Deity guide
Guru Gorakhnath
Gorakshanath (गोरक्षनाथ) — Protector of Cows/Senses
Explore key symbols, mantra, worship traditions and related prayers in one place.
Saints and Gurus
Worship at a glance
Key traditions and symbols
Worship Day
No fixed day; associated with Makar Sankranti and Nath festivals
Offerings
Dhuni (sacred fire) maintenance
Color
Main Mantra
"ॐ शिव गोरक्ष" (Om Shiva Goraksha)
Guru Gorakhnath
The Immortal Nath Yogi, Father of Hatha Yoga, Protector of the Nath Sampradaya
Famous temples
Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Location: Gorakhpur city, named after Gorakhnath
Significance: Most important Nath monastery (Math) in India
Features: Sacred Dhuni (eternal fire), ancient temple complex
Historical: Continuous lineage of Mahants (head priests)
Gorakhnath Temple, Gorkha (Nepal)
Location: Gorkha District, Nepal
Significance: Gorkha dynasty and Gurkha warriors named after Gorakhnath
Features: Cave temple on hilltop
Gorakh Tilla, Punjab (Pakistan)
Location: Near Jhelum, Pakistan
Significance: Where Gorakhnath meditated on a hilltop
Features: Ancient cave temples
Trimbakeshwar Nath Temple
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Connection: Important Nath sacred site near Jyotirlinga
Kadri Manjunath Temple, Mangalore
Location: Karnataka
Connection: Houses bronze statues of Nath Yogis including Gorakhnath
Pashupatinath, Nepal
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Connection: Major Shaiva-Nath pilgrimage site
🎉 Festivals
Makar Sankranti at Gorakhpur
Date: January 14 (approximately)
Significance: Grand fair and celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple
Activities: Khichdi offered, massive gathering of Nath yogis
Gorakhnath Jayanti
Various dates in different traditions
Activities: Special puja, Dhuni seva, discourse on Nath philosophy
Nath Panchami
Observance: Worship of all Nine Naths
Activities: Community gathering of Nath sadhus
Guru Purnima
Date: Ashadha Purnima
Significance: Honoring the Guru lineage
Activities: Special worship at all Nath temples
Maha Shivaratri
Date: Phalguna/Magha Krishna Chaturdashi
Significance: Gorakhnath as Shiva's manifestation
Activities: Night-long meditation, Dhuni worship
Significance
The Immortal Nath Yogi, Father of Hatha Yoga, Protector of the Nath Sampradaya