Natha Sampradaya

Swami Macchindranath

There is no doubt as to the Creator of Nath Sampradaya. Vishwayogi Swami Macchindranath is the Creator of Nath Sampradaya or Nath Pantha. Swami Macchindranath is called "Vishwayogi" because his teachings are universal. He is avatar of Kavinarayan or Lord Vishnu.

Popular belief is that Swami Macchindranath was created from a fish. Another belief is that Lord Shiva created him from five elements of life - fire, water, sky, earth and air. After creating Swami Macchindranath, Lord Shiva gave Him all his knowledge, thoughts and philosophies. Since Swami Macchindranath is believed to be created from five elements of life He is indestructible.

Swami Macchindranath along with his eight other naths are considered as Navnath each one being avatar of Lord Vishnu. These are Gorakshanath, Jalandharnath, Kanifnath, Gahininath, Bhartarinath, Revannath, and Nagnath.

Swami Macchindranath established many spiritual seats of which Chitrakoot, Karwi (Uttar Pradesh) was established hundreds years ago. Guptanath was one of the head of this seat or Gaadi who was a woman indicating that Nath Pantha gives equality to all men and women irrespective of their caste or religion in the field of spirituality.

Nath Pantha which Swami Macchindranath established believes that there is spirituality in all, It just needs to be awakened and this can be done only by Sadguru.