Who was Machhindranath, the founding guru of the Nath sect, and how was he linked to Gorakshanath

The Nath sect holds an important place in India's saint tradition. Spreading across the country, it shows ordinary people a path to self-improvement through yoga practice, self-realisation, Hatha Yoga, devotion to the guru and spirituality. Shri Sadguru Machhindranath Maharaj, also known as Matsyendranath, is revered as the founding guru of the Nath tradition. He holds the first place among the Navnaths. The tradition that followed him took wider shape through the work of great yogis such as Guru Gorakshanath.

Many legends surround Machhindranath's birth. The best known links him to matsya, or fish. It is said that Lord Shiva was explaining the deep knowledge of yoga and spirituality to Goddess Parvati at sea when a fish overheard the conversation. The impress of that divine knowledge fell on the fish, and Machhindranath later took birth from it. This is the belief in the Nath tradition.

Scholars differ on when he lived. He is generally associated with a period around the tenth century CE. But because so many legends, folk traditions and religious beliefs surround his life, the historical context of each aspect of his character has to be examined separately.

Machhindranath broadened the path of yoga practice and spiritual discipline. His tradition stresses understanding the relationship between body, breath, mind and consciousness. In Nath thought, yoga is not merely physical exercise but a path to self-realisation.

His name is associated with Hatha Yoga, Tantra practice and the Kaula path. By tradition, the Sanskrit text 'Kaulajnananirnaya' is mentioned in his name. This body of texts discusses different aspects of practice, yoga and spiritual knowledge. The foundation laid by Machhindranath proved vital in the later course of the Nath sect. His teaching spread through his line of disciples.

Machhindranath's best-known disciple is Guru Gorakshanath, whose name is very important in the history of the Indian yoga tradition. Gorakshanath spread the yogic knowledge and practice he received from Machhindranath widely. The relationship between guru and disciple is regarded as highly sacred in the Nath sect.

The Nath tradition has a considerable influence on Maharashtra's saint tradition. Sites, temples, monasteries and samadhi sites linked to the Nath sect are found in different parts of the state. Many local traditions associated with Machhindranath are still observed with devotion. Mayamba (Savargaon) in Ashti tehsil of Beed district is regarded as a very important pilgrimage centre of the Machhindranath tradition. It is believed to be the sanjeevan samadhi site of Shri Machhindranath Maharaj.

Mayamba, in the Savargaon area of Ashti tehsil, is a place of faith for Machhindranath's devotees. The samadhi temple of Machhindranath Maharaj here holds special importance for Nath devotees. 'Sanjeevan samadhi' is a deep and devotional concept in the Indian saint tradition. The religious belief behind it is that the saint took samadhi while still in his body, in a high state of yoga practice. Such samadhi sites are therefore seen not merely as memorials but as centres of spiritual practice, faith and the guru principle. Devotees come to Mayamba from different areas for darshan of Machhindranath Maharaj.

Religious festivals and yatras linked to Machhindranath are not only religious events but an integral part of local life. Devotees from many villages gather at the time of the yatra. Through puja, darshan, bhajan, kirtan and religious rites, the memory of the Nath tradition is passed to coming generations.