Gorakhnath

Gorakhnath was a prominent Hindu yogi, saint, and mahasiddha from the early second millennium CE.

He is credited as the founder of the Nath Hindu monastic movement in India. Within Hindu tradition, he is honored as a Maha-yogi, or "great yogi." He also belongs to the Navnath, a spiritual lineage of nine masters. This lineage traces its very first teacher directly back to the deity Shiva.

Gorakhnath did not focus on promoting one specific metaphysical theory. Instead, he taught that the unbiased search for Truth is a normal and valuable human goal. He championed spiritual discipline and the guidance of a Guru, which is a realized master. Through these methods, he believed practitioners could reach samadhi, a state of spiritual liberation.

Gorakhnath’s teachings often centered on the practice of Yoga. He is closely associated with the development of Hatha yoga, a physical and spiritual discipline. While some scholars, such as James Mallinson, argue that Hatha yoga actually originated with the Dashanami Sampradaya, others disagree. Professor Guy Beck suggests that the connections between Gorakhnath, the Kanphata yogis, and Hatha yoga are beyond question.

He also engaged with complex philosophical ideas like Advaita Vedanta. This is a nondualist framework where the individual soul, or Atman, is seen as identical to the universal Brahman. In his text, the Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, this means a yogi sees themselves in all beings. This perspective helps bridge the gap between the individual and the universe.

Historians face challenges when trying to pin down the exact life of Gorakhnath. There is significant disagreement regarding the specific century in which he lived. Some researchers, like Briggs, estimate he lived during the 11th or 12th century. Other scholars, such as Abbott, point to 13th-century manuscripts to place him there. Meanwhile, Grierson suggests a 14th-century date based on evidence found in Gujarat.

Despite these academic debates, his presence is felt in the poetry of other great figures. He is referenced in the works of the poet Kabir and the Sikh founder Guru Nanak. These writings describe him as a powerful leader with a massive following.

Hagiographies, or stories about the lives of saints, offer a more legendary view of him. These accounts often describe him as a superhuman being who exists outside the laws of time. Some legends claim he appeared on Earth during different ages. Because of this, there is no single recorded birth time or place.

Different regions offer different origins for him. North Indian stories suggest he came from northwest India, possibly Punjab or Peshawar. In contrast, hagiographies from Bengal and Bihar suggest he originated in the eastern region of Assam. These varying accounts show how deeply his legend has spread across the subcontinent.

The physical legacy of Gorakhnath is visible in many sacred sites across India. The city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is named after him and houses the Gorakhnath Math. This monastery serves as a major cultural hub and publishes texts on his philosophy.

In South India, the Siddhar tradition of Tamil Nadu reveres him as one of the 18 esteemed Siddhars. In this tradition, he is often called Korakkar. He is linked to the Velliangiri Mountains and various caves where he practiced sadhana, or spiritual practice. He is even credited with using cannabis in early medicinal preparations, which led to the name Korakkar Mooligai.

Gorakhnath's influence extends significantly into the nation of Nepal. He is worshipped there as a patron saint. Historically, he was the official patron deity of the ruling kings until the monarchy was abolished in 2008.

The Gurkha people and the Gorkha district also take their names from him. In the Dang valley, legends say he meditated for twelve years near Deo Patan. A local king named Ratnaparikshak was reportedly his disciple and became a saint known as Ratnanath. This valley has been a significant site for his followers for over 1,300 years.

Beyond temples, his movement established important social traditions. The Gorakhnath orders operated free community kitchens, known as langars, in Punjab long before the founding of Sikhism.

Even today, many Gorakhnath shrines continue to provide free meals to visiting pilgrims. His teachings on yoga and the search for truth continue to connect different philosophical schools. Whether through the study of his many written works or the visit to his many shrines, his impact remains a major part of Indian spiritual history.