31/07/2025
Nine Nath and Guru Adinath:
A Mysterious and Interesting Journey the Nath sect is a precious gem of Indian spiritual traditions, which was formed by the coordination of Shiva bhakti, Hatha yoga, and ta***ic practices. At the centre of this sect are the nine Nath, among whom Guru Adinath is considered the first Nath and the supreme guru. This article will take you on an interesting and mystical journey of the tradition of the nine Nath, including the mysterious life of Guru Adinath, his miracles, sadhana method, and the scientific basis of Surya Siddhanta. Who was Guru Adinath? According to the Nath sect, Guru Adinath is none other than Lord Shiva himself. The Sanskrit word "Nath" means "lord, protector, or lord," and "Adinatha" means "first lord" or "original guru." In the Nath tradition, Shiva is considered the ultimate truth, the basis of the universe, and the original source of yoga. He is not only the first guru of the Nath sect, but also the father of all yoga and ta**ra vidya. Shiva as Adinatha is called "Alakh" (Alakshay, that which is not visible), who is the symbol of the Supreme Being and Pranava (Om). In the Nath sect, the word "Aadesh" is used for greeting, which points to this ultimate truth. Adinatha's nature is mysterious—he is neither just a person, nor just a deity; he is the symbol of the consciousness that drives the creation.
History of Guru Adinath The historical context of Adinath is entirely rooted in mythological and spiritual texts, as Shiva is eternal and infinite. The Nath sect can be traced back to the medieval period (8th to 12th century), when the Shaivite, Buddhist, and Yoga traditions syncretized. According to tradition, Shiva initiated his wife Parvati into Yoga and Ta**ra, which was later passed on by Nath yogis like Matsyendra Nath and Gorakhnath. The history of Adinath is not limited to historical facts; it is a spiritual journey that spread to every corner of India through the Siddhas and Yogis. The pilgrimage sites of the Nath sect, such as Amarnath, Kedarnath, and Bhartrihari Cave, reflect the antiquity and prevalence of this tradition. In whose name did Guru Adinath start a sect? Adinath himself did not establish any sect, as he himself is the ultimate truth. The Nath sect was established in his name by his disciples, especially Matsyendra Nath and Gorakhnath. Gorakhnath is considered to be the organizer and promoter of the Nath sect, who systematically spread the teachings of Adinath to the masses. The Nath sect is known by various names, such as Siddha Mat, Yoga Marg, Avdhoot Sampradaya, and Kaula Sampradaya. Objective of Guru Adinath Adinath's objective was to connect man with his inner strength and the ultimate truth. The basic goal of the Nath sect is Sahaj Siddhi—purifying the body and mind through Hatha Yoga and uniting the soul with the supreme consciousness. Adinath's teachings emphasize: Self-realization: The seeker should experience the truth by removing the veil of ignorance. Hatha Yoga and Ta**ra: Emphasis on Hatha Yoga and Kundalini awakening, considering the body as a means of salvation. Guru Bhakti: Considering the Guru as a form of God and practicing Sadhana under his guidance. Social inclusiveness: Through Gorakhnath, the Nath sect opposed the Varnashrama system and made yoga accessible to all. The aim of Adinath was not to display miracles but to provide inner strength and knowledge to the seeker so that he can become immortal. Miracles of Guru Adinath The miracles of Adinath (Shiva) are described in numerous stories in mythological and Nath literature. These miracles are not only on the physical or material level but also on the spiritual and philosophical level. Some major miracles: Propagation of Yoga Vidya: Shiva initiated Parvati into Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, which was later adopted by Matsyendra Nath. This was a miracle in itself, because this knowledge leads an ordinary human being to immortality. Management of the universe: Shiva is considered to be the basis of the world. The balance of the universe is maintained by his penance and power. Tantrik Siddhis: The Nath tradition mentions 84 Siddhas who attained Siddhis by the grace of Shiva. These Siddhis, such as rejuvenation, longevity, and supernatural powers, symbolize the power of Adinath. Miraculous stories: According to stories popular in Maharashtra, Matsyendra Nath attained enlightenment by listening to the conversation between Shiva and Parvati in the stomach of a fish, which is a proof of Shiva's miraculous power. However, the Nath tradition considers miracles trivial. A true yogi does not run after miracles, but searches for the ultimate truth. Characteristics of Guru Adinath The characteristics of Adinath make him the foundation of the Nath sect: Param Guru: He is the first guru of all Nath yogis, who imparted the knowledge of yoga and ta**ra. Satvik Bhakti: In the Nath sect, Shiva is worshipped with a Sattvik feeling. Father of Hatha Yoga: Adinath laid the foundation of Hatha Yoga, which is a means of attaining Raja Yoga. Kanphata (Ears pierced) Yogi Tradition: The practice of Nath yogis tearing their ears (wearing kundals) is a symbol of Adinath's initiation. Social Harmony: Adinath's teachings were for all classes and communities, which was further broadened by Gorakhnath. Sadhana system of Guru Adinath Adinath's sadhana system is mainly based on Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, and Ta***ic sadhana. This sadhana emphasizes the union of body, mind, and soul. The goal of sadhana in Nath sect is Pind-Cosmism- considering the body as a microcosm of the universe and finding the ultimate element in it. Salient features of sadhana: Hatha yoga: It includes asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, and Nada anusandhan (Om Sound mastery). Texts like Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, and Gheranda Samhita are the basis of this sadhana. Kundalini awakening: Awakening the kundalini power from the Muladhara Chakra to the Sahasra Chakra. Guru bhakti (Master devotion): Considering the guru as a form of God and doing sadhana(practice) under his initiation and guidance. Mantra chanting: Mantras like Shabar mantra and Gorakh Gayatri have special importance in Nath sect. Purascharana: Chanting mantras a certain number of times, like chanting Navnath mantra 900,000 times. Complete method of sadhana of Guru Adinath The sadhana of Nath sect is a difficult and disciplined process, which is done under the supervision of the Guru. Below is given the complete method of sadhana of Adinath, which is based on Shabar mantra and Nath texts: Selection of place: Choose a calm and holy place for sadhana, such as a riverbank, mountain, or pilgrimage site (Bhartrhari cave of Ujjain is especially famous). Abandoned place: Do not do sadhana where there are violent animals, evil people, or government interference. Aasan and materials: Spread a seat of kusha(a kind of grass), deerskin, or cloth. Worship material: Shivalinga, flowers, incense, lamp, and ash (especially for Nath yogis). Sandhya vandan (evening worship) and puja(prayer): Perform Vedic or Ta***ic Sandhya vandan. Worship Adinath (Shiva). Recite Sahastra nama(1000 names), Kavach, and stotras. Special Mantra: "Om Namo Aadesh Guru Ki. Omkare Adi-nath, Uday-nath Parvati.
