversaw numerous community service projects, including medical camps, cow protection shelters (gaushalas), and charitable kitchens (langars) for the poor.
He viewed religion as a vehicle for social progress and believed that spiritual institutions should serve the broader needs of society. His work within Haryana and Rajasthan helped bridge the gap between traditional religious structures and modern developmental goals.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his accomplishments, Chand Nath’s career was not without challenges. He faced legal issues during his early political career, including allegations related to land transactions and a case of criminal conspiracy. In 2017, he was sentenced to one year of imprisonment in connection with a land-fraud case. However, his supporters often emphasised his contributions to education and social service as outweighing the controversies surrounding him.
Health also posed a serious challenge in his later years. He was diagnosed with throat and thyroid cancer, which affected his ability to fulfil his parliamentary duties during his final months. Despite his illness, he continued to engage with social and religious activities until his health deteriorated further.

Death and Legacy

Mahant Chand Nath passed away on 17 September 2017 at the age of 61 in a hospital in Delhi after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death marked the end of a multifaceted career that spanned spirituality, politics, and education. His funeral was attended by numerous political leaders, spiritual followers, and devotees, reflecting the deep respect he commanded across social and political circles.
He was succeeded as Mahant of the Baba Mastnath Math by his disciple, Mahant Balaknath Yogi, who later continued his spiritual and social work and entered active politics.