The Nath sampradaya is known across the country, though it is a bit of an enigma. Some say it originated from Shiva himself. While others say it originated from Dattatreya. Moreover, sources suggest that the “siddhas” (who exactly are they?) are part of the Nath Sampradaya. This blog *tries* to give you a quick intro to this sampradaya. Since, I am writing specific posts on some of the Nath Yogis and sub-paths, I thought it is good to have this primer for readers who aren’t acquainted with this yogic lineage.

The NavNath Sampradaya

Nath sampradaya is also called the Nav Nath tradition because certain 9 great gurus are said to have been the first leaders of this sampradaya (and they would have been directly initiated by Shiva or Dattatreya). However, the names of these 9 Gurus vary in different sources. One of the common list of names include Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Kanifnath, Charpatnath, Bhatarinath, Revannath, Gahininath, Jalandarnath, Nageshnath.

What exactly does this Nath tradition include? Does it involve a specific set of practices, deities or rituals? As of now, I cannot say anything particular about this.

From what I have found there is way too much diversity in the yogis and gurus of this tradition. Householders & renunciates are both part of this tradition. Yogis from different religious background like Muslim, Buddhism, Hinduism etc.. have been part of this tradition with their own way of being a ‘Nath Yogi’.

Are there Jain Nath Yogis also, I now wonder!

Are Aghora & Nath Connected?

The Aghori Trilogy mentions that the Nath Sampradaya including Siddhas are part of the Aghora path. Though, it is kind of common for a lot of communities to consider itself as the parent of many other paths. For example, Hindus claim Buddha to be a Vishna Avatar and thus, Buddhism is a sub-path of Hinduism. But Buddhists claim their independent identity. So, I am not yet sure whether the Nath Sampradaya considers itself part of the Aghora path.

Read my review of the Aghora Trilogy here: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3)

Sai Baba, Nath Guru

Pondering on Nath Yogis started with Sai Baba who is considered to be of this sampradaya. I visited Shirdi and tried to understand how he performed so many miracles. I have a few vlogs up on the YT channel, watch here:

I also wrote a guide on planning your Shirdi Sai Baba trip.

https://maproute.in/curate-your-shirdi-sai-baba-trip-one-stop-blog-post/

Nath Sampradaya, Distractingly Complex

To summarize, I would like to quote here a Dutch sadhaka and author of spiritual books, Philip Renard:

“The Nav Nath traditions are so widespread and of such different character that it gave me a feeling of ‘too much’ to go into it. If someone is interested in details about the Nav Naths: the most informative book on this is The Alchemical Body. Siddha Traditions in Medieval India, by David Gordon White. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996” (source)

This book by David Gordon is available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/49XqYzw

After my explorations of Shirdi and Sai Baba, I did not intend to understand more of this sampradaya. However, due to some personal connections that unravelled, I researched deeply about one of its sub-paths.

Nimbargi Sampradaya

An interesting lineage that starts from an enlightened Guru from a small town called Nimbargi. My research on it suggests many enlightened disciples and Gurus in this sampradaya. A specific lineage I have explored in my blog post is from Nimbargi Maharaj to Bhausaheb to Siddharameshwar to the well-known Nisargadatta Maharaj.

Read the blog here: https://maproute.in/nimbargi-sampradaya-pilgrimage-trail-nath-tradition-nisargadatta-maharaj-lineage/

Though, it should be noted that Siddharameshwar changed the sadhana style from what was given to him within this sampradaya. However, even with the changed style he continued as part of this lineage. So, studying this Nimbargi lineage also showcases how Nath Sampradaya became so complex – with many sub-paths, changes of sadhana within the path but still carrying the Nath tradition.

Look out for more of my research posts on Nath sampradaya 😊

You can also read my post on Places to Find Aghoris here: https://maproute.in/where-can-we-find-aghoris/

Do you have any sharings or stories of this path or any of its sub-paths? Let me know!