Shri Matsyendranath: A Nath Founder Pioneer
Introduction
Shri Matsyendranath is a historical figure said by some scholars to have lived about 1,000 years ago. (1000 C.E.) He is considered by many to be the founder of the broader Nath Order as a distinct sect.
While the Naths had actually been known much earlier, he did initiate a revival by combining the three viewpoints of Siddha, Kaula (Tantrik) and Nath teachings.
The City of Women Legend
Shri Matsyendranath developed a bit of a public relations problem during the Puranic period. There is where he was said to have lived in the “City of Women” and took their queen as his consort.
While some believe an awakened adept would have known what he was doing, the story informs us that his chief disciple, Shri Gorakhnath was moved to action with the intent of saving his Gurudev from that fleshy involvement.
Shri Gorakhnath went on to emphasize the yoga of meditation within a sannyasi order and is considered the Adiguru of the largest Nath Panth in India.
Reverence and Legacy
Shri Matsyendranath is still revered in Nepal and many parts of Northern India.
Of considerable interest to the modern INO, is the Kaula confluence between both Shri Matsyendranath and Shri Pagala Baba.