The Gorakhnath Temple, also known as the Shri Gorakhnath Math, is a Nath monastic order group Lord Shiva temple. The name Gorakhnath is derived from the mediaeval saint Gorakshanath (c. 11th century CE), a yogi who travelled extensively throughout India and wrote several texts that are part of the Nath Sampradaya canon.

Guru Matsyendranath established the Nath tradition. This maths is housed in a large building in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple hosts various cultural and social events and serves as the city’s cultural centre. Gorakhpur was named after Gorakhnath, a saint who travelled extensively throughout India and wrote several texts that are part of the Nath Sampradaya canon.

Overview of Gorakhnath Temple

Today’s Gorakhnath Math, based in Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is a religious organisation that operates two Gorakhnath temples, one in Nepal in the district of Gorkha (another word derived from Baba Gorakhnath), and the other in the south of Gorakhpur. The Gorakhpur temple is said to house Gorakhnath’s samadhi shrine and gaddi. These temples are the focal point of most Hindu religious activity in this region.

Thousands of devotees visit these temples on Makar Sankranti to offer khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. During this festival, the King of Nepal may also pay a visit to one of these temples. The Gorakhnath Math has a huge following in Nepal’s eastern Uttar Pradesh and Terai regions, as well as in larger circles across the Nath groups. According to the principles of Saint Gorakhnath, sanyasis serve as priests in the monastic order.

History of Gorakhnath Temple

Gorakhpur was named after Gorakhnath, a saint of the ‘Nath Sampradaya’. In his honour, the Gorakhnath Mandir was built near where he performed his Sdhan. Gorakhpur district includes Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, and parts of Nepal Terai. These areas, known as the Gorakhpur Janapad, were important Hindu cultural centres.

Gorakhpur was part of the kingdom of Kosala, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in the sixth century BCE. Lord Rama is thought to have been a member of the solar dynasty that ruled the area. Gorakhpur remained an important part of the Maurya, Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Harsha dynasties’ empires. The Gorakhnath Mandir website describes its history as well as the attacks that the temple has endured from time to time.

According to the temple records, the structure and shape of the Gorakhpur Gorakhnath Temple have changed over time. During the Sultanate and Mughal eras, many attempts were made to destroy this temple. The Gorakhnath temple was first destroyed by Alaudin Khilji in the 14th century, and it was later destroyed by another Islamic Invader of India, Aurangzeb, in the 18th century.

The architecture of Gorakhnath Temple

The Gorakhnath temple is regarded as the most important Nath establishment, alongside Fatehpur Shekhawati and Asthal Bohar. The temple grounds cover 52 acres of land in Gorakhpur’s heart. There are several hallways and rooms within the temple that honour various deities. The first samadhi is Gorakhnath’s personal chamber samadhi.

A statue of him once stood in the room, but it has since been replaced with footprints. It also houses his prayer seat, where he sat after returning from his travels. A gallery of statues, including Siva, Ganesh, Kali, and Bhairav, leads out of the chamber.

Another room houses the nine Naths in statue form, along with other statues. Other rooms and portraits of Hindu deities can be found after exiting the gallery surrounding Gorakhnath temple. Not only is the seat of Gorakhnath a distinguishing feature of the temple, but so is the eternal flame (Divya Joyti). It is said to have been burning since Gorakhnath’s time.

Gorakhnath is also known for his love of raising and serving cows. The temple keeps a cow shed Goshala on the premises as one of many references to Gorakhnath’s life and the goals of maintaining the animal’s sacrality. Residential spaces for current practising ascetics can be found away from the main temple. Gorakhnath Math is also a popular pilgrimage site. All of these areas on the temple grounds attract thousands of devotees and tourists.

Facts about Gorakhnath Temple

• Gorakhnath Math, also known as Gorakhpur Mandir, is located in Gorakhpur. Gorakhnath, also known as Goraksanath, was a revered saint who travelled throughout the country and gave the city its name.
• Gorakhpur, located on the banks of the Rapti River, is a notable city in the state’s Purvanchal region and thus appears in many Uttar Pradesh tour packages.
• Many Hindu deities are mentioned in the temple’s hallways and rooms.
• Gorakhnath Ji was extremely dedicated to raising and serving cows, so the temple houses and maintains a cow shed called Goshala.
• There are adequate accommodations for current practising ascetics located a distance from the main temple. Gorakhpur’s Gorakhnath Mandir is a massive pilgrimage site that draws thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the country.
• Thousands of devotees visit Gorakhnath Mandir in Gorakhpur every year on Makar Sankranti to offer their prayers and Khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. During such festivals, The King of Nepal may also pay a visit to the temple.
• Yogi Adityanath Ji, the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is the current Mahant or Chief Priest of the temple.
• These days, the evening musical light and sound show is the main attraction. An enchanting musical fountain and a lovely pond with boating facilities make the area more appealing.

Famous Festivals In Gorakhnath Temple

• Makar Sankranti –Thousands of devotees visit Gorakhnath Mandir in Gorakhpur every year on Makar Sankranti to offer their prayers and Khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba.
• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

Best Time to Visit Gorakhnath Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Gorakhnath Temple

The Gorakhnath Temple is located in Gorakhpur town and is only a few minutes away from the railway station.

By Air: The nearest airport is Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport at a distance of nearly 12 kilometres from Gorakhnath Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Gorakhpur Junction at a distance of nearly 4.5 kilometres from Gorakhnath Temple.

By Road: State Transport Bus services connect Gorakhpur City with the Rest Of Uttar Pradesh. The temple is located near National Highway 29A which connects the Nepal border.

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