Gorakhnath Jayanti

Gorakhnath Jayanti is observed on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha of Magh month. It is the day on which one of the most important guru of Nath Cult Baba Gorakshanath, or Gorakhnath appeared on earth.

Gorakhnath Jayanti in 2010 is on January 28. Nath Sampradaya is dedicated to the worship and teachings of Lord Shiva.

It is said that lord Shiva or Adinath taught the secrets of the Supreme Being to Matsyendranath, the guru of Gorakhnathji which he later on taught the same to Gorakhnath.

Gorakshanath educated about the Nath Sampradaya tradition and also wrote many books which are the foundation of the tradition. Gorakh Nath ji was the originator of yoga and meditation.

The word ‘Gorakh Nath’ literally means a person who has mastered his senses and has control over the five negative characteristics of human nature.

These negative characteristics have been pointed out as kaam (sexuality), krodh (temper), mad (ego), lobh (greed) and moh (worldly attachment).

He was the firm believer that God existed in onself. He advocated that the five elements- jal (water), vayu (air), akash (ether), agni (fire) and prithivi (earth) of body become a part of the universe through meditation and proper conduct.

Guru Gorakhnath Ji had Nav Naths and 84 Siddhas as disciples. These are the human forms created by his own yogic powers to spread his message of yoga and meditation to the world.

The caves where he meditated like Gorakh Gufa in Nepal, Gorakh Tilla in Pakistan, and Girnar in India are worshipped by people especially by Nath cult.

Nath Yogis and Gorakhnath’s followers still considered him ever-existent. The Nath Ashrams continue to practice his teachings.

Legend
Gorakh Nath ji is considered to be a form of Shiva. Once lord Shiva has engaged in an argument with Shakti. Shakti told Shiva that she had the power to awaken desire in anyone. Shiva disagreed with him. Following her challenge Shiva appeared in the form of Gorakhnath on the earth.

In his form as Gorakhnath, he showed that negativity of human character can be conquered and complete freedom from all desires of kaam (sexuality), krodh (temper), mad (ego), lobh (greed) and moh (worldly attachment) can be achieved through yoga.

Time to celebrate
Gorakhnath Jayanti is observed on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha of Magh month.

In 2010: 28 January, 2010
In 2011: 16 February, 2011
In 2012: 05 February, 2012