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/Shri Gorakhnath Math, Gorakhpur
State Temple
Shri Gorakhnath Math, Gorakhpur
श्री गोरखनाथ मठ, गोरखपुर
Location
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Shri Guru Gorakhnath (founder-saint of the Nath Sampradaya; siddha yogi)
Entry
Free entry
The Gorakhnath Math is the supreme centre of the **Nath Sampradaya** (also called Goraksha Panth or Nath-Yogi tradition) — one of medieval India's most influential Hindu monastic orders. The tradition emphasises: 1. **Hatha Yoga**: The Nath siddhas systematised Hatha Yoga; the foundational text **Hatha Yoga Pradipika** (15th c. CE by Svatmarama) is rooted in Nath tradition. 2. **Siddhi (Spiritual Powers)**: Nath siddhas pursue advanced kundalini awakening, pranayama, and meditation practices believed to confer supernatural powers. 3. **Anti-caste / Inclusive**: The Nath tradition explicitly admits seekers of all castes and communities; many famous Nath siddhas were from low-caste or non-Hindu backgrounds. 4. **Pan-Indian Reach**: Nath maths exist across India (Hinglaj in Pakistan, Tryambakeshwar, Pashupatinath in Nepal, Kadri in Karnataka, etc.). The Gorakhpur math is the principal seat. 5. **Ear-Pierced Sannyasis**: Distinctive Nath ascetics wear large ear-rings (kundal) — pierced in the cartilage rather than lobe. This is the visual marker of an initiated Nath sannyasi.
History
**Guru Gorakhnath (~11th–12th c. CE):** A legendary saint and yogi who reformed and systematised Hindu yogic practice. His historical dates are debated (estimates range from 9th to 12th centuries CE), but most scholars place him in the late 11th to mid-12th century. He was a disciple of Matsyendranath (Adi Guru of the Nath Sampradaya). Gorakhnath is credited with major texts including Goraksha Samhita, Goraksha Paddhati, and Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati. **Pre-Modern History:** Gorakhpur city is named after the saint. The Math has existed in various forms for centuries; the city served as a Nath stronghold during the medieval period. The Math witnessed periods of Mughal interference and recovery. **British Era:** Mahant Digvijay Nath (1894–1969) modernised the Math, founded a college (Gorakhpur University evolved from his initiatives), and started Maharana Pratap Education Council. He was active in the Independence movement and later in Hindu politics. **20th Century Mahants:** - Mahant Digvijay Nath (1935–1969): Modernised institutions - Mahant Avaidyanath (1969–2014): Long political career; MP from Gorakhpur multiple times; founded the Hindu Mahasabha local unit and was active in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement - Yogi Adityanath / Ajay Singh Bisht (2014–present): Took diksha from Avaidyanath in 1994; appointed Mahant September 2014; CM of UP since March 2017 **Khichdi Mela:** The annual Khichdi Mela held on Makar Sankranti (14 January) is one of UP's largest religious gatherings. Pilgrims offer rice, lentils, and other ingredients (later cooked into khichdi for distribution) at the Math. The mela attendance often exceeds 10–15 lakh on Makar Sankranti day alone.
Mythology
**Origin Legend:** According to Nath tradition, Guru Matsyendranath received yogic knowledge directly from Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. Matsyendranath in turn taught Gorakhnath, who became the principal siddha of the age. Gorakhnath's legend describes him as: - Fully realised even at birth - Performing miraculous feats throughout India and Nepal - Establishing maths in 9 principal locations (Navnath) - Possessing unbroken samadhi-like consciousness **The Khichdi Story:** According to legend, Gorakhnath fed Mughal soldiers besieging Gorakhpur with miraculously self-cooking khichdi (rice and lentils) from a small pot. The siege was lifted when soldiers experienced the miracle. Khichdi has been the principal prasad of the Math ever since, especially during Makar Sankranti. **Bhasma and Rudraksha Tradition:** Nath sannyasis traditionally wear bhasma (sacred ash) on their bodies and large rudraksha malas — emblematic of Shiva's anti- cosmetic, ascetic mode.