How Am I a Devotee? — A Question

Understanding how great saints became true devotees is essential. In the Nath tradition, the guidance of Gorakshanath holds extraordinary importance. The Nath Sampradāya is itself part of the cosmic plan of creation, and every Nath has worked according to the divine principles of this lineage. Among them, Gorakshanath shines brilliantly in public memory.

At Kanakgiri, Guru Matsyendranath blessed Gorakshanath with:

• 14 mystical sciences (vidyās)
• Vedic knowledge
• Alchemy (rasa-vidyā)
• 52 warrior-powers
• Mastery of the five great epics
• Divine darshan of Śrī Ram, Surya, Aṣṭabhairava, and the Mother Goddesses

Once, when Matsyendranath tested him, Goraksha even plucked out his own eye and offered it. The Guru restored it instantly — proving Goraksha’s absolute surrender.

While wandering, Goraksha reached Helapattan. Calling “Alakh!” as he begged, he suddenly heard a response from beneath the earth — it was Jalandharnath, meditating underground.

Goraksha introduced himself: “I am Gorakshanath, disciple of Matsyendranath.”

Since Matsyendra and Jalandhar were Guru-brothers, their meeting held tremendous spiritual significance.

In Strirajya, Goraksha played the mṛdanga and sang:

“Chalo Matsyendra, Gorakh āyā!”

Hearing this, Matsyendra awoke from worldly illusion. Goraksha reminded him of his yogic duty. The Guru accepted and promised to return. This rare incident shows the power of a true disciple.

Many miracles followed:

• Meennath drowned during washing → revived by Guru’s command.
• A king unjustly mutilated Krishnagar → Goraksha & Matsyendra rescued him, naming him Chauranginath.
• Chaurangi’s severe penance regrew his limbs through divine grace.
• Goraksha found Matsyendra’s scattered body parts, defeated celestial beings including Veerbhadra, and reassembled the Guru’s form.
• Matsyendranath re-entered his restored body through yogic mastery.

Nath yogis accomplish the impossible: “Aśakya te Tumhā Nārāyaṇa.”

Yet no miracle appears without the foundation of karma and disciplined spiritual effort. A Guru always examines:

• prārabdha (destined karma)
• sañchita (accumulated karma)
• punya (earned merit)

Therefore:

Only one who performs karma is a true devotee. A devotee obeys the Guru, practices sincerely, and accumulates merit continuously.

• Perceives the world but forms no attachment or aversion.
• Sees God in all beings.
• Rises above hunger, thirst, fear, fatigue.
• Has no desires, ego, or sense of “mine vs. others.”
• Never loses remembrance of the Divine — even in helpless moments.

• Shows compassion to the suffering.
• Loves the devotees of God.
• Avoids those hostile to Divine principles.
• Has sincere love for God.

• Performs idol worship only.
• Lacks love for devotees.
• Shows little compassion.

The Nath tradition has bestowed immense spiritual power upon humanity. Even today, countless seekers receive blessings from Yogeshwar Gorakshanath.

Goraksha teaches:

“To perform extraordinary spiritual work, one must first become an extraordinary devotee.”