Gorakhnath temple

‘Nath Tradition’ has a great following in Hinduism. Among various shrines across the country, Baba Gorakhnath temple in Jagatsinghpur of Odisha is most revered in this tradition. The town of Jagatsinghpur is around 65km from Odisha’s capital Bhubaneshwar.

Baba Gorakhnath was the follower of Matsyendranath, the founder of Nath tradition. It was Gorakhnath who popularised this tradition. The moto of his prechings was that ‘all humans should work towards enlightment’. Baba Gorakhnath was a staunch follower of philosophies and he was also one of the powerful yogis. Baba Gorakhnath was also great practitioner of yoga. Hence, today, his followers are called as Gorakhnathis and Yogis. Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is the centre for Nath Tradition.

Nath Tradition can also be traced in Odisha, Assam and Nepal. Interestingly, Mathsyendranath and Gorakhnath have a great importance in Tibetan Buddhism as well. They are seen as great masters of spiritual attainment. Jagatsinghpur’s Baba Gorakhnath Temple is considered as one of the powerful shrines in the region. It is said Baba Gorakhnath performed meditation at this place. Legend of Gorakhnath Temple Legend says that Baba Gorakhnath didn’t stop his meditation even when a large ant hill grows over him. Finally, his meditation helps in attaining great power. Hence, this temple is said to be very powerful. Those who worship Baba Gorakhnath here with a pure heart are said to rewarded by him; all wishes are said to come true. He said to have performed meditation under a big Banyan tree near the temple. Today, people tie sacred threads to this tree as an offering.