Why in the News?
- The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation participated in the Maha Purnahuti of 108 Kundiya Rudra Mahamrityunjay Maha Yagya and Sanatan Sammelan in Kotputli, Rajasthan .
Key Points:
About Maha Yagya:
⇒ The main objective of the Mahayagna conducted by Baba Nastinath for a year was to connect every section of the society and spread religious awareness in the society.
Spiritual and Life Philosophy Principles:
⇒ The Minister praised the four foundational principles advocated by Baba Nastinath — truth, penance, detachment, and selfless service — urging that these be embraced as guiding values in life.
⇒ These principles serve as vital steps toward inner purification, righteous living, and meaningful contribution to society.
⇒ In addition to spiritual values, Baba Nastinath also stressed the importance of protecting nature and caring for animals and birds, reflecting a holistic approach to spiritual and ecological well-being.
Importance of Nath the Sect:
⇒ The Union Home highlighted the Nath sect’s vital role in strengthening Sanatan Dharma—from Mahaprabhu Adinath to the nine gurus and their successors.
⇒ He noted that in the Nath tradition, the Dhuni is a key spiritual medium, symbolizing self-realization through the harmony of the five elements—earth, water, fire, sky, and air.
Nath Sect:
- Nath Sampradaya is a major Hindu religious sect that emerged in the medieval period and in which a unique synthesis of Shaivism, Buddhism and Yoga traditions is seen.
- This sect is based on the practice of Hatha Yoga, which provides guidance towards the highest experience of the soul and physical control.
- The founder of this sect is believed to be Matsyendranath , a great Indian yogi and sage of the 9th century.
- Matsyendranath laid the foundation of the Nath sect and gave it an important place within the Shaiva tradition.
- Due to his contribution, the Nath sect gained widespread recognition and became an important religious tradition in India and Nepal.
- Additionally, Matsyendranath is also revered as a Mahasiddha in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Gorakhnath , a great 10th century master, was a disciple of Matsyendranath.
- Gorakhnath further developed the Nath sect and made it popular in different parts of India.