Understanding Guru And His Work
It is important to remember that Madhavanath Maharaj was placed on the spiritual seat (Gadi) only after receiving clear signs and guidance from many saints. Even before his birth, a wandering saint had declared that a great and extraordinary spiritual master would soon take birth. Madhavanath Maharaj spent his entire life serving the Nath Tradition.
From the age of ten, he began preparing Vyankatnath Maharaj for the responsibilities of the Nath lineage—testing him, training him, and shaping him for the sacred mission ahead.
Madhavanath Appoints Vyankatnath as His Successor
When the time came to choose the next Guru, Madhavanath Maharaj followed the ancient Nath tradition. Without any public ceremony, and in the silence of the early morning (Brahma-muhurta), he placed Vyankatnath Maharaj on his own spiritual seat.
For a moment, Vyankatnath felt he had committed some mistake and that the Guru was displeased. But in reality, Madhavanath Maharaj was transferring his entire spiritual authority to him—according to the secret traditions of the Nath lineage.
He remained seated on the Gadi for barely a minute or two. At that moment, Madhavanath Maharaj said:
- “I am leaving now. You must carry on this work.
- I will make everything happen through you.
- Do not fear, do not worry.
- Whoever needs help will come to you.
- Serve all without hesitation.
- Do not concern yourself with the opinions of others.
- Everything will unfold by itself.
- Stay on the path and continue the work.”
After this, he departed—and Vyankatnath Maharaj devoted himself completely to serving his Guru.
Why This Moment Must Be Remembered
This was not an ordinary seat. It was the sacred, powerful Gadi of the Nath lineage—full of ancient authority and spiritual force. Understanding how Madhavanath handed this to Vyankatnath, and what he said, is crucial. More important than the words was the spiritual effect that followed.
After Madhavanath Maharaj took Samadhi, Vyankatnath Maharaj continued the work with the same divine strength.
Confusion Among People — The Influence of the Age (Kali Yuga)
Over time, misunderstandings grew. Even though Madhavanath himself had appointed Vyankatnath, some people began to believe:
- Vyankatnath was not appointed
- the Gadi was never given
- Madhavanath left no successor
- therefore the spiritual work should have ended
Some even assumed Vyankatnath Maharaj had claimed authority on his own—completely ignoring the Guru’s own actions.
In their desire to appear loyal to Madhavanath, some disciples unknowingly began disrespecting the Guru himself. They started making decisions in the Guru’s name without considering:
- his teachings
- his methods
- or his spiritual intentions.
In the Nath path, only the living, active Guru has the authority to give spiritual blessings. But some began giving mantras from the Samadhi-shrine, claiming it was “the Guru’s mantra.” They forgot an important truth:
The Guru who takes Samadhi passes all power, authority, and responsibility to the new Guru before leaving.
Opinions, emotions, and personal preferences of followers have nothing to do with this sacred process.
Thus, understanding Guru-work, Guru-discipline, and Guru-tradition is essential.