Life & Legacy of Gorakhnath

Historical Overview & Timeline

Gorakhnath is traditionally placed in the 11th century CE, though estimates vary from the 11th to the 14th century WikipediaEncyclopedia Britannica. Some historians pin him to the 13th century, with references in documents linked to Baba Farid and Jnanesvari Wikipedia. His origins remain uncertain—with possibilities including Punjab, Rajasthan, Nepal, or Eastern Bengal Samarth Guru SiddharthHindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia.

Spiritual Teacher & Philosophical Contributions

• Disciple of Matsyendranath: Gorakhnath is considered a primary disciple of Matsyendranath—forming a crucial link in the Nath tradition Wikipedia+1.

• Founder of the Nath Sampradaya: He founded the Kanphata yogis—a yogic monastic order emphasizing rigorous Hatha Yoga practice Encyclopedia Britannicadevvratyoga.comWikipedia.

• Guide to spiritual liberation: He emphasized spiritual discipline, unbiased search for truth, and samadhi as paths to liberation, rather than rigid metaphysical doctrines Wikipedia+1.

Philosophical & Cultural Influence

• Advaita Vedanta & Yoga: Gorakhnath integrated Advaita non-duality with practical yoga disciplines, showing that disciplined spiritual practice could transcend dualistic debates WikipediaJothishi.

• Religious social reformer: He discouraged orthodoxy, caste divisions, and religious extremism, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds—including Buddhists and Muslims—into the Nath fold The Wiredevvratyoga.com.

Literary Works & Teachings

Gorakhnath is attributed with several seminal texts that shaped Hatha Yoga and Shaivite thought:

• Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati — an early Hatha Yoga scripture articulating yogic nonduality Wikipedia.

• Other works: Goraksha Samhita, Yoga-Bīja, Yoga Siddhanta Paddhati, Yoga Martanda, Goraksha Gita, Yoga Chintamani, and more Wikipedia+1Jothishispeakingtree.in.

Geographic Spread & Cultural Legacy

• Monasteries & Temples: The Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur (named after him) remains a major spiritual hub, with temples in India and Nepal gorakhpur.nic.inWikipedia+1.

• Influencing Nepal & Beyond: Gorakhnath is venerated in Nepal, including by the Gorkha community and formerly by Nepal’s royal lineage Hindupedia, the Hindu EncyclopediaWikipedia.

• Tamil Siddha Tradition: In South India, he is revered as Korakkar Siddhar, one of the 18 Siddhars, with Jeeva Samadhi sites in Tamil Nadu—including Vadukupoigainallur and Siddha caves in the Velliangiri and Kolli Hills WikipediaSannidhi The Presence –.

Spiritual Impact & Folklore

• Seen as a Navnath, one of nine great masters in the lineage starting with Shiva Wikipedia+1.

• Legendary for his supposed immortality, yogic mastery, and ability to appear across ages—a recurrent figure in myth and folklore WikipediaKNOWRA.

• Referred to in Sikh and bhakti poetry—Kabir and Guru Nanak mention his powerful presence and influence WikipediaJothishi.

• Cultural memory endures with celebrations like the Roti Festival in Rajasthan and sites marking his supposed birth or samadhi Samarth Guru SiddharthHindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia.

Summary Table