A pioneering feminist and social reformer in Nepal who led a mass movement against social injustices and eventually committed a ritualistic mass suicide with her followers.
Born between 1860 and 1868 in the Bhojpur district of Nepal, Yogmaya Neupane emerged as a powerful force for social change and spiritual awakening in early 20th century Nepal. Her life journey, marked by personal tragedies and societal discrimination, transformed her into a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social reform.
Yogmaya’s early life was fraught with hardships typical of women in Nepal during that era. Married as a child and widowed early, she faced the harsh realities of ostracism and ill-treatment that widows endured in Nepali society. Refusing to accept this fate, she defied societal norms by eloping with a Brahmin boy, only to be widowed again. After a third marriage and the birth of a daughter, Yogmaya made the radical decision to renounce marriage altogether.
In 1917, Yogmaya embarked on a spiritual journey that would define the rest of her life. She traveled to various holy places before returning to her home district to lead an ascetic life. Settling in her native village of Majhuwabesi, she began practicing extreme meditation techniques, sometimes fasting and meditating for days on end. This dedication to spiritual practices attracted many locals and laid the foundation for her growing influence.
As her spiritual journey deepened, Yogmaya began composing religious and reformist poems. These compositions, later compiled in “Sarvartha Yogbani,” were heavily influenced by Hindu reformist leader Dayananda Saraswati. Her poetry became a powerful medium for spreading her message of social justice and spiritual awakening, gaining popularity beyond her immediate surroundings.
Despite her roots in Hindu spiritual philosophy, Yogmaya actively opposed the patriarchal and caste-based discrimination prevalent in Nepali Hindu society. Her teachings resonated deeply with the underprivileged and politically isolated masses, attracting followers from distant regions, including Darjeeling and Kathmandu. She spoke out against various societal injustices, including the caste system, child marriage, and the corrupt practices of local landlords and officials.
The Yogmaya Neupane sect emerged in the 1920s as a response to these perceived injustices in Nepalese society. The movement blended elements of Hinduism, particularly devotion to the god Shiva, with calls for social reform and justice. A key practice of the sect was the singing of devotional songs or “bhajans” composed by Yogmaya herself. These songs, combining spiritual themes with social commentary, became a primary means of spreading the movement’s message.
As Yogmaya’s following grew, so did her influence and the attention she received from the authorities. The Rana regime, which ruled Nepal at the time, began to view her growing popularity as a threat to their power. Yogmaya’s criticism of the corrupt and discriminatory policies of the administration, coupled with her demands for Dharma-rajya (good governance), put her in direct conflict with the state.
The regime’s response was swift and harsh. Yogmaya became the first woman in Nepal known to have been jailed for her political beliefs. However, this repression only served to strengthen her resolve and the dedication of her followers. Throughout the 1930s, Yogmaya and her disciples continued to press for social reforms, but their demands were consistently ignored by the state.
In response to this continued neglect, Yogmaya threatened to commit mass self-immolation with her followers if their demands were not met. This plan was thwarted by the authorities in 1938, resulting in the arrest and detention of many of her followers. However, Yogmaya remained undeterred and continued her resistance against the state.
The culmination of Yogmaya’s lifelong struggle came on July 5, 1941. In a dramatic and final act of protest against the regime’s failure to implement reforms, Yogmaya led 67 of her disciples in a mass suicide by jumping into the Arun River. This decision was influenced by her belief in establishing a new era by destroying the injustices and corrupt practices in Nepali society. The bodies of Yogmaya and her followers were never found, adding a mystical element to their final act of defiance.
Yogmaya Neupane’s life and work represent a unique chapter in Nepal’s history of social and spiritual movements. As one of the country’s first feminists and social revolutionaries, she challenged deeply entrenched patriarchal and feudal systems at a time when such opposition was virtually unheard of, especially from a woman. Today, Yogmaya Neupane is remembered not only for her spiritual teachings but also for her courage in challenging the status quo. Her life story serves as an inspiration for those fighting against social injustice and discrimination in Nepal and beyond. The poems she left behind continue to be studied and appreciated for their spiritual depth and social insight.
image via Music Khabar