Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter -16

  Gorakhnath and Mathsyendhranathji   arrived in Prayagraj, they saw the people of the province carrying the dead body of the King, was followed by several people, Gorakhnath said: “People of the King and his subjects are too sad at the death of the King.” Mathsyendhranathji said, “King’s soul will rest in peace; he must have done an abundance of piousness and welfare to his people.”  Gorakhnathji expressed his desire to revive the soul of the King, but Mathsyendhranathji said that his soul is already attained union with Bramham.  They both moved towards the shrine of Lord Shiva located near the funeral ground.  Gorakhnathji requested Mathsyendranathji that he want to revive the soul of the King with his Manthrasiddhi,  Mathsyendhranathji discouraged him, but he was not willing to listen, he said: “ If I could not revive the soul of the King, I will sacrifice myself in the fire.”  Mathsyendhranathji said “You cannot sacrifice your life like that; you have to finish many tasks before leaving your mortal coil.  I can help you to solve this problem.  I can enter the body of the King, leaving my mortal coil, you have to preserve my body for twelve years and I will return to my body once again after twelve years.”  Gorakhnathji was pleased with this idea of his Guruji.  Gorakhnathji felt anxious seeing the mortal coil of his preceptor; all that he was worried about how can he preserve his body for twelve years, though Yogi's mortal coil is imperishable.  Gorakhnath carried the body of his preceptor at the instruction of a female cowherd and safely kept in a place in the shrine of Lord Shiva.  Gorakhnath informed the female cowherd to take care of the body of his preceptor and requested her not to tell anyone about this incident.  He used to meet the preceptor who has assumed the form of the King on a regular basis, once he appealed to his preceptor that he wanted to go for a spiritual journey.  Gorakhnathji with the permission of Mathsyendhranathji left the place. 

One day the Queen came for worship in Lord Shiva temple and offered her humble prostration before Lord, she thanked the Lord for restoring the life of her husband, seeing this female cowherd could not control her laugh and it stirred anger in Queen.  She asked the reason why she laughed at her.  The female cowherd was too scared, she told all that happened at the time death of the King, Cowherd said that she is a widow, while King’s mortal coil was kept for the funeral pyre, Mathsyendhranath’s soul took place in the body of the King, therefore the King is not alive, it is Mathsyendhranathji assumed the form of King.  The Queen felt terribly upset and cheated, the female cowherd took the place where Yogi Mathsyendhranathji’s mortal coil was kept.  Queen felt terribly angry,  ordered her men to cut the mortal coil of Mathsyendhranathji and throw away in the forest so that it can feed on the animals.

Maha Yogi Gorakhnath

Pranams at the lotus feet of Gorakhnath Maharaj!

Chapter -15

Gorakhnath and Mathsyendhranathji continued their spiritual journey, on the way Ghehenenath who was born in Badri, with the Sanjeevini Vidhya of Gorakhnath during his childhood attained the blessings of Mathsyendhranathji.  One day Gorakhnath revealed his desire to conduct travel to spiritual places; Mathsyendhranathji continued his penance in the hills of Garbhadhri.  Gorakhnath parted ways and  on the way, he met Lord Dhaththathreya who informed Barthari who is the son of Lord Surya and brother to Gorakhnath is his disciple, he wants Gorakhnath to  teach Dharmic lessons to Barthari and take him to Mathsyendhranathji.  Soon Lord Dhathrathreya gave Dheeksha to Barthari, he taught him knowledge in Astra, Shasthra, Veda, Ayurveda, and Yoga, lessons on Nirguna and Saguna Upasana, and blessings of all the deities.  Barthari was sent with Gorakhnath and advised to meet Mathsyendhranathji.  Gorakhnath took Barthari to Mathsyendhranath, later he was learned under the guidance of Mathsyendhranathji.

Once Mathsyendhranathji and Gorakhnathji arrived in a province, Gorakhnathji said “ The King of this province cut his only sons hands and legs at the instruction of the Queen and the child was thrown out.  The child is close by kindly relieve him from his struggle.”  Mathsyendhranath restored the hands and legs of the child and named him Chauranginath.   Soon he was taken to a cave to conduct Tapasya, he was assured with the arrangements of his shelter and meals. Mathsyendranath invoked Goddess Chamunda and appealed her to take care of Chauranginath. After several years Gorakhnathji arrived at the place where Chauranginath was undertaking Tapasya.  Gorakhnathji asked about his meals during Tapasya, Goddess Chamunda appeared before him and said that all that fruit provided for consumption to Chauranginath were kept as a hill.  Gorakhnath took Chauranginath with him to Badrinath and wanted to give Dharshan of Lord Shiva as well.  Lord Shiva blessed Chauranginath with sincere devotion at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.  Further, he learned knowledge in Asthra, Shasthra, from Gorakhnath. 

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.