The worship system of the Nath Sampradaya is entirely unique. Generally, when we think of worship, we imagine rituals before idols or images of deities. But in the Nath tradition, all essential aspects of worship are aligned with the movement of the Sun, planets, constellations, and the cosmic field. The five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and space — hold supreme importance, and each is deeply connected with human life.
Sadguru Vyankatanath Maharaj performed *Aanhik* (daily ritualistic worship) every morning and evening without fail. According to lineage tradition, the ritual was performed on a chaurang (square wooden altar). On the front corners were two oil lamps and beside them two ghee lamps. In the center was the divinely prepared seat for the deities — not idols, but the mystical Navagraha Pouchi, a golden box representing the nine planetary energies.
Between the ghee lamps was arranged a camphor arti setup. On the right side were kept milk and other naivedya offerings, along with a water pot (*tamba*). No physical idol was ever placed on the chaurang; the primordial form of the cosmos was represented entirely through the Navagraha Pouchi.
Guru Maharaj wore clean garments, applied sacred Ramanandi bhasma, and began his Aanhik. He recited kavachas, mantras, and hymns while focusing on the Pouchi. He never performed Aanhik loudly; often he locked the door and worshipped in solitude.
During Aanhik, sandal paste was prepared with great care. A thick sandal pellet — gandh-goli — was placed on the Pouchi and empowered with mantras. This energized pellet was used to transform the spiritual tendencies of individuals, according to the Guru’s sankalpa. Many disciples have personally experienced its profound power even today.
The abhishek on the Pouchi consisted of mantras of Dattatreya, Rudra, Atharvashirsha, and Shabari Devi. Different hymns were recited during the ritual. Simply sitting in the atmosphere of Aanhik purified one physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The Navagrahas are the script of each being’s life. According to astrology, one’s life path and tendencies arise from these planetary forces. A true Sadguru refines these tendencies through subtle spiritual processes. Those present during Aanhik often felt an awakening — a clear inner experience.
All deities and cosmic energies have granted eternal blessings to the Nath Sampradaya. Symbolically, these energies remain present during every Aanhik.
The sandal pellet was not meant for idols; its purpose was entirely energetic. Devotees often felt as if the Guru traveled through the cosmos in subtle form during worship.
The sacred water (*tirtha*) used in the ritual also carried extraordinary influence. In modern terms, every person present during Aanhik underwent a subtle spiritual diagnosis, though unknowingly. The Guru immediately perceived any impurity or imbalance.
After the Guru’s sankalpa-puja, disciples washed his feet, performed arti, camphor arti, and offered prayers. The Guru personally distributed *tirtha* and *prasada*, and during such times often performed extraordinary acts with effortless grace.
In daily worship, the Sun is the primary deity, followed by the other planetary forces. The Nath tradition gives exceptional importance to Surya Narayana — the only deity whose presence is directly experienced by all beings. The Sun is the soul of all living beings.
Though we see the Sun rise in the east, the eastern zone extends from the northernmost to the southernmost horizon. The Sun’s movement illuminates this entire belt gradually.
When the Sun travels southward, it is *Dakshinayan*; when it travels northward, it is *Uttarayan*. From around 14–15 January (Makar Sankranti), the Sun moves northward and reaches the northernmost point around 16 July. On 16 July, he turns south — *Karka Sankranti*. Both transitions hold special significance in Nath worship.
The Nath Sampradaya performs special Surya Sankranti Havans on both transitions. The vibhuti from these havans is used to energize mantras, spiritual practices, astras, and protective formulas for the welfare of humanity. Though Nath teachings are subtle and esoteric, their benefits are meant for the common people.
Beyond these, many other special havans are performed — all for public welfare.
On both Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti, Vyankatanath Maharaj performed the traditional havan, drawing devotees from many places. This sacred process has been part of the Nath Sampradaya for nearly 5000 years.