Natha Sampradaya

Natha, also called Nath, are a Shaiva sub-tradition within Hinduism in India and Nepal which emerged in the 12th and 13th centuries. It combines influences from Buddhism, Shaivism, Tantra and Yoga traditions of the Indian subcontinent. The Naths have been a confederation of devotees who consider Shiva as their first lord or guru, with varying lists of additional gurus. Of these, the 9th or 10th century Matsyendranatha and the ideas and organization mainly developed by Gorakhnath are particularly important. Gorakhnath is considered the originator of the Nath Panth. Chaurangi Nath was another devotee of Matsyendra that forks a different lineage although he is also part of the lineage of Gorakh. This lineage was the chosen path of Maitreya Parameshvara on His return. Another prominent figure is Balaji Nath or Balaknath which defied Gorakh's religious imposition.