The Navnath

The Sanskrit word nāthá or नाथ, is the proper name of a Hindu initiatory tradition and the word itself literally means "lord, protector, refuge". The related Sanskrit term Adi Natha means first or original Lord, and is therefore a synonym for Shiva, Mahadeva, or Maheshvara, and beyond these supramental concepts, the Supreme Absolute Reality as the basis supporting all aspects and manifestations of consciousness.

The Nath tradition is a heterodox siddha tradition containing many sub-sects. It was founded by Matsyendranath and further developed by Gorakshanath. These two individuals are also revered in Tibetan Buddhism^{[citation needed]} as Mahasiddhas (great adepts) and are credited with great powers and perfected spiritual attainment.

Natha Sampradaya[link]

The Natha Sampradaya (Devanagari:नाथ संप्रदाय), is a development of the earlier Siddha or Avadhuta Sampradaya,^[1] an ancient lineage of spiritual masters. Its founding is traditionally ascribed as an ideal reflected by the life and spiritual attainments of the guru Dattatreya, who was considered by many to have been a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu born to Rishi Atri and Anasuya mata. Shiva.^[2] The establishment of the Naths as a distinct historical sect purportedly began around the 8th or 9th century with a simple fisherman, Matsyendranath (sometimes called Minanath, who may be identified with or called the father of Matsyendranath in some sources).^[3]

One story of the origin of the Nath teachings is that Matsyendranath was swallowed by a fish and while inside the fish overheard the teachings given by Shiva to his wife Parvati. According to legend, the reason behind Shiva imparting a teaching at the bottom of the ocean was in order to avoid being overheard by others. In the form of a fish, Matsyendranath exerted his hearing in the manner required to overhear and absorb the teachings of Shiva. After being rescued from the fish by another fisherman, Matsyendranath took initiation as a sannyasin from Siddha Carpati. It was Matsyendranath who became known as the founder of the specific stream of yogis known as the Nath Sampradaya.

Matysendranath's two most important disciples were Caurangi and Gorakshanath. The latter came to eclipse his Master in importance in many of the branches and sub-sects of the Nath Sampradaya. Even today, Gorakshanath is considered by many to have been the most influential of the ancient Naths. He is also reputed to have written the first books dealing with Laya yoga and the raising of the kundalini-shakti.^[2]

There are several sites, ashrams and temples in India dedicated to Gorakshanatha. Many of them have been built at sites where he lived and engaged in meditation and other sadhanas. According to tradition, his samadhi shrine and gaddi (seat) reside at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur. However, Nityananda stated that the samadhi shrines (tombs) of both Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath reside at Nath Mandir near the Vajreshwari temple about a kilometer from Ganeshpuri, Maharashtra, India.^[4]

The Natha Sampradaya does not recognize caste barriers, and their teachings were adopted by outcasts and kings alike. The heterodox Nath tradition has many sub-sects, but all honor Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath as the founders of the tradition.

The twelve traditional Natha Panthas[link]

The Natha Sampradaya is traditionally divided into twelve streams or Panths. According to David Gordon White, these panthas were not really a subdivision of a monolithic order, but rather an amalgamation of separate groups descended from either Matsyendranath, Gorakshanath or one of their students.^[3] According to the Shri Amrit Nath Ashram website, the twelve Natha Panthi are as follows:

• Satya natha
• Dharam natha
• Daria natha
• Ayi Panthia
• Vairaga kea
• Rama ke
• Kapilani
• Ganga nathi
• Mannathi
• Rawal ke
• Paava panth
• Paagala panthi

However, there have always been many more Natha sects than will conveniently fit into the twelve formal panths.^[3] Thus less populous sannyasin sub-sects such as the Adinath Sampradaya or Nandinatha Sampradaya are typically either ignored or amalgamated into one or another of the formal panths.

Reference to the Adinath Sampradaya is pointed out by Rajmohan Nath (1964) in the following list of the twelve sub-sects:^[5]

• Machhindranath
• Adinath
• Minanath
• Gorakhnath
• Khaparnath
• Satnath
• Balaknath
• Golaknath
• Birupakshanath
• Bhatriharinath
• Ainath
• Khecharanath
• Ramachandranath

Modern Natha lineages[link]

A recent modern Natha of the Adinath Sampradaya was Shri Gurudev Mahendranath http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri_Gurudev_Mahendranath (1911–1991), who received initiation in 1953 from H.H. Shri Sadguru Lokanath, the Avadhut of the Himalayas. In 1978, he founded the International Nath Order in order to make the Natha way of life available in the West. He wrote many essays and articles, some of which were collected as The Scrolls of Mahendranath, first published in 1990. His successor, Shri Kapilnath, continues to teach and initiate sincere seekers.^[6]

The Chitrakut Math parampara, made famous in the modern times by Shri Madhavnath Maharaj is currently being led forward by Shri Mangalnath Maharaj, who succeeded Shri Madhavnath Maharaj and has a large following. Shri Mangalnath Maharaj has established a Machindranath temple and Ashram at Mitmita, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra.^[7]

Some people contradict this, paraphrasing from Shree Nath Deepa-Prakash (Preface ;line14;7th edition) which supposedly contradicts the above statement. On 15 May' 1935 the Padukas of Maharaj were consecrated at Indore temple. On that occasion, he was questioned on appointment of a successor to carry forward the work of Nath Paramapara, he instantly replied "Nobody has given me this position, nor will I leave it for anyone." He further stated that a trust be formed to look after the Nath-Karya. Of course the statement is true, because as per the tradition at Chitrakoot, no presiding Nath ever appoints a successor in his lifetime. The statement by Madhavnath holds true for all Naths who ever graced the Chitrakoot seat, including the current incumbent. So there is no contradiction.^[7]

Initiation[link]

The Natha Sampradaya is an initiatory Guru-shishya tradition. Membership in the sampradaya is always conferred by initiation (diksha) by a diksha-guru—either the lineage-holder or another member of the sampradaya whose ability to initiate has been recognized by his diksha-guru.

The Natha initiation itself is conducted inside a formal ceremony in which some portion of the awareness and spiritual energy (shakti) of the Guru is transmitted to the shishya (student). The neophyte, now a Nath, is also given a new name with which to support their new identity. This transmission or "touch" of the Guru is symbolically fixed by the application of ash to several parts of the body.

In The Phantastikos, Shri Gurudev Mahendranath, a Guru of the Adinath Sampradaya, wrote;

"The passage of wisdom and knowledge through the generations required the mystic magick phenomenon of initiation, which is valid to this day in the initiation transmission from naked guru to naked novice by touch, mark, and mantra. In this simple rite, the initiator passes something of himself to the one initiated. This initiation is the start of the transformation of the new Natha. It must not be overlooked that this initiation has been passed on in one unbroken line for thousands of years. Once you receive the Nath initiation, it is yours throughout life. No one can take it from you, and you yourself can never renounce it. This is the most permanent thing in an impermanent life."^[8]

there are principally two divisions of nath sampradaya namely naths of NADA and naths of BINDA . any layman initiated by a nath guru in to nath sampradaya is called nath of nada tradition (parampara) while house holder naths are called naths of binda tradition where the son of a nath is born as a nath. matsyendra nath ji was of binda tradition ( nemi nath and paras nath, two of 24 tirthankars of jainism were his sons, and gorakh nath ji is of nada tradition.

Indian alchemy[link]

Indian alchemy (known as Rasayana) and the ritual, spiritual and medicinal usage of mercury, cinnabar and other minerals and crystal preparations and elixirs was a practice of Nath.

The aims of the Nathas[link]

According to Muller-Ortega (1989: p. 37), the primary aim of the ancient Nath Siddhas was to achieve liberation or jivan-mukti during their current lifespan.^[9] According to a recent Nath Guru, Shri Gurudev Mahendranath, another aim was to avoid reincarnation. In The Magick Path of Tantra, he wrote about several of the aims of the Naths;

"Our aims in life are to enjoy peace, freedom, and happiness in this life, but also to avoid rebirth onto this Earth plane. All this depends not on divine benevolence, but on the way we ourselves think and act."^[10]

Sonepur literature and the Twilight Language[link]

Nayak (2006: p. 72) holds the great fertile locality of Sonepur and its literature which employed the 'Twilight Language' (Sanskrit: sandhya bhasa) is championed by such as the Charyapada, Matsyendranath, Daripada and the Nath:

"The growth of literature at Sonepur can be traced to Charyapada, to Matsyendranath and Daripada of the Natha cult. They wrote esoteric poetry in language known as Sandhya bhasa. The local idioms they used are still in currency in this area."^[11]

Nayak (2006: p. 72) opines that the mystic poetry of the Natha influenced the Panchasakha literature of Jagannath, Balarama, Yasowanta, Achyuta and Ananta:

"The mystic poetry of the Natha cult which flourished from 8th to 11th century largely influenced the Panchasakha literature of Jagannath, Balarama, Yasowanta, Achuyta and Ananta. The Nath literature of Sonepur seems to have set the tone and temper of the literature the successive ages pursued."^[11]

See also[link]

Concepts[link]

• Gurunath
• Sahaja
• Sama
• Samarasa
• Sampradaya
• Svecchachara

Sub-sects[link]

• Adinath Sampradaya
• Nandinatha Sampradaya
• Navnath Sampradaya

Legendary Naths[link]

• Adinath Sampradaya
• Luipa
• Matsyendranath
• Gorakshanath
• Baba Balak Nath

Past teachers[link]

• Shri Bhambhulnath - late abbot of the Nath Siddha monastery at Haridwar^[3]
• Shri Gurudev Mahendranath - final Guru of the Adinath Sampradaya
• Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897–1981) - past master of the Navnath Sampradaya
• Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami - a past Guru of the Nandinatha Sampradaya
• Shankar Maharaj - a Nath Avadhuta^[12]
• Shri Madhavnath Maharaj (1857–1936)

Living teachers[link]

• Sri Avedyanath - abbot of the Gorakhnath Math^[3]
• Bodhinatha Veylanswami - Sannyasin and Satguru of the Nandinatha Sampradaya
• Sri Kapilnath - current head of the Intl. Nath Order of Shri Mahendranath
• Shri Naharinath - current master of the Shri Amrit Nath Ashram
• Sri Narayan Nath - a householder Nath who is the current head of the Vairag-panth^[3]
• Shri Mangalnath Maharaj - Currently anointed at the spiritual seat of Chitrakoot^[13]
• Sri Yogi Matsyendra Nath - Sannyasin and kanphata belonging to the Dharma Panth. Russian origin, has his own web site Nathas' Tradition
• Swami Khecaranatha - Sannyasin, American based in Berkeley California. Head of Sacred Space Yoga Sanctuary.

References[link]

• Adityanath (2002). Nath FAQ. Retrieved Oct. 20, 2004.
• Davisson, Sven (2003). Shri Kapilnath Interview in Ashé: Journal of Experimental Spirituality, Vol. 2, No. 4, Winter 2003.
• Gold, Daniel and Ann Grodzins Gold (1984). The Fate of the Householder Nath in History of Religions, Vol. 24, No. 2 (Nov., 1984), pp. 113-132.
• Mahendranath, Shri Gurudev (1990). The Scrolls of Mahendranath. International Nath Order. Retrieved Mar. 6, 2006.
• Mahendranath, Shri Gurudev. The Tantrik Initiation in The Occult World of a Tantrik Guru. International Nath Order. Retrieved Nov. 18, 2006.
• About Nath/Jogis: Jogi. Retrieved Feb. 06, 2010.

External links[link]

• International Nath Order

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help improve the article by updating it. There may be additional information on the talk page. (January 2011)

Kamal Nath
Nath at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 2008
Union Minister for Urban Development
Incumbent
Assumed office January 19, 2011
Preceded by	Jaipal Reddy
Constituency	Chhindwara
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
In office May 22, 2009 - January 18, 2011
Preceded by	T R Baalu
Succeeded by	C. P. Joshi
Constituency	Chhindwara
MP
Incumbent
Assumed office 1980
Preceded by	Gargishankar Ramkrishna Mishra
Constituency	Chhindwara
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry
In office May 2004 – April 2009
Constituency	Chhindwara
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Textiles
In office 1995–1996
Constituency	Chhindwara
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Environment and Forests
In office 1991–1995
Constituency	Chhindwara
Personal details
Born	(1946-11-18) 18 November 1946 (age 65) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Political party	INC
Spouse(s)	Alka Nath
Children	2 sons
Residence	Chhindwara
Religion	Hinduism
Signature	Kamal Nath's signature
As of September 22, 2006 Source: [2]

Kamal Nath (born 18 November 1946) is an Indian politician and the current Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development. He is a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Chhindwara constituency of Madhya Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC).^[1]

Early life[link]

Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He is an alumnus of The Doon School,^[2] and a graduate of St. Xavier's College of the University of Calcutta.^[1]

Career[link]

Political career[link]

Kamal Nath was first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in 1980.^[3] He was re-elected to the 8th Lok Sabha in 1985, the 9th Lok Sabha in 1989, and the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991.

He was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers, Ministry of Environment and Forests as Minister of Environment & Forests in June 1991.^[4] From 1995 to 1996 he served as Union Minister of State, Textiles (Independent Charge).^[5]

He was then elected to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998 and the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999. From 2001 to 2004, he was the General Secretary of the INC.^[6] He was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in the 2004 elections and served as Union Cabinet Minister of Commerce & Industry from 2004 to 2009.

On May 16, 2009 he again won the elections from his constituency for the 15th Lok Sabha and re-entered the Cabinet, this time as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.^[1] In 2011, as a result of a cabinet reshuffle Kamal Nath replaced Jaipal Reddy to take on his role as Minister of Urban Development. Jaipal replaced Murli Deora as minister of petroleum natural gas.^[7]

Political Associations[link]

Kamal Nath is a member of the INC (Indian National Congress) political party and served as General Secretary from 2001-2004.^[8]

Nath has close ties with the Nehru–Gandhi family, being young friends and schoolmates with Sanjay at the Doon School, an independent boarding school located in Dehradun.^[9]

Business career[link]

Kamal Nath serves as president of the board of governors for The Institute of Management Technology (IMT) a premier management and technology institution.^[10]

He is Chairman of “Madhya Pradesh Child Development Council” and Patron to the Bharat Yuvak Samaj (Youth Wing of All India Bharat Seva Samaj).^[11]

Political Views[link]

Economic Development[link]

Kamal Nath is a strong proponent of economic development in India. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos, Switzerland in 2011 Nath shared his views on improving market access for developing countries in the area of agriculture stating India’s applied tariffs for exports in developed countries was very low. Nath claims that this is due to continued imports through schemes like EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme) where tariffs are not levied.^[12]

Competing in the World Market[link]

Nath disagrees with the Trade protectionist outlook displayed among struggling countries and considers it to be the wrong response to a financial crisis.^[13] He has pushed for stronger international cooperation in India, such as expanding on Indo-German relations. Nath stated for a mutually beneficial relationship with Germany to exist it must rely on using both countries' manufacturing strengths. He outlined focus areas of production including telecom, engineering, environmental technology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food processing, and renewable energy.^[14] Kamal Nath describes India's entrepreneurial spirit and the countries' potential for global commerce growth in his book India's Century.^[15]

Kamal Nath on Infrastructure Development[link]

Nath emphasizes the need for infrastructure development in India with projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, a 90 billion dollars industrial development project. The DMIC proposes major expansion of infrastructure and industry and aims to develop an industrial zone across six states in India.^[16] Within the first five years of the project expectations are set at doubling employment potential, tripling industrial output, and quadrupling exports from the region.^[17]

Public–private partnership (PPP)[link]

Kamal Nath advocates a PPP model on completing such ambitious projects like the DMIC and other infrastructure development projects. He references success with PPP models implemented in India's Metro operations.^[18]

Controversies[link]

Rice Export Accusations[link]

In 2007, during Kamal Nath's tenure as Commerce minister, an Empowered Group of Ministers that included Nath, Pranab Mukherjee, and Sharad Pawar helped lift a ban on the export of non-basmati rice. It was alleged that PSUs involved in export of this rice to Africa outsourced the efforts to domestic private companies. It is claimed that the private companies made large profits while the PSUs reported small margins.^[19]

Radia Tapes[link]

Kamal Nath is mentioned in the Radia Tapes by Tarun Das, former head of the Confederation of Indian Industry. Das mentioned his support for Nath in the surface transport ministry before making statements that put Nath in a negative light. Das claimed that Nath could make money while conducting national service and could use the ministry as an ATM.^[20] In 2010, Das publicly apologized to Nath for these statements, describing his remarks as, "Irresponsible and unfortunate," and "Loose talk."^[21]

Involvement in the Anti-Sikh Riots[link]

Kamal Nath was indicted by the Nanavati Commission on allegations that he was involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which were as a result of two of Indira Gandhi's own Sikh bodyguards assassinating her after Operation BlueStar. Only one witness, Mukhtiar Singh, testified to seeing Nath lead an armed mob that attacked and demolished a Gurudwara in Rakab Ganj.^[22] However, there was no evidence that he incited the crowd. In fact, one of the key witnesses, Indian Express Photographer Monish Sanjay Suri, stated that Kamal Nath tried to disperse the crowd, and there was no evidence that he encouraged violence during the riot.^[23] Several Sikhs were burned alive during the attack.^[24] Nath responded to the Commission, saying that he visited the Gurudwara later in the day to investigate the agitation and urge peace.

The Commission Report observed that Nath's testimony was "vague" and "not consistent with the evidence" and that his version of events was "a little of strange." However it disregarded the contradictions in his testimony, saying "it is also required to be considered that he was called upon to give an explanation after about 20 years and probably for that reason he was not able to give more details." In conclusion the Commission said, "In absence of better evidence it is not possible for the Commission to say that he had in any manner instigated the mob or that he was involved in the attack on the Gurudwara".^[25] Justice Nanavati further stated that "it would not be proper to come to the conclusion that Kamal Nath had in any manner instigated the mob.^[23]"

Canadian Sikhs protested his visit to Toronto March 23, 2010.^[26]

On April 6, 2010 Sikhs for Justice ^[27] a US based human rights advocacy group along with two individuals Jasbir Singh and Mohinder Singh filed a lawsuit against Kamal Nath in the Southern District of New York for leading the mob that killed Sikhs and attack Gurdawara Rakab Ganj in Delhi on November 1, 1984. The lawsuit was filed under Alien Torts Claim Act and Torture Victims Protection Act. US District Court issued summons to Kamal Nath asking him to respond to the complaint.Kamal Nath received summons and complaint the same in the evening while he was in Manhattan, New York.^[28]

The court complaint was dismissed in March, 2012 by Judge Robert Sweet of the US District Court Southern District of New York, against Nath, who stated that the court lacked jurisdiction in the case.^[29] The 22-page order granted Nath’s motion to dismiss the claim, and the judge also noted that ‘Sikhs for Justice’ failed to “serve the summons and its complaints to Nath in an appropriate and desired manner.” ^[30]

Responsible for Environmental Damage[link]

Kamal Nath was again embroiled in controversy in March 2002 when the Supreme Court, applying the polluter pays principle, imposed a fine of Rs 10,00,000 (US$ 25,000) on Kamal Nath for damaging the environment by building a motel on the bank of Beas river near Kulu-Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This irresponsible act changed the course of the river and thus caused ecological imbalance in that area. The Supreme Court Bench held that Kamal Nath was liable to pay a fine of Rs 10 lakh for causing damage to the sensitive ecology of the area by building Span Motel.^[31]

Irresponsible Statements[link]

A New York Times article dated April 15, 2007, quoted Kamal Nath, then India's Commerce Minister as stating that the H-1B visa "has become the outsourcing visa."^[32]

Bribery Allegations[link]

As per United States secret diplomatic cable number number 162458 dated 17 July 2008, a Congress Party insider told an American diplomat that Kamal Nath bribed Members of Parliament^[33] to help the Congress Party survive a No-confidence motion in the parliament.^[34]

Awards and recognition[link]

In 2006 Kamal Nath received an Honorary Doctorate from Jabalpur's Rani Durgavati University for his contributions to the public sector.^[35]

Kamal Nath was named the FDI Personality of the Year 2007 by the FDI magazine and the Financial Times Business for his "active efforts to attract foreign businesses to India, boost exports, and promote trade and investment".^[36]

In 2008 he was honored with the title “Business Reformer of the year” by The Economic Times.^[37]

In September 2011, he was declared to be the richest Cabinet minister in India with assets worth INR 263 Crore (INR 2,630,000,000 or US$ 57 million).

See also[link]

• M. C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath

References[link]

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Baba Balak Nath or Sidh Baba Balak Nath Hindi: बाबा बालक नाथ जी, Punjabi: ਬਾਬਾ ਬਾਲਕ ਨਾਥ ਜੀ is a Hindu deity worshipped in the northern Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. His shrine is known as "Deotsidh". It is 45 Kilometers from "Hamirpur"Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh and is on the border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. Baba Balak Nath Temple is situated at the village of "Chakmoh" in the district of Hamirpur on the hill top, in a natural cave/"Gufa" carved in the hills, considered to be the abode of Baba. An Idol-Image of Baba is placed in the cave. The devotees offer Sweet Indian Flour Bread"Roti" (a bread made of raw sugar/"Gur"Jaggery mixed with wheat flour and cooked in Pure Ghee)at the altar of Baba, ( When pure clarified sugarcane juice is boiled, what is left as solid is called as Gur which is called jaggery also). Goats are also offered to Baba as a gesture for his love. Goats are not slaughtered though; rather they are being fed and taken care of. The entry of women devotees is prohibited in the cave. However, there is a raised platform just opposite to the cave from where the women can have Darshan of the Babaji's Idol. Just 6 (six) kilometers ahead of the "Deot-Sidh" Temple, there is a small town named "Shah-talai” where Babaji is said to have practiced penance. The ancient name of this place was Changer-Talai. Baba Balak Nath’s worship and grazing Mata Ratno’s cattle’s, later returning her mattress of Chach-it got famous by the name of Chahtalai which later turned to Shahtalai, where Baba is said to have practiced disambiguationDhyana meditation.

Other Depictions[link]

The origin does have a confirmation also in:Sidh Baba in Jana Srutis: Innumberable Jana Srutis sing praises to the divinity of Baba Balak Nath:

His birth references among 84 proven & exacted Chaurasi Siddhas:We narrate the Lord Shiva’s Gospel of Immortality[Amar Katha] as the Ballads of devotion[Jana Srutis] in this context. Amar Katha is a Puranic[puranas] story about the origin of Baba. As told, a parrot nestling incidentally heard the Amar Katha Srimad Bhagavatam, The Gospel of Immortality, being narraated by "Lord Shiva" to "Parvati". Lord Shiva’s Trident ‘Trishul’ followed parrot nestling. Parrot nestling hid in the stomach of the wife of Rishi (Sage) Vyasa and requested a promise of forgivness from Lord Shiva for coming out. The promise was that when parrot nestling would come out in human form, it along with all the children born at that time might become eternal. Lord Shiva agreed for that and an extraordinary beautiful lad came out and vowed before Lord Shiva for blessing. This lad famed as ‘Sukdev Muni’, later on. Baba Balak Nath was one of the nine ‘Nathas’ and eighty four ‘Sidhas’ born at that time Emanation of Lord Shankra in ‘Dvapara Yuga’: According to ‘Lok Srutis’ Baba Ji reincarnates in every Time Frame that is termed as Yuga in Hindu Religious structure of time. He was known as ‘Skanda’ in ‘Sat Yuga’, ‘Kaul’ in ‘Treta Yuga’ and ‘Mahakaul’ and ‘Dvapra Yuga’. ‘Mahakaul’ of ‘Dvapra Yuga’, while visiting ‘Kailasha Parvata’, met an old woman on the way. The old lady asked of his mission and destination. After listening to him she advised ‘Mahakaul’ to meditate on the bank of ‘Mansarovar’ and request ‘Mother Parvati’ (who would come there for bathing on special occasions), help him in reaching ‘Lord Shiva’. ‘Mahakaul’ acted as told and became successful in his mission of reaching ‘Lord Shiva’. On seeing ‘Balayogi Mahakaul’, ‘Lord Shiva’ became very happy and blessed Baba to be the ‘Sidha symbol’ of worshipping for devotees in ‘Kaliyuga’ and his child-like image to remain forever.

The Birth, the Education & the Boon of Lord Shiva to Baba Balak Nath[link]

Baba Balak Nath is believed to be a Re-incarnation of Lord Kartikeya son of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, born Sat-Yuga (Time Frame in Hindu Scriptures) to annihilate demon Tarkasur. Dear to Goddess Ganga & came on the Earthly Abode as the son of a Pandit (Name Prefix for Brahmins) Vishnu and Lakshmi, in Kathiawad Junagadh, Gujarat. The childless couple was granted a baby-boy as a Boon by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the meditation & medicated prayers performed by the couple, at Girnar. The boy was named ‘Dev’. Dev later on became completely devoted to ‘Bhagvad devotion’. He got his formal education in Kashi here he mastered & recited Vedas. Back in Junagadh, He meditated on Lord Shiva. On a matter of marriage proposal, He left home to attain eternity & ‘Parma Sidhi’. Under the guidance of Guru Dattatreya, he learnt the attained mastership in concept of ‘Sidhas’. On attaining the ‘Sidha’, Dev became popularly known as BABA BALAK NATH."jai babe di" (laddi garhshankar).

Another Narration regarding BABA in Locale[link]

Another narration goes as: The Child was named "Bal Shiva" by Pandit Vishnu and Lakshmi. Bal Shiva was no ordinary child and was very dear to Vishnu and Lakshmi. At an age of 5 yrs however, other parents started complaining about him and one day Lakshmi could not bear it and slapped him. After this incident, during the night Bal Shiva left the house and decided to go back to his eternal parents Lord Shiva and Parvati. While he left the house the peacock which is Lord Kartikeya’s Vahana (Celestial Mount) also wished to accompany him but was refused. Lord Shiva and Parvati could see that Their son Bal Shiva was sad and so appeared before him and gave Bal Shiva a Singhi which was none other than Lord Shiva's Dumroo (a small hand-held drum). They also blessed him with a boon to be always of 12 years of age.

Meeting Guru Dattatreya[link]

After leaving Junagadh, Bal Shiva went to Vrindavan. Here he meditated to please Lord Shiva., Dattatreya was visiting Vrindavan with his disciples. When he saw a divine child (Bal Shiva) meditating, he was impressed by the Child's dedication & faith he took child Shiva as his disciple. It was then Bal Shiva came to Dattatreya ashram at Girnar.

Vipan Dhiman

A strange episode at Dattatreya Ashram[link]

It is said that once an old woman came to Dattatreya's ashram, wailing and looking for her lost child. She requested Guru to help her locate and find her child. Moved by her pathetic condition Guru promised her to get back the child unharmed, and asked of his disciples to find the child. All the disciples Looked around for the Child, with the aid of their Divine Powers, but were unable to locate the child. Then Guru asked of Bal Shiva to go & find the child, which he duly did & found the Child soon. In fact, He killed the demon (Ghori) in a duel, who had Kidnapped the old woman's child. Guru then renamed his favorite Disciple as Balak Nath.

Balak Nath Pursued his studies under Dattatreya for 12 years while travelling various places. Thereafter, Baba Balak Nath went to Haridwar.

King Bhartrihari & Temptation of Guru Gorakhnath[link]

At Haridwar Babaji meditated to please Goddess Ganga. On being satisfied with his meditation, Goddess appeared before Baba Balak Nath to bless him. BhartriHari was also blessed by Ganga. BhartriHari on being enlightened that Baba Balak Nath was no ordinary Saint, accompanied Baba to Tijara (Rajasthan) from Haridwar[1].

Baba in Tijara[link]

Baba and King BhartriHari stayed at the house of a Kumhara (Potter). Satisfied and happy with the Potter's devotion, Baba blessed him with a huge amount of hidden gold, which Kumhara unearthed after Baba had left. The Kumhara realized the miracle and Babaji's blessings. After leaving Tijara, BhartriHari went to Ujjain to meet his family.

Episode of Vrindavan[link]

Babaji went to Vrindavan and sat in Samadhi (disambiguation). Meditating in deep Dhyana seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Being in Samadhi (disambiguation) for many years together, he was covered with the Soil (forming a mound on him). At this juncture Guru Gorakhnath visited Vrindavan with his disciples. He saw a divine child in Samadhi (disambiguation) and realized that he was no ordinary child. He was incited with a deep and strong desire temptation to convert the child into his disciple, as having a disciple as this child would fetch him great fame. Babaji, during Samadhi, could sense the plans of Guru Gorakhnath. Already having Dattatreya as guru, he could not accept Gorakhnath as his Guru. He disappeared from Vrindavan and re-appeared in Delhi using his celestial powers to avoid Guru Gorakhnath. “Since Babaji is none other than Kartikeya, he has Kankaneta (a goat as a ride) which can travel at the speed of mind.” In Delhi, Baba is believed to have sat in Samadhi on the banks of river Yamuna and had his Dhoona (ever-burning Holy Fire). River Yamuna is also believed to have come to seek the blessings of Babaji.

Meeting Mata Ratno in ShahTalai[link]

It is said a Vidhyapati (Scholar Teacher) once deeply meditated on Lord Shiva. On being pleased Lord Shiva left Kailash and went to serve in the Vidhyapati's house. Also, Mata Parvati, longing to see her son Balak Nath, stepped, as Luhari (Ironsmith) Ratno, on the land of Shahtalai [2][3]. On the other hand, Baba also wished to meet his Mother and decided to come to Shahtalai. It is a popular legend in Shahtalai that on reaching the village, Baba took rest under a tree, where a snake sheltered him from the scorching sun.This miracle was witnessed by all the villagers of Shahtalai. Chanting Alakh Niranjan, Baba reached the House of Mata Ratno. He was pleased to reunite with his Mother, in form of Mata (Mother) Ratno. He requested her for a job at her place. She asked Babaji to take care of her cows. Thereafter, Babaji got the Name “Gopalak” (The Caretaker of the Cows) and is believed to be very dear to the cows.

The Miracles at Shahtalai[link]

There is also the description of the miracle that in Shahtalai, Baba bought rains to help the farmers in the dry season. In fact the King of Bilaspur [4] also sought the blessings of the Bal Shiva Yogi after he heard about Baba. It is a popular folklore, wherever the Bala Yogi walked a cloud went along sheltering him. The King of Bilaspur was amazed to see the clouds rendering service to Baba. People in Shah-talai became devotees of the Bal Yogi. Mata Ratno was very happy to have her son in service. Whenever she sees Babaji in meditation, she used to bring Roti (Chapati) and Lassi (made from churning curd and water) for him.

The Duel between Baba & Guru Gorakhnath again[link]

Guru Gorakhnath came with 125,000 disciples and stayed with the king of Bilaspur Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The king Apprised him of the Divine Magical Powers of Bal Shiva Yogi with clouds rendering him service. Gorakh nath envisioned that this divine yogi is the same Balaknath, who escaped from him at Vrindavan. He decided to test the powers of the Bal Shiva Yogi. Baba welcomed Guru Gorakh nath and his disciples. Gorakhnath asked Baba to fetch water from Mountain of Dhaulagiri, and gave a vessel to Baba. Baba accepted his request and through his powers filled the Vessel with the Water. Baba discovered some magical power in the vessel that was trying to dissuade him, but by Shiva's grace, Baba saved himself from temptation. On being ordered to serve milk to all his Devotees, Baba called on cow Sundari (Divine Cow), & gave them a fill of Appetite. Gorakhnath and his disciples were amazed. Gorakhnath was still not convinced and to prove his superiority over Baba. He took tested Baba & tossed his deer skin high in the air. The deer skin went up high, sped away higher and disappeared. He then asked Baba to bring down the deer skin for him. Baba tossed his Chimta up and it tore the deer skin, Guru Gorakhnath tossed-up, in two halves. Now Babaji asked Guru Gorakh nath to get the Chimta back, Guru Gorakhnath desperately failed to get the Chimta back.

He ordered a forceful inquisition of Baba Balak Nath. when the followeres of Gorakhnath tore Baba's earlobe to put-on the ear-ring. Milk is said to have sprinkled out instead of blood. This miracle scared Guru Gorakhnath’s disciples. At the same time, Babaji escaped their grasp and hid in a secret cave, to avoid Guru Gorakhnath. It is believed that Bhaironnath and Bhartriharinath were also disciples of Guru Gorakhnath and after this incident they paid salutations to Baba. All the disciples abandoned Guru Gorakhnath and he soon realized the eternal truths about Baba. He bowed to Baba and left with Bhaironnath. BhartriHari remained with Baba. Baba gave Bhartrihari a divine fruit and asked him to give it to one he loved the most. Bhartrihari left for Ujjain with this divine fruit. Baba then went back to Shah-Talai and met Mata Ratno.

Babaji takes a Leave from Mother Ratno[link]

Baba came back to Shah-talai and meditated again deep on Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, the cows he used to take care, were left unattended for sometime. One day the cows ravaged fields of the village and villagers complained to Ratno demanding the compensation. Ratno came with the villagers to tree where Baba was meditating and asked for money in lieu of the food ( (Indian Flour Cake)Roti and Lassi (mix of Churned Curd & water)), she had given him for 12 years, as compoensation for the damage to the villagers. But that was again a miracle which the villagers witnessed, that fields were in unharmed state, which they were, before being ravaged by the cows.

It is said that after this, Baba dug his ForkChimta at the base of the tree, under which he used to meditate. The Chapattis served by Mata Ratno for 12 years came out. With another hit of Chimta (Fork), He bought out Lassi. After this Baba straddled his Vahana (Celestial Ride) Peacock and left for Dhaulagiri.

BhartriHari's realisation of the Eternal truth with the divine fruit[link]

King Bhartrihari realized the divine and eternal truth with the divine fruit, given to him by Baba. ” No-one except the Lord Almighty was Lord of all and the Eternal Truth Thereof.” He came back to ShahTalai in search of Baba. Unable to find him there, he felt depressed and started praying for forgiveness. Babaji gave Darshan (divine appearance) to Bhartrihari and they both meditated at Dhaulagiri. It is believed that Banarsi Das was the first one to have Darshan (Divine Appearance of the Lord to the Devotee) of Baba Balak Nath. Baba gave him Vibhuti (The Sacred Ashes of the Holy Fire) from the Dhoona to remove the miseries of life. Jai Baba di.

Some Facts about Baba Balak Nath[link]

1. Guru Guru GorakhnathGorakhnath could not win over Baba as Baba Balak Nath is none other than Kartikeya Kartikeya. Gorakhnath is a Navnath and was an incarnation of Hari Narayan. Dattatreya is the guru of Nath Sampradaya (Commune) and Baba Balak Nath was his disciple. Baba Balak Nath is not any of the Navnath. Baba Balak Nath is above Navanatha and all Navanatha come under him.
2. Kudnu (goat), offered at the temples of Babaji is none other than Kankaneta which can travel at the speed of mind. Varun gave it to Kartikeya, when he killed Tarakasur. The Kudnu is just offered (not killed) in Baba Balak Nath's temple.
3. Female Devotees are prohibited from entering the interiors of Baba Balak Nath temple. It is said that once Mata "Mother"Parvati, missing his son Kartikeya, took a form of cat and visited Junagarh to meet Bala Shiva. Bala Shiva played a lot with the cat. The cat left after sometime. After 1–2 days when Babaji missed Mata Parvati, he came to Kailash to meet her and saw scratches on Mata Parvati's face. Babaji enquired Mata about this, to which Mata informed that she had taken the form of cat to meet Babaji and he gave her (as a cat) the scratches through his hands. Babaji soon realized that ladies are very delicate and Baba is coarse like stone. So he prohibited women from entering his durbar. This has been mentioned by Ramakrishna Paramhansa in his book Jyoti.
4. Peacock as a Vahana was gifted to Kartikeya by Rishi (Sage) Garuna. The peacock was Rishi Garuna's son Chitravarhana.

Baba Balak Nath ji is blessed by Lord Shiva that he will always remain 12 years old. That is why Baba Ji devotees remember him fom the name of Baba Balak Nath.

Sidh Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust[link]

1. Temple has a trust namely ‘Sidh Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust’ that keeps a watch on the functioning of the temple. ‘Mela’s are organized during Holi festival. Every Sunday is considered auspicious day of Babaji and consequently attracts huge devotees on this day.Food becomes available for public at about 11 a.m. Food in ‘Langar’ can also be had in evening after the prayer.

External links[link]

• [5]
• Online portal dedicated to bababalaknath ji
• (Shalini and Ashwani)
• Baba Balaknath Divya Bhaag 2 by Pandit Dinnanath
• Baba Balaknath Chalisa-By Pandit Dinnanath
• www.sucha.net^{[dead link]}

during the stay of BABA Balak Nath with mata ratno, Baba Ji never ate the food offerd by Mata ratno. After 12 years when Mata ratno taunted Baba ji that she is feeding him from past 12 Years then Baba ji returned the food and buttermilk to Mata Ratano.