Origin of Nath religion- A Journey through Indian History by Dr. KK Debnath.

Origin of Nath religion- A Journey through Indian History 
by Dr. KK Debnath.

Abstract:

The Traditional belief among the Nath people and others is that Lord Matsendra Nath is the founder of Nath Tradition. A deep study on the subject contradicts this theory. In this article, the author tries to find out the origin of Nath order, and how it has come to its present form. The details of the study based on various concerned literature on the above has been discussed in a logical way in this article.

This work is pure research oriented and an analytical study is carried out to trace out the origin of Nath religion based on the information available in Indian / Foreign literature.

Introduction:

The traditional concept is that Lord Matsendra Nath is the founder of Nathism. It is believed that Lord Matsendra Nath was directly taught on Nathism or Nath-Yoga by no other than Lord Adi Nath. It is a belief among Nath Sampradaya that Lord Adi Nath is just another name of Lord Shiva. Therefore Nathism is a derivative of Saivaism and Nath people are primarily Saivaits.

Some prominent historians of Victorian period thought that Nathism came from Buddhist religion and Matsendra Nath belongs to Fisherman community.

Further to the above, Lord Matsendra Nath has been also found to be mentioned in i the literature on Bhagavan Sankaracharya. The book “Sri Sankara- Digvijaya: The traditional life of Sri Sankaracharya” authored by Madhava-Vidyaranya and translated by Swami Tapasyananda, Pub by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai,   mentioned about Lord Matsendra Nath”, this put Lord Matsendra Nath ahead of Lord Sankaracharya. The period of Lord Matsendra Nath is assigned by historians from a period from 7^th century to 9^th Century AD. Therefore mention of him in Sankar-digbijaya indicates on the power and popularity of this great Maha yogi.  This type of literature creates a lot of confusion, and hence only logical arguments are considered to avoid confusion.

Let us have a look at the historicity of Indian civilization.

Historicity of Indian Civilization:

India is a country of one of the most ancient civilization. The Indian scripts are recognized as one of the oldest in the World. The trace of oldest civilization of India has been found in Mohen jo daro and Harappa, and other places, mostly situated at Pakistan.

We have our own history or itihas, which are referred as “Puranas”. There are a lot of stories, describing mainly the victory over evil and justifying the action taken by victorious group.

We have our Smriti Sastras which form the basics of our social or civil laws.

We have our literatures which describe principles of good living and provide guidelines on living starting from birth until death and also on the rituals to be followed for the dead person.

Besides this we have our own philosophical literatures and other literatures as in Prasthanatrayee, Agamas etc.

However, we find a lot of problems, while determining the historicity in modern sense of these stories. The birth of Indian History in real sense has begun at 17^th century, during British Christian period. Previously, we don’t have any time reference to determine the occurrence of any event, nor do we have any procedure to separate individuals having same name or similar names. Thus we have a Krishna in Rig Veda, Krishna as prince of Dwaraka and cousin of 22^nd Tirthamkara Lord Nemi Nath of Yujur Veda and once again Puranic Krishna in Mahabharata.

In Rig Veda Samhita, Krishna is described as victorious against Lord Indra of Rig Veda, who was most prominent Rig Vedic God on the bank of river Amsumati (Yamuna River). We also find the existence of Seven Sages at all the time, starting from Rig Vedic period till date.

These features have created a lot of confusion. However a careful study provides very useful informations and by analyzing the same in a logical way, probably it may possible to arrive at a certain conclusion towards reconstruction of Indian history. Thus our religious literatures may not be termed as a history in modern sense, but a lot of treasure is hidden in it, which can be used to find out the development of Indian history to certain extent.

During the period of journey of Indian history with a time reference and in a sequential order have began around 17^th Century. During this period the Indian civil society was dominated by Vedic and Islamic religious thoughts, as a result the history of India is found to be completely influenced and dominated by these two religions with their associated literature. This modern thinking on historicity of India was initiated by Christian people of Europe and hence the history was also influenced also by their thoughts and objectives. Beside this, one important issue, which contributed towards the acceptance of Victorian history of India, is the contribution of Natural phenomenon which prompts everybody to move up. The result is that people tried their level best to enhance their image and prestige in the society by linking with some great personality or race of yesteryears or with present.  This human psychology was also used effectively by Victorian historians and their followers to a large extent, towards the acceptance of the Indian history by elite Indians.

Now Modern researchers have proved that there was no Aryan invasion and settlement in India, Vedic civilization is a pure Indian civilization and originated in India only. However it is not possible to rule out the influence of neighboring areas (Dominated by Aryans). In this connection Talageri’s name must be acknowledged (Rig Veda- An Analysis by Sreekant Talageri).

Keeping all these problems in mind, let us try to analyze one by one on the historical information on Nath order of Saivaism.

Place and origin of Saivaism:

As per Vedic literature, Lord Shiva belonged to Himalayan range   commonly known as Shivalik range and Hardwar was the gateway to his kingdom. His first wife was Devi Sati, the daughter of King Dakhsha, the capital of Dakhsha was at Kankhal, a few miles south of Hardwar. His second wife Parvati belonged to present Himachal Pradesh, in her honour the river Parvati was named and the valley became famous as Parvati valley.

Saivaism:

Lord Shiva is known and recognized as the founder of this religion and followers are known as Saivaits.

As per historians Lord Shiva was not a Vedic God but a Puranic God and Shiva was not being worshipped until 2^nd century AD ( Gorakh Nath and Kanfata Yogis by G.W. Briggs, Pub. by Motilal Banarsidas). It would have been a gradual effort over a long time and most probably from 1^st Century AD.  However we could not see any phenomenal decline in Jainism and Buddhism until the arrival of Guptas at the royal throne of Magadha Empire.  But due to the patronization from Royals, Saivaism and Vaishvaism rapidly progressed during their period.

Historians opine that puranas were compiled from 2nd century AD onwards and various stories were added to make it impressive and attractive towards to popularity of Vedic religion over Jainism and Buddhism and these puranas were under continuous modification until 15^th Century AD

During this period of Gupta Dynasty of Magadha two Gods Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu became prominent and placed at the highest position among all Gods along with Lord Brahma. It is quite natural that a God like Siva, who was initially neglected by Vedic people, suddenly could not become their most favorite God.

There are 6 schools of thoughts of Saivaism. However we will discuss the oldest school of Saivaism known as Pasupata Saivism.

Pasupata sect is the oldest known sect of ascetic monks by Adi Nath. This sect was said to be founded by Lord Adi Nath himself and gradually spread over Gangetic region from Kashmir also known as Adi Nath / Saiva Sampradaya. Around 200 AD, Lord Lakulisa the most prominent leader appeared in Gujrat. It is said the Somnath temple was founded by him only. He allowed admission of people into Pusupata sect., who are in the profession of Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya only. The Pasupata tradition entered into Nepal during 8^th Century. The Kapalika and Aghori sects were born out from this sect. Historians and Scholars opine that Lord Matsendra Nath & Gorokh Nath also belonged to the same sect.

During 7^th century AD this sect formed Kalamukha Sampradaya, which was developed around Nasik. Gradually this became popular as a Saivaite sect

The second oldest sect is known as Nandinath sect. also from Kashmir and was established around 200 AD. It gives importance to Yoga and is related to the broader Nath Sampradaya. This sect spread their philosophy known as “Saiva Siddhanta”. The Parampara mentioned about the names of eight prominent gurus and they are Sanatkumar,Sanakar, Sanadanar, Sananthanar,Shivayogamuni, Patanjali, Vyaghrapada, and Tirumular. It was Sage Tirumular who spread this philosophy in the south and Sri Lanka. (Ref: Dancing with Siva, Hinduism’s Contemporary Catechism by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, pub by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi).

    

Matsendra Nath

Historically Lord Matsendra Nath belonged to a period from 7^th Century to 9^th Century AD.  He is now recognized as the originator of Nath Order.

Spiritual power of Lord Matsendra Nath:

The spiritual power of Lord Matsendra Nath was so much so that he was duly recognized with honour  in “Sankar Digvijaya” authored by Madhava-Vidyaranya (Ex. Chief of Sringeri Math) and translated by Swami Tapasyananda, Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Lord Madhava-Vidyaranya was the chief of Sringeri Sankara Math from 1380 to 1386. In this holy book,  Lord Sankaracharya had been advised by one of his disciple Padmapada (Ex. Chief of Govardhan Math, Puri), to use the technique developed by Lord Matsendra Nath, to know  certain aspect of Mahavidya while Lord Sankara was involved in a debate with  Ubhaya Bharati, the wife of Mandana Mishra. On the other hand historians opine that Lord Adi Sankara was born in a Nambudripada family at Kalladi of Kerala during 788 AD (As accepted).

Historically this is not true because during that period in India there was no concept of a time reference and sequential order of occurrence of important events.  However, it is very clear that Yogic power of Matsendra Nath and his spiritual achievement was not diminished even after a period 4 centuries. It is said that he received his teaching directly from Lord Siva or Lord Adi Nath. All the Nath religious literature confirms the same. However, the existence of Lord Siva in 7^th to 9^th century is ruled out.  This might have been a creation of his loyal and faithful disciples, thinking that the spiritual power as exhibited by Lord Matsendra Nath cannot be achieved without the blessing of Maha Yogi, Maha Koula Lord Siva or his spiritual power was equivalent to that of Lord Shiva.

Earlier Nath Personalities:

Batuk Nath or Batuk Bhairav:
The literature on Nath religion claimed that Kapalikas like Batuk Nath, Bhairav Nath etc also belong to Nath religion. Nath sect is credited as the founder of Kapalika sect, Aghori sect etc. (Ref: Yogvani, January 1980, Gorokhsha Siddhanta Biseshanka; Pub. by Gorokh Nath Mandir).  There is a temple of Kaal Bhairav at Kashi. He is also known as the “Kotowal” of Kashi and defined as an avatar of Lord Shiva. He is being worshiped by Nath sect. This temple was under the custody of Gorokhpur Matha; however it was lost to Vedic group due to poor maintenance of the temple.

Beside this in Sankar digvijaya there is a mention that Lord Adi Sankar was challenged by Batuk nath (A Brahmin Kapalika). Finally Batuk Nath realized that Lord Sankara is an avatar of Lord Shiva himself and accepted the supremacy of Sankaracharya. This indicates that Nath sect was in existence prior to Lord Matsendra Nath and Guru Gorokh Nath.

Lord Issai Nath /ISSA NATH: 

According to Nath belief, there was a famous Yogi in Nathism by name Isai Nath. A manuscript towards this was found to be available with some tribes of Vidhyachal (Ref: Rajguru Yogi Vamsha by SCN Mazumdar). It is equally interesting to note that Lord Shiva is also addressed as Issai Nath and his consort Parvati is addressed as Ishani.  Who is this Issai Nath?

Russian journalist Nicolai Notovitch who visited Ladakh in the 1880s and wrote a
book called “The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ”. Notovitch discovered the existence of certain ancient scriptures in the monastery of Hemis in Ladakh about the mysterious prophet Issa, whose life appeared to be identically similar to the stories of Jesus the Nazarene. According to these scriptures, at the age of 14, Issa, who was born in Israel, came to Sindh in India and from there he travelled through the Punjab to Jagannath Puri, where he learnt the Vedas for six years. Later he travelled via Nepal to Ladakh, where he studied Buddhist scriptures.

Holger Kersten (Ref: Jesus Lived in India, his unknown life before and after crucifixion by Holger Kersten, Published by Penguin Books) has provided a wealth of theological, archaeological and historical evidence in defense of his hypothesis. According to Kersten, the Tibetans believe that Jesus was the 21st incarnation of Padmasambhava, the Buddha; the latter himself being the ninth incarnation of Vishnu. He develops an argument that the three wise men, or the Magi, were really Tibetan monks hunting for the reincarnated Buddha. (For Further reading: The lost Years of Jesus-Documentary evidence of Jesus’ 17 yrs Journey to the east by Elizabeth Clare prophet, Pub by Summit University Press, USA).

Swami Abhedananda Maharaj, Chief of Belur Ramakrishna math visited the Gumpa and confirmed the opinion of Litovitch and documented in his book “A Journey into Kashmir and Tibet”, Pub. by Ramakrishna Vedanta Math, Calcutta, 2001.
Then there is the Natha Namavali, an old Hindu Sutra of the mystical order of the Nath Yogis, which tells of the great Saint Isha Nath, who is said to have come to India at the age of 14. After he returned to his home country Israel and started to spread his teachings there, he fell victim to a conspiracy and was crucified. By means of the yogic powers he had attained in India; he was able to survive execution, and finally -- with the help of the supernatural powers of his teacher Chetan Nath, a Nath Guru -- he came once more to India, where he is said to have founded an ashram in the Himalayan foothills (Ref: Did Jesus live in India? Pub on Hindu Wisdom; posted By Iqbal Malhotra in the Indian Express). Pic of the Shrine of Lord ISSAI NATH at Srinagar is appended below:

It is very interesting to note here that oldest form of Saivaism is found to be originated at Kashmir and known as Adi Nath sect or Pasupata sect during 200 to 250 AD, and this place Siddha Issa Nath prior to Lord to the period of Saivaism. This point is very important because, this issue placed Nathism as older than Saivaism, that is to say that Nathism was in existence earlier to Saivaism.

Lord Adi Nath

He is also known as Lord Hrishav Nath, Hrishav Dev, Brishav Nath and Brishav Dev and honoured as 1^st Tirthamkara of India.

He was born to King Nabhi and queen Marudevi of Ayoddhya and later on became the king of Ayoddhya.

He had married twin sisters named Sunanda and Sumangala. In due course Sumangala gave birth to Bharat, Brahmi and Sunanda had also given birth to Bahubali and Sundari. 

Bahubali became a monk of ancient religious order established by his father Lord Adi Nath, while Bharata succeeded his father and became the king. India is named as “Bharatavarsha” after this king Bharata, as per Jain history. Lord Rishava introduced the first Indian script and named it as “Brahmi script”, in honor of his daughter Brahmi and numerals were named after his second daughter “Soundari”.

According to historian PC Choudhury, Adi Nath or Brishav Nath belongs to Stone Age and at the beginning of agricultural period. According to Non Vedic Jain or (Vratya) religious history Lord Adi Nath is the founder of agricultural system in India. Thus, modern historical conclusion confirms the same belief of Jains. Historians and archeologists like Ram Prasad (member of Indus valley excavation team), PR Deshmukh, John Marshal (Chief of Indus valley excavation team), etc opined that there is a definite link between Rishav Nath and Indus Valley civilization.  The name of Lord Rishav Nath, Lord Adi Nath, and Arishtanemi (Lord Nemi Nath) are found to be mentioned in Yujurveda (Spirutual Affinities in Rishava and Shiva by Bal Patil; Jain Samaj).

The first discovery of an idol in “Kayotsarga” (Naked and Spiritual posture) form at Mohen jo daro is a definite proof on a certain living style and philosophy of life of the people during that period. The period is estimated around 3500 BC (around 5000 Yrs ago). Initially it was thought that the Idol is a statue of Lord Siva, However at a later stage the researchers and historians opined that it was the idol of Lord Adi Nath, who preached “Ahimsa Dharma”. He is credited as the first Tirthamkara of present Jainism.

Yogi Adi Nath: Original Seal of Indus Valley Civilization.

Yogi Adi Nath: Moulded Seal of Indus Valley Civilization.

Lord Adi Nath  and other Naths in Jainism:

There are 24 Tirthamkaras as mentioned in Jain tradition. They are as follows

1)  Lord Adi Nath, 2) Lord Ajit Nath, 3) Lord Sambhu Nath, 4) Lord Abhinandan Nath, 5)  Lord Sumati Nath, 6) Lord Padmaprabhu Nath, 7) Lord Supashva Nath, 8) Lord Chandra Prabhu Nath, 9) Lord Suvidhi Nath, 10) Lord Shital Nath, 11) Lord Shreyansh Nath, 12) Lord Vasupujya Nath, 13)  Lord Vimal Nath, 14) Lord Anant Nath, 15) Lord Dharma Nath, 16) Lord Shanti Nath, 17) Lord Kunthu Nath, 18) Lord Ara Nath, 19) Lord Malli Nath, 20) Lord Muni Suvrat Nath, 21) Lord Nami Nath, 22) Lord Nemi Nath (Lord Aristha Nemi Nath), 23) Lord Parshva Nath and 24) Nath Putra Lord Vardhman Mahavir.

Prior to Lord Mahavir, the name of religion as propagated by Lord Adi Nath and other Tirthamkaras are not known. During the period of 22^nd Tirthamkara Lord Arishta Neminath, it was probably became known as “Arihant Dharma or Arhat Dharma”. This religion got its present name Jaina or simply Jain religion only after Lord Mahavir during the Victorian period. Under such a circumstance, can we find out any indication on the name of this most ancient religion prior to Lord Mahavir?

Let us we look from the current scenario of various religious establishments.

1) Ramakrishna Mission: All the monks are addressed by a name given by the Matha which is suffixed by a word “Ananda”.

2) Sankara Mathas: All the Mathadheeshs are given a name by Matha establishment and addressed commonly as Sankaracharya”. Lord Adi Sankara is credited as the founder of modern Brahmanism and all his social disciples found to belong to Brahmin community.

3) Nath Mathas: All Mathadheepatis or famous Monks’ name are suffixed by “Nath”.

4) Most of the names of famous Monks in Buddhism are found to be suffixed with “Pada”.

4) All the names of Tirthamkaras of Jain order is found to be suffixed with Nath.

(Exceptions may be ignored).

This definitely provides some clues, on the culture and belief of certain religious order.

Our main point of discussion is Nath religion, therefore concentration is given mainly on this faith.

Names of first 23 Tirthamkaras of pointing toward a word “Nath”, which is found as common title or surname to all Tirthamkaras, until the arrival of Lord Bardhaman Mahavir. However according to historical information he used to be addressed as Nath Putra. He was honored as Mahavir Jain, due to his overpowering of earthly desire through various Vratas or austerities. Gradually the religion became known as “Jain” religion.

Prior to Lord Mahavir the 22^nd Tirthamkara Lord Nemi Nath was honored as “Arishta Nemi Nath”, due to his magical power to cure people.  Many of the people used to call the religion during the period as “Arihant or Arihat or Arhat religion”.

Prior to the period of Lord Nemi Nath the exact name of this religion is not known. Who is this Nemi Nath whose name has been mentioned in Yujur Veda?

During the period of 21st Tirthamkara Lord Nami Nath, many probably used to call Nath religion as “Nath” religion. According to historians and Jain literature Lord Nami Nath was born in a city by name Mithila of ancient Bangadesha.

Next was Lord Nemi Nath, the 22^nd Tirthamkara of Jainism. According to Jain literature, he was the son of Samudravijay and Shivaa. Andhakavrishni was the father of Samudravijay. Andhakavrishni had another son by name Basudeva who was elder to Samudravijay.  Basuveva and Devaki had son in Krishna who later on became the king of Dwaraka and became famous as Dwarakadheesh. Thus Neminath was younger cousin of Krishna. They were the grand sons of Andhakavrishni. Many of the current Jain scholars opine that this Krishna of Dwaraka and Krishna of Mahabharata is the same person.

Some historians opine that his period was around 1000 BC. Lord Krishna belonged to Yadava clan. Yajavas were non Vedic and they were enemies to Vedics.

P.R. Deshmukh, one of the great scholars of Indology and Indus Valley Civilization, writes:

“According to Vedic literature, Yadus were one of the Panch Jan (five group of people), and were not eligible to become a King. Most of the Yadus were follower of Jainism. Vasudev, the father of Krishna was mostly a Jain. ..... It is not just a co-incidence that Where ever there were strong holds of Yadus, there we find some of the oldest remains of Jains.”

It may be noted that his (Lord Krishna) father Basudev, brother Balaram and younger cousin Lord Nemi Nath also are in the Jain list of 63 great personalities. Further, a Jain book Basudevhindi is fully dedicated to Basudev, father of Krishna. This indicates that the religion of Lord Krishna was Nath or Arihat religion.

Bardhaman Mahavir was the greatest philosophers of his time in ancient India. Scholars and historians opine that he was not the founder but a reformer. He reorganized and redefined ancient faith of Nath religion or Arhat religion. His other names are Vardhaman, Mahavir (Mahaveer), Sanmati, Ativeer, Veer, Niganth Nath putaa (in Buddhism) or Nrigantha Nath Putra (In Samskrit). The religious tradition the family of Mahavir used to follow is Chaturyaam Dharm of Parshwa Nath, the 23rd Tirthamkara.

He was born in 599 BC at Vaishali of present Bihar. His parents were Siddharth and Trishala. Siddharth came from a high-ranked Warrior family of Nath Clan. There were two personalities found during the period of Mahavir. One was Lord Mahavir while the other one was Makkali Goshala. Lord Mahavir became the reformer of ancient Nath/Arihat religion, which became famous as “Jain religion” at a later stage; while Makkali Goshala, advocated the doctrine of “Niyoti” or “Bhagya” or “Destiny”. However this “Niyoti” philosophy was merged with others mainly with Jainism and Buddhism in course of time and perished ultimately.

According to Sahityacharya Dinesh Ch. Sen (D.C. Sen, Banga Bhasha and Sahitya) the earliest known religion of Bengalis was Jain religion or in other words reformed Nath religion. Out of 24 Tirthamkara, 18 Tirthamkaras spent their major portion of life in ancient Bengal. The famous Jain monk “Bhadra bahu” was the raj guru of King Chandragupta Maurya who was a Jain. He lead the king and 10000 Jain monks to Sravanbelegola (a famous Jain pilgrimage centre), in present Karnataka.  Bhadrabahu or Birbahu is ranked next to Tirthamkara in Jainism. As per Jainism, he was from present Bagura district of Bangladesh. This would not be possible unless Bangadesha was rich and populated with Bengali Jain intellectuals, which is nothing but reformed Nath/Arihant religion…

 

Other important connections:

1) Kashi as the head quarters of Lord Shiva and 2) Kashmir as the origin of Saivaism.

What is the background behind this, when Lord Shiva neither belonged to Kashmir nor belonged to Kashi. The reason may be found in the fact as follows:

1) As said Lord Adi Nath was the king of Ayoddhya & Kashi (His kingdom was spread out up to Taxsila) and obviously while mapping Lord Shiva with Lord Adi Nath this was appropriated.  Kashi-Vishwa Nath Jyotirlinga is appended.

Similar incident can be seen at the time of Adi Sankaracharya. King Asoka established Kanchi University in south in line with Taxsila University of the North. He also founded the city of Madurai (Mathurai) in South in line with the city of Mathura of the North.

This Kanchi University was a Buddhist Matha and scholars/teachers used to teach various subjects. Bhagavan Sankaracharya defeated them in argument on religious discourse and they all became his disciple. Along with the fall of Kanchi Matha all the affiliated Mathas and sub Mathas also fall in line and their preachers, teachers and all the intellectuals became the disciple of Adi Sankaracharya. They were classified as Intellectuals and the status of Brahmin was accorded to them. It is a fact that all the disciples of Sankaracharya are found to be Brahmin in the south. 

Sankaracharya established 4 Mathas in India in line with Buddhist Mathas and appointed their chiefs. However, he never occupied any chair in those Mathas. But he occupied the seat of Kanchi until he merged himself with the Lingam at Kedar Nath.

Probably, Kashi was made the head quarters of Saivaism, as this was the HQ of Nathism/Jainism in a similar manner  as done by Lord Adi Sankaracharya at a much later date.

2) Lord Issa after leaving Jerusalem came and settled at Srinagar (Kashmir) and was a famous yogi of Kashmir, when Lord Issa was merged with Lord Shiva, the major thrust towards the spread of Saivaism probably came from Kashmir, and hence Kashmir was treated as the place of origin of Saivaism, when Lord Issai Nath was merged with Lord Shiva, to please and accommodate Kashmiris. It may be noted that even today all Kashmiri Brahmins are known as Koula Brahmin and ranked highest in Saiva order. Picture of Rozabal Shrine of Hazrat Issa sahib or Tomb of Lord Master Jesus, Srinagar at Kashmir is appended below:

Analysis:

Enough evidences are now available on the existence of Naths and some of their teachings which shows its existence even prior to Vedic period. However, our historians named this faith as “Vratya”, as they were practitioners of various austerities. They were worshipers of Lord Adi Nath. They were believers of Yoga system and were not followers of Vedic rituals and sanskriti. It is said that Sage Bhrigu was the 1^st sage who adopted this non Vedic system in to Vedic system and popularized the same. These Yogis were addressed as “Yati” and “Vatorshana Muni”. Vedic intellectuals acknowledged these “Vratya stome” people as Brahmins. According to Dr. Divakar Pandey this, “Nath Yoga” was prevalent during pre-Vedic period. The word “Nath” was used in Rig Veda for Creator, knowledge (Ref: Gorokh Nath ebong Unki Parampara ka Sahitya, By Dr. Divakar Pandey, Pub: Research Centre, Gorokh nath temple, Gorokhpur).

It is 24^th Tirthamkara who made many revolutionary changes regarding food habit, and austerity (Vrata). This made Jain religion also to be known as “Vratya religion” and their philosophy as “Vratya Philosophy”. During the fall of Jainism and Buddhism in Bengal, and rise of Saivaism and Vaishnavaism, almost all embraced Saivaism (most of them must be Jains, because Adi Nath was declared as lord Shiva and nothing else, and 2) Rules of Jainism became increasingly difficult to follow & Practice), and Vaishnavaism (Most of them must be Buddhist, as Lord Buddha was declared as an Avatar of Vishnu, Buddha pada was transformed as Vishnu Pada, Budhdham Saranam becomes Vishnu pade saranam etc”).

This makes extremely difficult for common people to follow the reformed Nathism and may be one of the prime reasons for downfall of Jainism and Buddhism in its original place and gradually perished to Saivaism and Vaishnavaism.  The left out people of Jainism were termed as Bratya (patita), whereas the left out Buddhist people were given the name “Buddhu”.

Thus prior to Lord Nemi Nath, the 22^nd Tirthamkara the religion founded by Adi Nath was most likely known as “Nath religion” and as a result, we find Lord Mahavir also used to be addressed as “Nath Putta” means the son of a Nath.

As Stated earlier that Lord Shiva was identified as Lord Adi Nath and towards this let us have a look how Lord Adi Nath was made Lord Shiva. This is described below:

Relation of Lord Adi Nath with Lord Shiva:

Adi Nath is honored as the 1^st Teerthamkara in Sramanic religion Jainism. He is also known as Lord “Hrishav Nath” and “Lord Brishav Nath”. His vehicle was “Bull”. His abode was “Mount Kailash”.

It may be noted that the founder of Saivaism Lord Shiva is also known as “Lord Adi Nath”, “Lord Hrishav Nath” and “Lord Brishav Nath”. The Vehicle of Shiva was also Bull and his abode was too Mount Kailas. Both were having long matted hair. Both were Yogi. The Kayotsorga seal discovered at Mohen jo Daro civilization indicates the same. According to Sir John marshal Vedic people adopted Shiva (Adi Nath) worship from Indus Valley culture.

This will get clearer by carrying out a simple one to one mapping or projection of these two personalities is described below:

1)  The birth day of Lord Rishav Nath and Lord Shiva are celebrated on the same day (Maha Shivaratri day).
2) Lord Adi Nath attained Nirvana at Mount Kailasha. The abode of Lord Shiva is also Mount Kailasha.
3) Both Lord Adi Nath, the 1^st Tirthamkara of Jainism and Lord Adi Nath of Saivaism are known as Digambara, Charukesha (Jatadhari), jati or Joti and Yogi.
4) Lord Shiva is also known as Ishai Nath, Bhola Nath, Kedar Nath, Chandra Nath Kailash Nath, Yogishwar Nath, Bhairav Nath etc, a name ends with Nath.
5) The 3^rd eye of Lord Shiva is found as “triratna” in Jainism. The symbol is found on the palms of Lord Adi Nath found at Udaigiri hills of Orissa.
6) The group of Munis founded by Lord Rishava is known as Gana in Jainism and the chief of them was known “Gana Dhara”. This tradition continued until the arrival of Lord Mahavira the 24^th Tirthamkara.  On the other hand the group of disciples of Lord Shiva is also known as “Gana” and their leader was “Ganapati”.

7) Among Nath we find 84 Siddhas, Lord Adi Nath had also 84 disciples.

8) Both the religions are Shamanic or Sarmanic or Sramanic.

9) Both are staunch supporter of social equality. 

10) In both the traditions, the practice of ascetic life is most important.

11) In both the religions practice of austerity (Vrata or Brato) plays very significant role, as a result both the religions are known as “Bratya religion” or “Vratya religion” until the introduction of Caste system in the society.

12) In both the traditions many monks prefer to be naked and it is still in practice from the ancient time. The Naga monks who are Saivaits live in naked condition even today.

13) It is interesting to note that Lord Adi Nath was also remained Naked as can be observed in Kayotsorga posture discovered in Indus valley and Lord Siva too was a naked ascetic. Both had renounced all the worldly things. Both are known as Digambar.  Digambars were found only among orthodox Jains, also known as Digambar Jain monks, similar to Naga Monks.

14) Both idols and statues of Lord Adi Nath and Lord Siva are found to be in yogic posture, known as “Padmashana”.

15) The eyes of idols of both are found to be half closed, which is another yogic posture.

15) Lord Siva and Lord Rishav Nath are known as Jataadhari or Kesi due to long matted hair.

16) Nandi or Bull is the symbol/emblem of both Rishav Nath and Bhola Nath.

17) Breaking and offering coconut to Lord Adi Nath and Lord Shiva is not allowed. 

18) Offering rice grains is an auspicious offering to both of them.

19) The day Rishabha attained Nirvana was to days Maha Shivratri day.

An Interesting feature of Adi Nath Tradition in Bengal:

Besides the above, there is an interesting relation, which can be observed between Lord Adi Nath and Lord Shiva, particularly with respect to Bengali culture.

During the Sarodiya Durga puja, one can see the idol of Maa Durga killing the demon Mahisasura. The story is that Maa Durga along with her children, Goddesses Laxmi & Saraswati and Gods Lord Ganesha & Kartikeya visit her parental house once in a year. The occasion is celebrated in the form of worshipping her during these days.

According to Vedic literature, Saraswati is the daughter of Prajapati Brahma, who himself later on married her and invited the curse from his children that henceforth nobody would worship Lord Brahma. Beside this Laxmi was the wife of Lord Vishnu and sometime known as the daughter of Brahmasri Brugu, as a result Goddess Laxmi is also addressed as BHargavi.

When Vedic literature does not recognize Laxmi and Saraswati as the children of Lord Shiva and Parvati, then how they are being projected as their children in Bengal?

The answear may be traced in the life of Lord Adi Nath. Lord Adi Nath had two daughters named as Brahmhi and Sundari as stated earlier. According to Jainism, the Brahmi script (Origin of Samskrit) developed was named after the daughter Brahmi of Lord Adi Nath, the script became the symbol of learning. The numerals developed were named after another daughter Sundari. Scripts are the symbols of learning, whereas numerals are the symbols of wealth, used for counting or measuring the wealth.  Modern researchers opine that all Indian languages have found their origin in Brahmi and not at Sanskrit. A pictorial depiction of the same is appended below:

The sons of Adi Nath viz. Bharata and Bahubali are represented by Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya along with the idol of Maa Durga.  The daughters Brahmi and Sundari of Adinath are represented as Saraswati and Laxmi as the daughters of Maa Durga and Siva.

At different point of time different philosophical aspect were added to these Gods and Goddesses until there was no one to challenge the supremacy of Saivaism, Thus a strong correlation exists between the children of Lord Adi Nath and the daughters of Siva and Parvati as depicted in Bengali tradition, even though it contradicts Vedic tradition.

All these similarities and the above historical data, only indicates that Lord Siva a Puranic personality of Shamanic tradition of very high order, who continued with ancient Nath tradition established by Lord Adi Nath was mapped on to Lord Adi Nath due to the above qualities. His followers became known as “Saivaits” and religion became known as “Saivaism”.

People of ancient Bengal probably found Saivaism more convenient than earlier Nathism or Jainism due to food habits and austerities. This  makes them  in all likely hood  to adopt the modified version of Nathism/Jainism. That might be the reason we find the first recorded known king of Bengal as Sashanka, who was a devout Saiva. The Bengali calendar “Bongabdo” was introduced by King Sashanka, on Monday, the day of Lord Shiva in 593 AD.

Later on we find Pala Dynasty in Bengal. The Pala kings were Buddhist by religion.  The major religions of Bengalis during Pala period were Saivaism (or Koulaism) and Buddhism.  During this period of Buddhist religion Tantra study was in full swing as Buddhism moved from Mahayana, to Bajrayana, to Kalachakrayana and Sahajyana , Saivaism also simultaneously adopted the same, and their tantra became known as “Koula chara tantra”. On further development both moved to Sakti Shadhana.

In Saivaism Shiva is respected as “Maha Koula” and “Maha Kala”, or “Kala Bhairav”, “Akula” etc; whereas Sakti, his consort became known as “Kula”. Philosophically koula or Kala or Akula is the static energy power of Lord Shiva and Kula or Sakti is the dynamic energy power of Shiva.

Lord Matsendra Nath the founder of modern Nathism was a Koula, who also became the founder of “Kula worship” system or Kulin system in Bengal. He was credited to convert the famous temple of Kamakhya at Assam in to Kula/Sakti Peetha from Buddhist Tantra Peetha. This is one of the Adi Sakti Peetha among four Adi Sakti Peetha of India.

His disciple Lord Shiva Goroksha Nath established Maa Kalika temple at Kalighat of Kolkata. This temple is another Adi Sakti Peetha. The other two Adi Sakti Peethas are Puri jagan Nath temple and Tara Tarini temple at present Orissa (Both were originally Buddhist tantric temples).

Lord Matsendra Nath converted Buddhists in to Nathism. These include people from all walks of life. Thus we find the great Buddhist scholar “Atish Dipankar” to embrace Nathism (Kulinism) and became a disciple of Lord Matsendra Nath. Atish Dipankar made the war agreement document between Palas and Kalachuris. He was the chief of great Nalanda University. It is obvious to note that unless the impact of Nathism is great, people like Atish Dipankar would not have embraced Nathism. It is also obvious that when Aitsh Dipankar embraced Nathism, Many Buddhisht intellectuals had embraced Nathism along with him. This might be the turning point of downfall of Buddhism and gradually almost all great Buddhist intellectuals of Bengal embraced Nathism or Kulinism in Bengal (For Details on Kulinism read “A research note on Origin of Bengali Kulin Brahmins @ www.articlebase.com) - Therefore, it can be said with some confidence that Lord Matsendra Nath was not the founder of Nath religion, but was a great reformer.

The first priest of Kalighat temple was Chourangi Nath, a Nath priest and disciple of Lord Matsendra Nath. The seat of Chourangi Nath was named as “Chourangi” and the road from Chourangi to Kalighat temple was named as Chourangi Nath. Now the Govt. of Bengal named this road as “Jawhar Lal Nehru road” ignoring the glorious history of this Bengal.

Palas were dethroned in 1402 AD by Senas originally from Karnataka. They brought the society in line with Vedic social system with the help of elites and intellectuals of the then Bengal.  Caste system was introduced, which is beneficial for elites and powerful. Poor people were left out and those who opposed were out casted and tortured (ref: Ballal Charita). At a later date these left out poor people embraced Islam to avoid the torture and exploitation of Elites, when rulers of Bengal were of Islamic religion. However, many of the people who did not join the caste system, but did not embrace Islam are probably todays Nath sect of Bengal, which is based on the equality in the society.

Effect:

The society got divided by Senas and when Md. Bakhtiar invaded, Senas failed to get mobilize the support of fighters who were degraded in the society and lost his kingdom and Foreigners became the Bhagya Bidhata of Bengal.

Thus the glorious period of independent Bengal came to an end with the downfall of Palas in 1402 AD until August 1947 AD a period of almost 600 Yrs.

However, since Senas patronized casteism and promoted few intellectual and powerful people of the society. Their period was termed by those intellectuals as the GOLDEN PERIOD of Bengal, ignoring the period of Sasanka and Palas.

Hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa………………

Further Ref:

1) Life Story of Bhagwan Mahavir by Mahavir Sanglikar

2)  Indus Civilization, Rigveda and Hindu Culture by P.R. Deshmukh

3) Jainism in Bihar by PC Roychoudhury

3) Trishasti Shalaka Purush (Jain Agamic Text)
4) Hindu Dharmache Shaiv Rahasya (Marathi) by  Sanjay Sonawani

5) The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN1-4051-3251-5

6) Siva Puran

7) Bhagvat Puran

8) Aadipuran by Acharya Jinsen

9) Trishashtishalakapurush by Acharya Shilaank.

11) Spirutual Affinities in Rishava and Shiva by Bal Patil; Jain Samaj.