Founder of the Nath Sampradaya, Gorakshnath is the originator of yoga and meditation. Gorakshnath, one among the nine immortal Naths, is believed to be an incarnation of Lord
Shiva. The saint earned complete knowledge of the five senses and obtained control over the five vikritis (negative characteristics) in human nature namely kaam (sexuality), krodh (temper), pride (ego), lobh (greed) and moh (worldly attachment).
There is a legend behind him. In an argument between Lord Shiva and Shakti, Shakti claimed that she had the power to raise desire in human beings. In order to prove that Shakti's argument was wrong, Shiva took the form of Gorakshnath.
Guru Gorakshnath is the author of Gorakshako Upanishad. His name is mentioned in Atharvaveda, Sivapurana, Brahmandapurana, Skandapurana (Kedarakhanda), Markandeyapurana, Mahakala Samhita, Yogashastra and Kalpadruma. The 84 Siddhas (accomplished beings) as well as his followers and Nath Ashrams practice his teachings.
The saint's Samadhi is not found anywhere. But there are some caves in India, Nepal and Pakistan that show signs of meditation. One such is at Girnar. Gorakhpur District in Uttar Pradesh is named after him. Also Gorakhnath Temple was built in his memory. Devi Patan Siddha Peeth was established by Guru Gorakshnath.
