GURU GORAKHANATHA (गुरु गोरक्षनाथ ).pptx

Guru Gorakshanatha – A revered yogi and founder of the Nath tradition, Guru Gorakshanatha emphasized self-discipline, Hatha Yoga, and spiritual liberation, shaping yogic sciences and mystical practices across generations.

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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."

9. 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.

10. BLESSING TO DRAVYA SH AH ( 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 .

13. 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.

14. 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 .

15. 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 : 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. 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 . 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.

16. PEOPLE BLESSED BY GURU GORAKHANATHA 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. 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. 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. 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 .

17. PEOPLE BLESSED BY GURU GORAKHANATHA 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. 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. 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. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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 (in the Mooladhara ) through the awakening of Kundalini Shakti.

20. 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 of Apana ( अपान ) and Pranavayu ( प्राण वायु ) is called Hathayoga .

21. TEACHING OF GORAKHANATAH ( गोरक्ष शिक्षा ) 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.

22. TEACHING OF GORAKHANATAH ( गोरक्ष शिक्षा ) In Gorakshashataka it is said that: कण्डोर्ध्व कुण्डली 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.

23. 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: Amanaska Yoga ( अमानस्का) Amaraugha-shasanam ( अमरौघशासनम्) Avadhuta Geeta ( अवधूत गीता) Caturashityasana ( चतुरशीत्यासन) Goraksha Kalpa ( गोरक्ष कल्प) Goraksha Kaumudi ( गोरक्षकौमुदी ) Goraksha Geeta ( गोरक्ष गीता) Goraksha Chikitsa Paddhati ( गोरक्षा चिकित्सा पद्धति) Goraksha Panchaka ( गोरक्ष पंचक) Goraksha Paddhati ( गोरक्षा पद्धति) Goraksha Shataka ( गोरक्ष शतक )

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

25. 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.

26. THANK YOU धन्यावाद