In the Nath tradition, every Nath saint has emphasised the profound importance of Annadān — the offering of food — and has equally highlighted the spiritual significance of pilgrimage. In the *Guru-Charitra*, Lord Dattatreya explains the merit of Annadān under the name Samārādhana, and also elaborates on the transformative power of visiting holy places. The Guru-Charitra repeatedly urges seekers to undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites.
Even today, within the Nath Sampradāya, both Annadān and pilgrimage hold a central and indispensable place. Nath Maharaj himself regularly performs Annadān and undertakes pilgrimages as part of spiritual discipline and service.
Through Annadān, people from all walks of life receive *prasāda* — blessed food charged with divine grace. Through pilgrimage, seekers undergo a deep inner refinement as their mental tendencies, emotional patterns and subtle impressions begin to transform. The combined power of these two practices brings spiritual purity, humility and an expanded mind.
It is said that one should always undertake pilgrimages in the company of the Guru, for the Guru’s presence stabilises the mind and opens the inner channels through which spiritual merit flows. With the Guru’s grace, one should continue to perform Annadān according to one’s capacity. This teaching is consistently emphasised in the Nath tradition through their discourses, guidance and sacred writings, ensuring that seekers understand the deeper purpose behind these practices.
We ourselves were blessed with the opportunity to visit Gomukh, the sacred source of the Holy Ganga. During that pilgrimage, the significance of Annadān and the transformative power of travelling with the Guru became even clearer. Pilgrimage purifies the mind; Annadān purifies the heart. Together, they uplift the entire being.