Guru Gorakhnath is one of the most influential yogis in Indian spiritual history — remembered as the great organiser of the Nath Sampradaya and closely tied to the roots of Hatha Yoga. His name is carried by a temple city, ashrams across India and the highest peak of Girnar, where Triloknath Ashram stands at the foot.
Who was Guru Gorakhnath?
Gorakhnath, also written Gorakshanath, is traditionally regarded as the disciple of the yogi Matsyendranath (Machindranath). Scholars place him anywhere between roughly the 8th and 12th centuries, and his life is wrapped in legend: stories describe him travelling widely across the subcontinent — from Punjab and Sindh to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengal and Nepal. Many devotees regard him as a manifestation of Shiva. Because little can be verified historically, it is his influence that is clearest: monasteries, shrines and towns carry his name, most famously Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The Nath Sampradaya and the Navnath
The Nath Sampradaya is a Shaiva tradition of yogis who follow a guru–disciple lineage and place practice, discipline and direct experience above ritual formality. Its teachers are grouped as the Navnath — the “nine Naths.” Lists differ between traditions, but names commonly include Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Jalandharnath, Kanifnath, Charpatnath, Gahininath, Bhartrinath, Revannath and Naganath. Together with the 84 Siddhas, they are said to have walked the Girnar hills.
Hatha Yoga and his teachings
Gorakhnath is closely associated with Hatha Yoga — the discipline that joins posture (asana), breath control (pranayama), seals (mudra) and meditation to steady the body and mind. Works on yoga attributed to him or his school, such as the Goraksha Shataka and the Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, shaped later yoga literature. Central themes of the tradition include:
- The guru as guide — knowledge passes through a living teacher.
- Discipline and moderation — a balanced life, diet and routine as the base for practice.
- Mastery of the body and breath — as a way to still the mind.
- Self-realisation — direct experience of the Self beyond doctrine.
- Openness — the Nath path has traditionally welcomed seekers from many backgrounds.
Nath yogis are often recognised by their ash-smeared appearance, rudraksha beads, the sacred fire (dhuni), and in many orders the split-ear (kanphata) ear-rings. A common greeting is “Alakh.”
Places associated with Gorakhnath
- Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur — the best-known Nath centre, in Uttar Pradesh.
- Girnar, Gujarat — the highest peak of the range, about 1,117 metres, carries his name, with a shrine linked to his sadhana. Pilgrims reach it after the Amba Mata temple; see the Girnar pilgrimage guide.
- Shrines and mathas across India and Nepal — many Nath centres trace themselves to his lineage.
Shernath Bapu and Triloknath Ashram
Shernath Bapu carries this lineage at Triloknath Ashram, Bhavnath Taleti, at the base of the mountain whose summit honours Gorakhnath. The ashram offers devotees and pilgrims a quiet place to stay, and its simplicity reflects the discipline the tradition values. Read more on the about page and in Guru Gorakhnath: Life, Teachings & the Nath Sampradaya.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Guru Gorakhnath?
Guru Gorakhnath is revered as the great organiser of the Nath Sampradaya, a disciple of Matsyendranath, and a central figure in the history of Hatha Yoga.
Who are the Navnath?
The Navnath are the nine legendary Nath masters. Lists vary by tradition but commonly include Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Jalandharnath, Kanifnath, Charpatnath, Gahininath, Bhartrinath, Revannath and Naganath.
What is the connection between Gorakhnath and Girnar?
Girnar’s highest peak, about 1,117 metres, is called the Gorakhnath peak and has a shrine associated with his sadhana.
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is the discipline of posture, breath control, mudras and meditation associated with the Nath tradition and Guru Gorakhnath.
Where is the most famous Gorakhnath temple?
The best-known Nath centre is the Gorakhnath Temple at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Girnar in Gujarat holds the Gorakhnath peak.