Shri Gorakhnath Math, Gorakhpur

Shri Gorakhnath Math, Gorakhpur is a Hindu sacred place in Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, connected with Shri Guru Gorakhnath (founder-saint of the Nath Sampradaya; siddha yogi). The temple belongs to the Shaiva stream of worship, where abhisheka, bilva offering, mantra japa, and evening aarti are central parts of the devotional rhythm.

**Guru Gorakhnath (~11th–12th c. CE):** A legendary saint and yogi who reformed and systematised Hindu yogic practice. His historical dates are debated (estimates range from 9th to 12th centuries CE), but most scholars place him in the late 11th to mid-12th century. He was a disciple of Matsyendranath (Adi Guru of the Nath Sampradaya). Gorakhnath is credited with major texts including Goraksha Samhita, Goraksha Paddhati, and Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati. **Pre-Modern History:** Gorakhpur city is named after the saint. The Math has existed in various forms for centuries; the city served as a Nath stronghold during the medieval period. The Math witnessed periods of Mughal interference and recovery. **British Era:** Mahant Digvijay Nath (1894–1969) modernised the Math, founded a college (Gorakhpur University evolved from his initiatives), and started Maharana Pratap Education Council. He was active in the Independence movement and later in Hindu politics. **20th Century Mahants:** - Mahant Digvijay Nath (1935–1969): Modernised institutions - Mahant Avaidyanath (1969–2014): Long political career; MP from Gorakhpur multiple times; founded the Hindu Mahasabha local unit and was active in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement - Yogi Adityanath / Ajay Singh Bisht (2014–present): Took diksha from Avaidyanath in 1994; appointed Mahant September 2014; CM of UP since March 2017 **Khichdi Mela:** The annual Khichdi Mela held on Makar Sankranti (14 January) is one of UP's largest religious gatherings. Pilgrims offer rice, lentils, and other ingredients (later cooked into khichdi for distribution) at the Math. The mela attendance often exceeds 10–15 lakh on Makar Sankranti day alone.

Major observances connected with this profile include Khichdi Mela / Makar Sankranti (14 January (every year)), Maha Shivaratri (February–March), Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti (Variable (sources differ; some place it on Kartik Purnima, others on different dates)), Holi / Phag Mela (March). During these periods, devotees should expect heavier crowds, longer queues, and a stronger emphasis on aarti, utsav, and local temple customs.

A useful visit plan begins with the darshan window, then works backward through route, footwear and bag rules, offering guidelines, queue options, and local transport from Gorakhpur. For older shrines and high-crowd temples, early morning and non-festival weekdays usually give devotees more time for quiet prayer.

For devotional preparation, visitors can keep the practice simple: learn the main deity's name, carry only permitted offerings, observe modest dress, and close the visit with a short mantra, pradakshina, or dana where appropriate. This keeps temple travel connected to sadhana rather than only sightseeing.