Hagiographical representations of Yogīs have oftenstressed the theme of power as central to thecharisma of a particular guru. Often depicted asenabling the rise and fall of locale potentatesthrough their blessing or curse, Nāth Yogīs featureprominently in stories that depict the tensionbetween renunciation and lay life, ascetic potencyand worldly power, magic and politics. In Nepal,discourses on Yogī Naraharināth (1915-2003)represent a contemporary embodiment of thehagiographical tradition, presenting him as anexceptional guru of great achievement. But if muchNāth lore had focused on stressing the elements thatposition a Yogī abovemundane matters, centering his charisma around thepivot of renunciation, Naraharināth's devoteesconstrue their guru’ religious career as very muchin the midst of the concerns of twentieth-centuryNepal, highlighting those features, such as hisscholarship and his nationalist commitment, thatspeak of his involvement in worldly affairs. YogīNaraharināth is discussed therefore not only as ayogī, but also as apaṇḍit and as araṣṭra bhakta– thetension between mundane and ascetic power beingmediated by the notion of the karma-yogī.

Ima's poster

For the contemporary visitor of his āśram, the firstacquaintance with Yogī Naraharināth is mediated by abig poster that features his picture along with acondensed summary of his work, making sense of hiscultural significance through a list ofachievements.