Nath Sampradaya — The Guru Tradition of All Traditions
Dr. M. R. Joshi stated that the Nath Sampradaya is truly the Guru tradition for all spiritual traditions. Not only the Warkari Sampradaya, but almost every major tradition in Maharashtra considers the Nath lineage as their guiding Guru tradition. Whether it is the Datta Sampradaya, the Ramdasi tradition, or the Mahanubhava tradition — all follow the principle of Guru–Shishya (Guru–disciple) devotion. In this sense, the Nath Sampradaya is a unique and unmatched spiritual path.
Dr. Joshi expressed these thoughts while speaking as the chief guest at the “Sant Poojan” and special issue release ceremony, organized on the occasion of the completion of two major spiritual milestones and the Sahasra Chandra Darshan celebration of P. P. Shri Narendranath Maharaj, hosted by the Nath Shakti Peeth family.
To clarify his point further, he added that almost all saints up to Sant Namdev — who is considered the pioneer of the Bhakti movement — were influenced by the Nath Sampradaya. The philosophy of the Nath tradition is rooted in Tantra-based Yogic science. It teaches that Shiva is Shakti, and Shakti is Shiva — a form of integrated divine worship. If one considers Gorakshanath’s authoritative text *Siddha-Siddhanta Paddhati*, the Nath Panth emerges as a purely Advaita (non-dualistic) spiritual lineage.
Adinath is considered the first Guru, the Jagadguru of this path, while Lord Dattatreya is regarded as the Mantra-Guru. Therefore, from Matsyendranath to Shri Narendranath Maharaj, all Nath Siddhas are essentially disciples of Lord Dattatreya.
Dr. Joshi further mentioned that the Nath Sampradaya and Yogashastra share a deep and inseparable connection. The Nath tradition is not restricted to North India alone; it has long crossed geographic boundaries, spreading across many regions. Considering all this, it becomes clear that the Nath Sampradaya is a complete, expansive, and highly meaningful spiritual tradition.
During the event, P. P. Shri Vijay Kaka Pofli Maharaj of Vasudev Ashram, Washim, was respectfully honored by Shri Bhausaheb Marodkar on behalf of the festival committee. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vijay Kaka Maharaj praised the Ved propagation work carried out by Nath Shakti Peeth and offered heartfelt blessings for the long and healthy life of P. P. Shri Narendranath Maharaj.
A special commemorative issue was released by the Nath Shakti Peeth family to mark this important celebration. Eminent contributors such as P. P. Shri Narendranath, Padmashri Dr. Pathan, Dr. M. R. Joshi, Dr. Shankar Jogi, Veda Murti Vivekshastri Godbole, Veda Murti Dr. Shrikant Shastri, Principal Pramod Dorle, Prof. Bhausaheb Merekhar, and journalist Shri Suhas Kulkarni, and Dr. L. K. Moharil wrote insightful articles for this edition. The special issue was edited by H. B. P. Shri Gajanan Kulkarni.
The event began with dignitaries on the dais performing the ritual worship and lighting of the lamp before the sacred image of Chaitanya Shri Vyankatnath Maharaj. The introduction, anchoring, and vote of thanks were conducted by Shri Gajanan Kulkarni.