Gorakhnath Math
Gorakhnath Math, also known as Gorakhnath Temple or Shri Gorakhnath Mandir, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the medieval saint Gorakshanath. Situated in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, it serves as the central institution for the Nath monastic order and a significant cultural and religious hub for the region.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to the medieval Saint Gorakshanath, a prominent figure in the Nath tradition.
- ›It is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, on a large premise of 52 acres.
- ›The temple houses the samadhi shrine and prayer seat of Gorakshanath.
- ›An eternal flame, the Divya Joyti, is said to have been burning at the temple since the time of Gorakshanath.
- ›The Gorakhnath Math has a significant following in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Terai regions of Nepal.
- ›The current Mahant and Chief Priest is Yogi Adityanath, who is also the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Gorakshanath, Shiva, Ganesh, Kali, Bhairav
- Center of the Nath Monastic Order
- Important Religious and Cultural Hub For Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal Terai
- Historical Ties To Ancient Kingdoms and Dynasties
- Site of Significant Political Involvement By Its Mahants
Magadha, Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, Harsha
Makar Sankranti
Gorakshanath, Matsyendranath
Statues of Siva, Statues of Ganesh, Statues of Kali, Statues of Bhairav, Statues of the Nine Naths
About Gorakhnath Math
Gorakhnath Math, also referred to as Gorakhnath Temple or Shri Gorakhnath Mandir, is a significant Hindu temple and the principal institution of the Nath monastic order. Its name derives from the medieval saint Gorakshanath, a widely traveled yogi and author whose teachings form a crucial part of the Natha Sampradaya canon. The Nath tradition itself was founded by Guru Matsyendranath.
Location and Premises
The math is situated in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, a region named after the saint himself. The temple complex is extensive, covering 52 acres in the heart of the city. It serves not only as a religious center but also as a vibrant hub for various cultural and social activities, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape.
History and Religious Significance
Gorakhpur's historical context includes its inclusion in the kingdom of Magadha and its integration into empires such as the Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Harsha dynasties. The Gorakhnath Math is believed to have been built on the site where Gorakshanath performed his spiritual practices (sadhana). Today, the temple is said to contain Gorakhnath's samadhi shrine and his prayer seat (gaddi). It forms the nucleus of Hindu religious activity in the region, attracting thousands of devotees, particularly on Makar Sankranti, when they offer khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. The temple also maintains a cow shed (Goshala), reflecting Gorakhnath's affinity for and advocacy of serving cows.
Religious Practice and Leadership
The Gorakhnath Math continues the principles of saint Gorakhnath by having sanyasis serve as priests. The institution runs two Gorakhnath temples, one in Nepal's Gorkha district and another near Gorakhpur. The temple is a major pilgrimage center with a substantial following in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Terai regions of Nepal, as well as among broader Nath groups. The current Mahant, or Chief Priest, is Yogi Adityanath, who was appointed in 2014. He was preceded by his guru, Mahant Avaidyanath.
Temple Contents
Within the temple's main establishment, visitors can explore Gorakhnath's personal chamber, which now features footprints in place of a former statue, and his prayer seat. Adjacent galleries display statues of various deities, including Shiva, Ganesh, Kali, and Bhairav, as well as representations of the nine Naths. A distinctive feature of the temple is the eternal flame, the Divya Joyti, which is said to have been continuously burning since Gorakshanath's era.
Political Involvement
The Gorakhnath Math has a long-standing involvement in political matters. Several of its Mahants have held significant political positions, participating in various movements and holding elected offices. Mahant Digvijay Nath was involved in the Chauri Chaura incident and later became a Member of Parliament. His successor, Mahant Avaidyanath, also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and Parliament. The current Mahant, Yogi Adityanath, is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gorakhnath and what is his significance to the temple?
Gorakhnath was a medieval saint and yogi who traveled widely across India and authored texts that form part of the Nath tradition's canon. The Gorakhnath Math is dedicated to him and is believed to contain his samadhi shrine and prayer seat, making it a central site for his worship and remembrance.
What is the Nath tradition and how is it related to the math?
The Nath tradition is a monastic order founded by Guru Matsyendranath. The Gorakhnath Math is the main establishment of this tradition, serving as a religious institution that runs temples and promotes the principles of saint Gorakhnath, with sanyasis serving as priests.
What significant religious activities take place at Gorakhnath Math?
Thousands of devotees visit the temple on the occasion of Makar Sankranti to offer khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. The temple is a center for Hindu religious activity in the region, and its followers include those in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Terai regions of Nepal.
What are some notable features within the Gorakhnath Temple complex?
Within the temple complex, visitors can find Gorakhnath's personal chamber with his samadhi and prayer seat, a gallery of statues including deities like Shiva, Ganesh, Kali, and Bhairav, and another room containing statues of the nine Naths. The temple also maintains a cow shed (Goshala) and an eternal flame said to have been burning since Gorakshanath's time.
Has the Gorakhnath Math been involved in political activities?
Yes, the Gorakhnath Math has a history of political involvement spanning over a century. Various Mahants, including Mahant Digvijay Nath and Mahant Avaidyanath, have been active in politics, holding positions as Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, and associating with right-wing organizations.
Who are some of the notable Mahants of Gorakhnath Math?
Notable Mahants of Gorakhnath Math include Yogi Naraharinath, Gambhirnath, Mahant Digvijay Nath, Mahant Avaidyanath, and the current Mahant, Yogi Adityanath.
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