Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter -14

The three Nath saints arrived in a dense forest, suddenly Mathsyendhranath revealed his anxiety about thieves of the forest, Gorakhnath felt surprised how did his Guruji become so scared of these thieves, he was not like this before so there must be something with him which is precious, he does not want to leave.  On the way, they found a pond where three of them took a bath.  While his preceptor went for bathing, Gorakhnathji managed to exchange the golden bar with a stone from the shoulder bag of his preceptor.  On the way, after reaching in a forest Mathsyendhranath said “ I am feeling relieved and have no anxiety now. I was worried about thieves all the way.” Gorakhnathji said, “Guruji, fear was  tossed it already if you have no wealth why should you worry.”  Mathsyendhranathji said, “ Gorakhnath, you did not do the right thing, I was kept that Golden bar for charity purpose,  serve the saints with meals and shelter, you have exchanged the golden bar with the stone.” Immediately Gorakhnath transformed an entire hill into gold with his Manthrasidhdhi and asked his preceptor to take whatever he wants. Mathsyendhranath said, “ I have a disciple who is invaluable, therefore I do not need any golden bars.” Gorakhnath said, “Preceptor, why you have reacted angrily for the golden bar.”  Mathsyendhranath smiled and said, “ I was taking a test on your knowledge you have learned.”  Gorakhnath said, “ I  am your staunch devotee and disciple as well, it is my responsibility to fulfill all your charitable purpose.”  Mathsyendhranathji said, “ I wanted to build  shelter homes and serve a good meal for the holy men and saints so that I can be with the association of  illustrious Sages and holy men.” Gorakhnath with his Manthrasiddhi invoked the deity and ordered for the arrangement of shelter homes and meals for the saints and holy men on a large scale; they have invited Lord Dhaththathreya, Shukracharya, Sage Vashishta, Namdev, Kapila, Paras, Maharishi Vedavyasa, Valmiki, and all the illustrious Rishis and Sages and they all promised to be present on the occasion.  Gorakhnath said, “ Guruji, I can give you back the gold bar of yours.” Mathsyendhranathji said, “I do not want anything; you are my treasure.”

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter -13

Queen Mynakani of Thraya Kingdom lured the heart of Mathsyendhranath and kept him in her palace for twelve years at the order of Hanuman, these couples had a child.  Gorakhnath wanted to release his preceptor from the palace of Mynakani, where men are not allowed to enter inside the fortress, it was protected by Hanuman.  Gorakhnath and Hanuman had an argument about it and they both entered into a fight, soon both of them were pacified by Lord Rama.  Hanuman warned Queen Mynakani who was a fervent devotee of Lord Hanuman that Gorakhnath arrived in the city to release his preceptor from her custodian.  She felt distressed at the thought of leaving Mathsyendhranath, Hanuman advised her to keep him in her custodian with her magical powers and beauty.  In the meantime, Gorakhnath met the lady dancers who were planned to perform before the assembly of Queen Mynakani.  Goraknathji assumed the form of a beautiful woman and joined with the lady dancers and musicians.  Gorakhnathji performed music in front of the assembly of Queen Mynakani who was present with her son and Mathsyendhranathji, at the end Mathsyendhranathji realized his disciple, Gorakhnath said “I am here with all your blessings and knowledge gained from you, your life in this Thraya Kingdom would bring disgrace to the Nath traditions, therefore you have to leave this Kingdom immediately.” Mathsyendhranathji said, “Son, it was not my wish to live in this Kingdom, Lord Hanuman compelled to do so.” Mathsyendhranathji said, “ Son, I am willing to go with you, before that you have to get permission from Queen Mynakani.”  Gorakhnathji understood Mathsyendhranathji want to get out of this place but he does not want to put Queen Mynakani in distress.  Ond day Mathsyendhranathji said, “ Gorakhnath, take my son Moninath who was not taken bath in a pond for quite some time, take him to the pond and give him a bath.”  Gorakhnath decided to get his preceptor from this worldly bondage, he took the life out of the child and kept him on the terrace of the palace.  Queen Myanakani was inconsolable, she blamed Gorakhnathji for his evil deed, Mathsyendhranathji poured harsh words on Gorakhnath “ You have killed my son like an enemy, you have to restore his life, otherwise, you have to go through severe punishments,” Gorakhnath with his Manthrasiddhi poured water on the dead body of the child, soon several children appeared in place of him, Queen Mynakani was shocked, Gorakhnath said: “ If you want you can keep all the children, otherwise find out yours.”  She was confused and pleads to give back her son; Gorakhnath said “If you could not recognize your son, how can you claim possession on him,” Finally Queen Mynakani got her son back.  Gorakhnath asked the permission of the Queen to take back his preceptor, but she asked him to wait for a year.  Gorakhnathji informed her about the current situation of Nath traditions, people pouring verbal abuse on his preceptor, Queen Mynakani pleaded him to stay for a few days and take his preceptor.  Later, Gorakhnath had a discussion with his preceptor about the death of the Moninath.  Mathsyendhranathji said it was his own drama to get the Queen out of worldly bondage.  One day Gorakhnathji said to Queen Mynakani “ Matha, kindly give us permission to leave this fortress,” Mynakani said “ Though I do not want to leave Moninath, I have another six months to live after that Moninath will be all alone in the palace, while Mathsyendhranathji  was here there was no harm for the child from the growling sounds of Hanuman, it is impossible for him to live alone in the palace, therefore please take Moninath with you.” Finally, the three Nath left the palace of Thraya Kingdom.  While leaving Queen Mynakani gave a gold bar for their spiritual journey which Mathsyendhranathji kept it safely on his shoulder bag.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter -12

Gorakhnathji arrived Dadrewa, a province in Gujarath which was affected by severe drought, the moment he placed his feet on this land,  the plants and trees which was died of extreme temperature were got their lives back,  the ponds, wells, and rivers were brimming with waters,  this mysterious news spread across the village and the King’s palace.  Queen was not ready to believe, but she heard from other women in the palace that the whole village has got new life at the arrival of the holy men.  They believed that the destiny of Dadrewa province is going to change forever with the touch of the feet of holy men.  The two Queens Bachal and Kachal of Maharaja Jewarsingh had no offspring for several years, so they have decided to meet the holy men, this kind of mysterious incident never happened before in their province; they thought he must be God’s emissary.  But the youngest one among the queens made up her mind to visit the holy men before her elder sister, and prepares to leave the palace; she also decided to ask for an heir to the throne to holy men.  The eldest Queen Bachal thought if Maharaja Jewarsingh was there it would be great to meet the saint with him, she believed it must be Guru Gorakhnath who is the preceptor of the province of Dadrewa, she was thrilled with joy that her long cherished dream is going to fulfill with the blessings of Gorakhnathji.  Soon the youngest Queen Kachal left the palace without the knowledge of the eldest one to get the blessings of Gorakhnathji, she appealed before Guruji  and said “ Guruji, I am the eldest Queen, but I am having a miserable life without a child, Maharaj wants me to have a child, kindly bless me to have a son.” Gorakhnathji blessed her and gave sacred ashes from the fire pit, he advised her to drink it with the milk, so that she can have two children. She reverentially greeted Guruji and said, “ I will not forget your grace, I shall always follow your path.”  On the way to the palace, the youngest Queen smiled at her evilness, she thought Guruji will recognize her lie, but he did not, she returned to the fortress.  The eldest Queen Bachal arrived to meet Gorakhnathji, she reverentially prostrated before Guruji and said “ Guruji, I am unfortunate one, I do not have any offspring, I am yearning to hear the voice of a child in our palace, I shall surrender at your feet, kindly bless me to have a son.”  Guruji was confused seeing the same female before him, in fact, the two sisters Kachal and Bachal had the same appearance, and therefore it was difficult to recognize each one.  Guruji understood that the youngest one took advantage of her appearance and fooled him.  Guruji appeared before serpent Vasuki in Pathal lok, Gorakhnath wanted to bless the eldest one who does not have the fortune to give birth to a child.  Nagraj Vasuki promised Padmanag will be born as the child of    Queen Bachal, she received sacred ashes and blessings from Guruji, which could provide her a virtuous offspring with valor, attractiveness, courage, and fearlessness, he blessed her boy child will achieve great fame in his Kingdom.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter - 11

King Bridhdhahari was a disciple of Baba Gorakhnath, he was tormented at the death of Queen Pingala, and took shelter under Baba Gorakhnath.  Still, people of this province beg for alms singing the glories of Queen Pingala.   It is believed that Baba Gorakhnath underwent Tapasya for twelve years in a place called Gorkha, in Nepal, later a clan in this name was originated and people of this family take up security guard/protector as their profession.

The famous scripture “Gorakh Vijay” describes that the installation of Goddess Kali in the renowned temple of Kalighat in Kolkata was performed by Baba Goraknathji.  He undertook several years of Tapasya in Gorakhpur.  There are no evident writings about the birth or Samadhi of Baba Gorakhnathji.  The Nath traditions believe that there is no death or birth for Gorakhnath Maharaj, he is immortal and many of his worshipers experiencing the same.   The holy men and saints are divine personified on Earth, their purpose of incarnations mainly to reinstate righteousness and guide the people with the knowledge of self and realization of God.  They continue to incarnate on Earth in all Yuga.  The supreme spirit is mercy personified, hence at his instructions, saintly people take birth on Earth and live like an ordinary human being, without showing their divinity to the world.  Their ultimate purpose will be the same; it will be to save the people from the miseries, sorrows, grief, afflictions, and pains.  The fortunate souls will attain the perpetual blessings of their preceptor and saintly men; they sincerely follow strict disciplines of their Varnna and Ashramadharma, religious and spiritual rites.  These righteousness and disciplines would liberate them from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence; ultimately liberate the soul from repeated births.  All the Yogis, holy men and saints have affirmed that human can achieve a higher state of spirituality with intense devotion, faith, meditation, and Yogic practices, they all have strived hard to guide the soul in the righteous path, performance of daily rites according to their Varnna and Ashramadharma, follow strict discipline, the performance of religious and spiritual rites.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter - 10

Mathsyendhranathji was well known in Nepal, people of this province celebrate Mathsyendhranath Yathra elaborately, once King of Nepal harassed the disciples of Mathsyendhranathji.  Guruji was infuriated and assembled Navanag, due to this there was no rain in Nepal for twelve years, there was huge turmoil created due to famine and drought, and people started leaving this province.  King of Nepal understood his mistake, he sent an emissary to Mathsyendhranathji, at the request of the King the Navanag, was released and the country had enough downpour.  There is a cave Gorakhnath Siddh Gupha where Gorakhnathji used to conduct meditation and Yogic practices are still located in Nepal.  There is a cave in Ujjain too, people used to worship Gorakhnathji in this cave. 

There was a famous King Thilakchandhra ruled the city of Tripura in Bengal, his daughter was Shishumathi.  Baba Gorakhnath arrived in Tripura, he was stunned to see Shishumathi, he said he wanted to give Dheeksha to Shishumathi.  Thilakchandhra said, “ Baba, she is too young to receive Dheeksha from a great saint like you, this little girl child cannot understand a thing about Yogic practice.” Gorakhnathji said, “ I can read her future, and you are seeing her present, you kindly do not refuse.”  Gorakhnathji gave Dheeksha to Shishumathi and renamed her Mynavathi.  When Mynavati attained the age of marriage, she was married to King Manikchandra, and these couples had a son Govindachandra who was born after the death of Manikchandra.  After the death of her husband Mynavathi had to go through lots of struggle, she had to take care of the ruling of the Kingdom and the baby on her womb.  One day Gorakhnathji appeared before her and said “ Daughter, You need not worry about anything, you can very well take care of your two responsibilities, my blessings are always with you and you will succeed in your mission. Always remember one thing, when your son becomes a youth, take him to receive Dheeksha from Nath traditions, he will become one of the famous personality in the Nath traditions,”  Govind was married at the age of eighteen, eventually he was attained Dheeksha from the preceptor of Nath traditions.  The folklore of King Gopichand and Queen Mynavathi is well known in the rural areas of Bengal and people used to beg alms singing these glorious myths.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter - 9

Once Gorakhnath arrived at Jwaladhevi shrine on a Makara Sankranthi day, she asked him to remain his guest for the day.  Gorakshanath revealed his desire to consume Kicchadi as a meal, he put forward a condition, he will bring the rice received as alms for cooking Kicchadi, he conducted journey for receiving alms and arrived on the river banks of Airavathi in Gorakhpur, he started meditating on the beautiful river bank, after this incident people started offering Kicchadi on the Makara Sankranthi day to attain the blessings of Gorakhnath Maharaj.

The famous composition “Gorakhvijay” describes an incident, once Baba Gorakhnath was meditating under the Bahula tree, he realized Siddh Krishna path was traveling on the sky route, Baba Gorakhnath brought Siddha Krishna path on the Earth with his Manthrasiddhi, Krishna path said “ You are meditating here, your preceptor Guru Mathsyendhranathji is in Kadhali Van taking immense pleasure in the association of thousands and six hundred women and Maharani Kamala and Mangala, he completely forgot his personality and wisdom, he has three days left to live on Earth,”  Baba Gorakhnath said “ Your preceptor’s condition is really bad, King of Gaud Gopichand imprisoned your preceptor and he is suffering hellish torture in the prison,”  These two holy men after knowing the pathetic state of their preceptor rushed to their places.  Goraknath with his disciple Lang and Mahalang, assumed the form of a twice-born and arrived in Kadhalivan.  Seeing the charming appearance of Gorakhnath, one of the servants in the royal palace fallen in love, she informed him that Mathsyendhranathji is in the palace, but none of the men are allowed to go inside the palace.  At that moment, a group of dancer girls was going towards the palace; he assumed the form of a woman dancer and followed them to the assembly hall.   Gorakhnath informed his purpose of arrival through the sounds of percussion to Mathsyendhranathji, and requested to leave the association of women and sensual pleasures.  Mathsyendhranathiji realized his disciple Goraknath and both of them disappeared from the Kadhali province, they traveled through the sky route and arrived in Girinath Mountain, there was a hermitage where Mathsyendhranathji was present and he was surrounded by disciples, Goraknath was awestruck at the sight, disciples said Guruji is living here for several years now, it is believed that in order to destroy the ego of his disciple Mathsyendhranathji played a drama in Kadhali Province.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter - 8

Gorakhnathji was Hathayogi Purusha, therefore it is believed that he lived long years and spread righteousness and imparted knowledge of Nath traditions which has the similarities of Pashupath Sampradaya. He established Nath monasteries, they worship Navnath as deities, supreme among the Nath is Lord Shiva.  Mathsyendhranath initiated the Nath traditions; he was born in Bengal.  Gorakh philosophies describe the fact that Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti is inseparable, they together created the Universe and its living beings, Shiva assumes the form of Shakthi whenever he feels.  It is believed that pronunciation of the name of this Mahayogi would bring piousness, he achieved the highest of the spiritual state with his constant meditation and Yogic practices.  His fame spread across Nepal, Tibet, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bengal.  Gorakhnath symbolizes Lord Shiva, he was well known for Hatha Yoga and Sahaja Yoga which is the spontaneous union of the self with the supreme spirit.  The Nath Sampradaya was established during the period of the excessive influence of BaudhaTantric, Aghori, and Kapli’s in society.  This tradition was introduced to reduce the disproportionate authority of these sects, and there were many people who struggled with no spiritual guidance.  The Nath tradition was introduced by the saint who was the follower of Pashupath sampradaya, and they worship Lord Shiva as the supreme deity.  There is a disagreement prevailed about the birthplace of Gorakhnath Maharaj, some believe that he was born in a village in Rawalpindi later the village was named as Gorakhpur.

Yoga has tremendous benefit to human body and mind; Yogis are supplemented with Ashtasiddhi and Navanidhi.   Yogis in the Nath traditions influenced the ordinary people; he enlightened people with the benefits of Yoga and taught them the beliefs in the faith of Lord Shiva.   Gorakhnath who reinstated righteousness and protected people of four eras, witnessing his divine form and pronouncing his name would make everything possible.  Gorakh Dham houses shrines of all the deities which is located in Gorakhpur, Luck now,  Uttar Pradesh.