Guru Gorakhnath holds great value in the tradition of saints because he introduced numerous meditation techniques that no one else has offered. Gorakhnath opened countless doors to meditation that had not been revealed before.
Buddha gave one meditation technique called Vipassana. Mahavira introduced Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation), and Patanjali presented Nirvikalpa Samadhi (thought-free meditation). Gorakhnath, however, gave keys to all possible doors to the temple of the Divine. He was an extraordinary person and should be counted among the few like Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Patanjali, and Gorakh.
Guru Gorakhnath’s Influence
Guru Gorakhnath is like a great rock in the tradition of saints, supporting spiritual temples of yogis, meditators, wise men, devotees, and saints. His birthplace is uncertain, with places like Godavari, Eastern Bengal, Punjab, Nepal, and Rajasthan being mentioned. The most accepted account suggests that he was born on Vaishakh Purnima (a full moon day) in 991 AD in the village of Goganedi, Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan. This day is celebrated as the Roti Festival.
His Guru:
Gorakhnath’s guru was Matsyendranath, also known as Machhindranath. It is said that Matsyendranath introduced Gorakhnath to the ultimate truth and established the Nath sect. Jalandhar Nath is considered Gorakhnath’s guru brother. A popular saying goes:
“Jaag Machhinder, Gorakh Aaya” (Wake up, Machhinder, Gorakh has come).
A Story of Awakening:
Once, Matsyendranath, while traveling in Eastern India, became immersed in sensual pleasures in the Kadli region, a place known for tantric practices. When Gorakhnath heard about this, he felt it was his duty to bring his guru back to the right path. Gorakhnath reached his guru and, with powerful words, said,
“Wake up, Machhinder, Gorakh has come.”
His words broke Matsyendranath’s trance, reminding him of his yogic path. Matsyendranath, grateful to his disciple, declared,
“You are not just Gorakhnath now; you are Guru Gorakhnath.”
Nath Tradition:
If the meditative path of Guru Gorakhnath is the source of the river, then the Bhakti Movement of the medieval period is the river itself. Guru Gorakhnath unified various religious paths under the Nath sect, making it a symbol of harmony and integration.
His Teachings and Legacy:
Guru Gorakhnath’s teachings emphasized self-discipline, awakening of the kundalini, controlling the senses, detachment, and spiritual purity. His motto, “Alakh Niranjan”, became a guiding phrase for his followers.
Disciples:
Guru Gorakhnath’s prominent disciples included Bhartrihari, Gopichand, and Bhaironath. The Nath tradition, consisting of 9 Nath saints, spread widely across India, Nepal, and Tibet, becoming famous for its emphasis on yoga and spirituality.
Literary Contributions:
Guru Gorakhnath’s teachings are preserved in texts like Gorakhnath Bani, Gorakh Shatak, and Jnana Shatak. His teachings have influenced spiritual practices for centuries.
Immortal Legacy:
Though it is not clear when Guru Gorakhnath left his mortal body, his teachings and presence continue to resonate in the spiritual world. His followers believe that his spirit lives on in the practice of yoga and the chanting of “Alakh Niranjan”.
