GURU GORAKHANATHA (गुरु गोरक्षनाथ ).pptx

GURU
GORAKSHANATH
गुरु गोरक्षनाथ
Dr. Hemraj Koirala
Acting Director
Kathmandu University
Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital
Panauti-05 Kavre, Nepal

• Guru Gorakhnath, also known as Gorakshanath, is a legendary yogi and
saint in the Nath tradition of Hinduism.
• He is believed to be the chief disciple of Matsyendranath, the founder of
the Nath Sampradaya (Nath School of Yoga).
• Gorakhnath is credited with the development and popularization of Hatha
Yoga.
• His teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual discipline, self-
realization, and the unity of body and mind.
• Gorakhnath is often regarded as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and his
followers consider him a divine being with miraculous powers.
• He is traditionally associated with the practice of celibacy, austerity, and
deep meditation, reflecting his path of intense spiritual practice.
Guru Gorakhanatha

• Gorakhnath composed numerous texts, including the Goraksha Shataka
(गोरक्षशतक) Siddhasiddhantapaddhati (सिद्धसिद्धान्तपद्धति) and Yogabeeja
(योगबीज).
• He is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, and Jainism too.
• Gorakhnath established many monasteries (मठ) and centers for the dissemination
of his teachings, which continue to thrive today.
• Gorakhnath is venerated for his role in bridging the gap between the physical and
spiritual realms, guiding his followers toward liberation (moksha).
• Guru Gorakhnath's is revered as a spiritual guardian of the nation in Nepal, with
the royal family historically considering him their patron deity; the Shah kings of
Nepal, especially King Prithvi Narayan Shah, are believed to have sought his
blessings for protection and success, making Gorakhnath an integral figure in both
the spiritual and political realms of the country.
Guru Gorakhanatha

BIRTH STORY -1
● Gorakha Natha is believed to have been born from the spiritual powers of his
guru, Matsyendra Natha, rather than through natural means.
● Once Guru Gorakhnath's teacher, Guru Matsyendranath, was traveling through
the village of Chandragiri.
● While following the monastic practice of collecting alms (bhiksha), he
encountered a sorrowful woman distressed by her inability to have a child.
● Matsyendranath gave her sacred ash (vibhuti) and advised her to consume it,
promising that she would bear a son.
● Due to fear of societal judgment, the woman discarded the vibhuti into a heap
of cow dung instead of consuming it.
● Twelve years later, when Matsyendranath revisited the village and inquired
about the child, the woman confessed that she had done thrown the sacred ash
in the heap of cow dung.

BIRTH STORY -1
● At the yogi's request, she showed him the place where the sacred ash
had been thrown. The yogi Matsyendranath said, "Mother! That sacred
ash was consecrated; it could not fail!" He then went to the spot where
the ash had been scattered and uttered the sound "Alakh."
● Upon hearing this, a twelve-year-old boy, enveloped in a radiant aura,
emerged from the spot and bowed down at the yogi's feet. Since the
boy had been protected by cow dung, Guru Matsyendranath named
him "Goraksha."
● After being initiated into the Nath tradition, he became renowned as
Gorakshanath. Thus, the story of the miraculous birth of an asexual
saint as the spiritual son of Guru Matsyendranath became widely
known.

BIRTH STORY -2
● According to another legend, Guru Gorakhnath was not born in a
conventional sense but is believed to have manifested in the Goraksha-
Cave of Gorkha district of Nepal. It is considered that Guru Gorakhnath
was first seen here.
● In the Gorkha district, there is a cave that contains the footprint of
Gorakhnath and a statue of him. Every year on the full moon day of the
month of Vaishakh (वैषाखी पूर्णीमा), a festival called "Rot Mahotsav“ (रोट
महोत्सव) is celebrated here, accompanied by a fair.

BIRTH STORY -3
● Many scholars consider Guru Gorakhnath not just a saint of a specific era but an
eternal sage. It is believed that Gorakhnath manifested at various times and places
throughout history, with his most recent appearance being in Nepal.
● The followers of Gorakhnath Math do not believe in the celebration of Guru
Gorakhnath's birthday or death anniversary. According to them, Guru Gorakhnath is
an eternal siddha guru who has existed since time immemorial and is completely
separate from the cycle of life and death.
● Evidence is presented suggesting that Gorakhnath appeared in the Satya Yuga in
Punjab, in the Treta Yuga in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh in the Dwapara Yuga in
Churabhuja near Dwarka, Gujarat and repeatedly in the Himalayan regions (हिमवत्
खण्ड) Nepal during the Kali Yuga. However, scholars do not unanimously agree on
these claims.

INCARNATION OF LORD SHIVA
● Gorakhnath is revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, embodying the divine
principles of transformation, wisdom, and spiritual liberation. In Hindu tradition,
particularly within the Nath sect, he is considered not just a saint but a divine being
who is deeply connected with the cosmic consciousness of Shiva.
● According to Gargasamhita, Lord Mahadev Himself said:
"अहमेवास्मि गोरक्षो मद्रूपं तन्निबोधत।
योग मार्ग प्रचाराय मयारूपमिदं धृतम्"
● Meaning: "I am Goraksha, understand that Goraksha is my form. I have assumed
this form for the propagation of the path of Yoga."

GORAKHANATHA AND NEPAL-1
मेघमालासनीकृत
● The earliest connection between Gorakhnath and Nepal dates back to the time of
King Narendra Dev during the Lichhavi era, when Gorakhnath first appeared in
Nepal.
● During this time in Kathmandu, the Nath yogis were denied alms due to
opposition, causing their suffering.
● Upon learning of their plight, Gorakhnath used his yogic powers to trap the
clouds beneath his thigh, causing a severe drought and famine in Nepal.
● Scholars informed the king that Gorakhnath was in deep meditation and had
imprisoned the clouds; to release them, Guru Matsyendranath needed to be
brought to Gorakhnath.
● After Guru Matsyendranath's arrival, Gorakhnath greeted him, causing the clouds
to release and rain to fall. This event is commemorated with a chariot procession
of Matsyendranath in Nepal.

BLESSING TO DRAVYA SHAH
(क्षिरबर)
● The story of Saint Gorakhnath is closely intertwined with the history of modern
Nepal. When Gorakhnath foresaw the looming threat of foreign English forces
capturing Bharatavarsha (South Asia), he decided to unite the Himavat Khanda
(the region of Nepal). To accomplish this, he sought a capable leader to carry out
his vision.
● During his search, Gorakhnath met Prince Dravya Shah of the contemporary
Lamjung Kingdom. He was the son of king Yashobrahma Shah who had two
sons: the elder, Narhari Shah, became the king of Lamjung, while the younger,
Dravya Shah, resided in the cow shade (Goth). Dravya Shah, a devoted lover of
cows, was known for his deep faith and commitment to Gaumata (गौमाता).
Learning of Dravya Shah’s devotion, Gorakhnath saw great potential in him.

BLESSING TO DRAVYA SHAH
(क्षिरबर)
● At the time Gorakhnath met Dravya Shah, he was not yet a crown prince, but merely a
prince living humbly in the cow shade. Recognizing Dravya Shah's potential to fulfill
his vision, Gorakhnath suggested that he participate in the royal race of the Liglig
Kingdom, which would enable him to become king. Dravya Shah took part in the race
and emerged victorious, becoming the king of Liglig Kot.
● After ascending to the throne of Liglig, Dravya Shah began expanding his kingdom.
He attacked the Gorkha region, which was then ruled by the Khadka kings, and
defeated them, making Gorkha part of his kingdom. The Gorkha region was
historically significant as it was the place of penance for Gorakhnath. After
conquering Gorkha, Dravya Shah renamed the nation "Gurkha" in honor of
Gorakhnath’s legacy.
● Thus, Gorakhnath’s vision of uniting Nepal under a powerful ruler was realized
through the leadership of Dravya Shah, who went on to establish the Kingdom of
Gurkha, which would later play a central role in the formation of modern Nepal.

BLESSING TO PRITHVI N. SHAH
(दधिबर)
● Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath is closely connected with the unification
movements of modern Nepal and the life of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
● Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal, was a visionary monarch who
laid the foundation of modern Nepal.
● A divine prophecy during his childhood by Sage Gorakhnath foretold his
success in territorial expansion.
● Historical records mention an unusual event that occurred during his early
years.
● One day, while wandering around, young Prithvi Narayan Shah reached
the cave of Guru Gorakhnath.
● Gorakhnath, disguised as a hermit, asked the young prince for some curd.

BLESSING TO PRITHVI N. SHAH
(दधिबर)
● Prithvi Narayan fetched curd from his step mother and brought it to the
hermit, pleasing him with the gesture.
● The hermit consumed only part of the curd and offered the leftovers to the
prince.
● The young boy hesitated to eat the leftover curd, causing it to spill onto
his foot.
● Gorakhnath then prophesied, "Had you eaten this curd, all your wishes
would have come true. Since it has fallen on your foot, wherever you
tread shall become your kingdom."
● After delivering this prophecy, the hermit disappeared.
● True to Gorakhnath's blessing, Prithvi Narayan Shah achieved great
success in expanding his kingdom and left a lasting legacy.

BLESSING TO RATNA
PARIKSHITA
● Prince Ratna Parikshaka of Dang, a spiritual practitioner, was also blessed by
Gorakshanath and attained longevity, becoming renowned as Siddha Baba Ratan
Nath.
● Baba Ratan Nath amazed not only Nepal but the entire Asian region with his
yogic powers including Kabul, Kandahar, Iran, Irak, Mucca and Madina.
● Gorakshanath gave Baba Ratan Nath a vessel of elixir, said to hold the spirit of
Gorakshanath himself with in it.
● Baba Ratan Nath constructed a grand temple in Dang to enshrine the elixir vessel
and established a tradition of worshiping it, which continues to this day.
● Inscriptions at the site state that Guru Gorakshanath meditated in Devi Patan
under Lord Shiva's orders.
● Guru Gorakshanath established the area as the Pateshwari Shakti Peeth.

PEOPLE BLESSED BY GURU
GORAKHANATHA
Guru Gorakhanatha have blessed many people and most of them were King
and high level administrator. Few of them are:
1. King Bharthari of Ujjain: A legendary king and yogi who renounced
his throne under Gorakhnath’s guidance, Bharthari is celebrated for his
devotion and his profound transformation into a spiritual seeker.
2. Puran Bhagat, son of King Shalivahan of Sialkot: Known for his
unwavering faith, Puran Bhagat embraced asceticism after facing
hardships, ultimately achieving spiritual enlightenment through the
blessings of Gorakhnath.
3. Bappa Rawal of Mewar: A brave warrior and founder of the Mewar
dynasty, he is believed to have received Gorakhnath’s blessings, which
strengthened his valor and leadership in uniting his people.

GORAKHANATHA
4. Ranjha of Punjab: A mystical lover and yogi, Ranjha, guided by Gorakhnath’s
teachings, is revered for his spiritual journey, which merged divine love with
self-realization.
5. King Gopichand of Bengal: A royal disciple of Gorakhnath, Gopichand
renounced his throne to pursue a life of yoga and asceticism, embodying the
ideals of detachment and devotion.
6. Vibudhendra Mal of Odisha: A courageous Kshatriya warrior, Vibudhendra
Mal sought Gorakhnath’s blessings, which empowered him in battle and guided
his spiritual path alongside his martial endeavors.
7. Jhulelal of Sindh: Venerated as the deity of Sindhis, Jhulelal is believed to
have drawn strength and divine grace from Gorakhnath to protect his people
and promote harmony.

GORAKHANATHA
8. Guru Nanak Dev: The first Guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings of
unity and devotion reflect the spiritual wisdom believed to be inspired by
Gorakhnath’s universal path.
9. Saint Kabir: A mystic poet and saint, Kabir’s philosophy of love and equality
aligns with Gorakhnath’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner
realization over external rituals.
10. Jambhoji, founder of Bishnoi tradition: A spiritual reformer, Jambhoji drew
upon Gorakhnath’s influence to establish the Bishnoi tradition, advocating for
environmental conservation and a harmonious way of life.
11. Haridas Ali, founder of Niranjani tradition: Haridas Ali, inspired by
Gorakhnath, founded the Niranjani tradition, emphasizing meditation,
simplicity, and a connection with the divine through spiritual practices.

GORAKHANATHA: AS AN
INCARNATION OF LORD SHIVA
● The Nath tradition is believed to have originated from Adinath, Lord Shiva.
● The spiritual knowledge received by Matsyendranath from Adinath Shiva was
subsequently imparted to Gorakhnath, a disciple and incarnation of Shiva.
● Gorakhnath is renowned as the supreme teacher and founder of the Nath tradition
and its spiritual practices.
● In the Mahakalayoga scriptures, Lord Shiva himself declares:
अहमेवास्मि गोरक्षो मद्रूपं तन्निबोधत !
–
योग मार्ग प्रचाराय मयारूपमिदं धृतम् ।।
I am Goraksha. Understand this to be my very form. To propagate the path of yoga, I
have assumed this form. Thus, Gorakhnath is regarded as the direct embodiment of
Satchidananda Shiva, the ultimate blissful reality.

THE NATH COMMUNITY
(नाथ संप्रदाय)
● The term 'Natha' originates from 'Nathru' (नाथरू) and signifies the unity of Shiva
(शिव) and Shakti (शक्ति), as 'Na' representing Shiva and 'Tha' symbolizing Shakti.
● Goraksha Siddhanta Samgraha says, श्री मोक्षदानक्षत्वन्नाथ (दा) ब्रह्मनुबोधनाथ।
स्थिरज्ञानविभावदीनथा इति गीयते। That means 'Na' bestows Moksha and knowledge,
while 'Tha' halts ignorance, making the Natha tradition a path of spiritual
enlightenment.
● The term 'Natha' (नाथ) is symbolic of Shiva (शिव) and Shakti. (शक्ति) While 'Na'
represents Shiva, 'Tha' means Shakti. शिवोऽअपि रहितः कर्तुम् शक्तों न किंचन that
means Shiva is incomplete without Shakti, highlighting their inseparable nature.
● Guru Gorakshanatha is considered the founder of the Natha Sampradaya, which
includes the nine Naths (नवनाथ) and 84 Siddhas (चौरासी सिद्ध), who propagated
yoga and meditation.
● The Natha tradition teaches the unity of Shiva (in the Brahmarandhra) and Shakti

TEACHING OF GORAKHANATAH
(गोरक्ष शिक्षा)
● Guru Gorakshanatha propagated the knowledge of Hathayoga, as taught by his
Guru Matsyendranatha, emphasizing that controlling the body leads to
controlling the mind and ultimately achieving Moksha, as stated in Goraksha-
samhita-1.4.
● He placed special emphasis on Prana (प्राण) Sadhana, teaching that through this
practice, the Kundalini can be awakened.
● In his texts, he explained that the source of nadis (नाड़ी) through which prana
flows is the Mulakanda (मूलकन्द), and there are seventy-two thousand nadis, as
stated:
ऊर्ध्व मेधाधाधोनभे कण्डयोनिः खगण्डावत्।
तत्रनाद्य समुत्पन्नः सहस्रनाम द्विसप्तिः।(Goraksha-shataka-25)
● Once the Kundalini is awakened, the Apana (अपान) vayu (वायु) travels through
the Sushumna (सुषुम्ना) nadi and reaches the Sahashrara (सहस्रार चक्र) . This union

● Guru Gorakshanatha described the human body as a miniature model of
the cosmos, detailing in 'Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati' how different body
parts correspond to cosmic elements.
● Through prolonged Dhyana (चिन्तन), a Yoga Sadhaka can perceive the
entire cosmos within and uncover the truths of the universe.
● Guru Gorakhanatha, in his invaluable treatise on Yoga called Goraksha
samhita has propounded the theory called 'Shadanga yoga' (षडंग योग).
आसनं प्राणं संरोधनःप्रत्यहरश्च धारणा।
ध्यानं समाधिरेतानि योगांगनि वदन्ति षटः।(Goraksha-samhita-1.6)
● The six limbs of Yoga are Asana (आसन), Pranayama (प्राणायाम),
Pratyahara (प्रत्याहार), Dharana (धारणा), Dhyana (ध्यान) and Samadhi.

● In Gorakshashataka it is said that:
कण्डोर्ध्व क
ु ण्डली शक्तिः स्पुत मोक्षाय योगिनम्।
बंधनाय च मूधनं यस्तवेति से योगवित्। (गोरक्षा-शतक)
● The Kundalini Shakti (शक्ति) is situated in the perineum region. When this
shakti is not awakened the person remains in ignorance and when it is
awakened the person is illuminated with knowledge.
● Balance Between Physical and Spiritual Life: Guru Gorakhanatha
stated on balance between physical and spiritual body. He considered the
body is the temple of the divine and must be cared for. A healthy body
supports spiritual practices, and spiritual growth enhances physical well-
being.

TREATISES OF THE GREAT JOGI
(गोरक्ष ग्रन्थमाला)
Gorakhanatha is credited for being the writer of many Samskrta and Hindi
literatures. Over a period of years of extensive research on the subject, eminent
scholar Dr. Hajari Prasad Dvivedi (हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी) has collected these literatues
of Guru Gorakhanatha written in Samskrta. "However, if Gorakhanatha himself is
the writer of these books is still a matter of further research', says Dr. Dvivedi. These
books in Samskrta are:
1. Amanaska Yoga (अमानस्का)
2. Amaraugha-shasanam
(अमरौघशासनम्)
3. Avadhuta Geeta (अवधूत गीता)
4. Caturashityasana (चतुरशीत्यासन)
5. Goraksha Kalpa (गोरक्ष कल्प)
7. Goraksha Geeta (गोरक्ष गीता)
8. Goraksha Chikitsa Paddhati
(गोरक्षा चिकित्सा पद्धति)
9. Goraksha Panchaka (गोरक्ष
पंचक)
10. Goraksha Paddhati (गोरक्षा

TREATISES OF THE GREAT JOGI
(गोरक्ष ग्रन्थमाला)
12. Goraksha Shastra (गोरक्ष शास्त्र)
13. Goraksha Samhita (गोरक्षा संहिता)
14. Hatha Yoga (हठयोग)
15. Hatha Samhita (हठ संहिता)
16. Jnana-prakasha Shataka (ज्ञान-प्रकाश शतक)
17. Jnanamrita Yoga (ज्ञानमृत योग)
18. Mahartha Manjari (महर्थ मञ्जरी)
19. Nadi-jnana-pradeepika (नाड़ी-ज्ञान प्रदीपिका)
20. Shrinatha Sutra (श्रीनाथ सूत्र)
21. Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati
(सिद्ध सिद्धान्त पद्धति)
22. Viveka Martanda (विवेक
मार्तण्ड)
23. Yoga Beeja (योग बीज)
24. Yoga Chintamani (योग
चिन्तामणि)
25. Yoga Martanda (योग मार्तण्ड)
26. Yoga Siddhanta Paddhati (योग
सिद्धान्त पद्धति)
27. Yogashastra (योगशास्त्र)

GORAKHAPADDATI
(गोरक्ष पद्धति)
● Goraksha Paddhati is a foundational text attributed to Gorakshanatha, outlining
essential practices and philosophies of yoga to achieve self-realization and spiritual
discipline.
● The term paddhati means "method" and the text presents the Hathayoga tradition
passed from Adi Shiva to Guru Matsyendranatha and then to Gorakshanatha.
● The treatise contains 200 verses divided into two chapters: Prathama Shataka,
describing the six limbs of Shadanga Yoga (Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,
Dhyana, and Samadhi), and Dvitiya Shataka, elaborating on Pranayama and signs of
yogic mastery (Hathasiddhi).
● The text provides detailed guidance on practices such as Siddhasana, Padmasana, the
body's 19 components (Avayavas), six chakras, ten Pranas, Pranayama, Mudras, and
Bandhas (Jalandhara, Uddiyana, and Moolabandha).
● Through its structured teachings, the Goraksha Paddhati offers a comprehensive guide
to Shadanga Yoga, emphasizing inner transformation and spiritual wisdom.

THANK YOU
धन्यावाद

GURU GORAKHANATHA (गुरु गोरक्षनाथ ).pptx

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