Matsyendra | |
|---|---|
Macchindranāth, Mīnanātha | |
 Detail of Machindernath from an Udasi fresco | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 10th century c.e |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Sect | Nath, Kaula shaivism |
| Organization | |
| Founder of | Hatha yoga |
| Philosophy | Hatha yoga, Tantra |
| Religious career | |
Disciples
| |
| Kaulajnan-Nirnaya, Akul-Viratantra[2] | |
| Part of a series on |
| Shaivism |
|---|
 |
 Hinduism portal |
| Part of a series on | |
| Hindu philosophy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Orthodox | |
|
|
|
| Heterodox | |
|
|
|
Matsyendranātha, also known as Matsyendra, Macchindranāth, Mīnanātha and Minapa (early 10th century) was a saint and yogi in a number of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. He is considered the revivalist of hatha yoga as well as the author of some of its earliest texts. He is also seen as the founder of the natha sampradaya, having received the teachings from Shiva.[4] He is associated with Kaula Shaivism.[5] He is also one of the eighty-four mahasiddhas and considered the guru of Gorakshanath, another known figure in early hatha yoga. He is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and is sometimes regarded as an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara.
In the Siddhar tradition of Tamil Nadu, Matsyendranath is revered as one of the 18 Siddhars of yore, and is also known as Machamuni.[6] The Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu is home to his Jeeva Samadhi.[7]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Brahminwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Suhas Chatterjee (1998), Indian Civilization and Culture, P.441
- ^ Feuerstein, Georg (2013-09-11). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice (Kindle Locations 12785-12786). Hohm Press. Kindle Edition. "Hindu tradition associates the creation of Hatha- Yoga with Goraksha Nâtha (Hindi: Gorakhnâth) and his teacher Matsyendra Nâtha"
- ^ Feuerstein, Georg (2013-09-11). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice (Kindle Locations 12788-12789). Hohm Press. Kindle Edition. "Matsyendra was a chief representative, if not the originator, of what is known as Nâthism. But Shiva himself is considered as the source of the Nâtha lineage and is invoked as Adinâtha or 'Primordial Lord.'" (Kindle Locations 12825-12827). "Using his third eye, Shiva gazed straight through the mountain of flesh into the fish's stomach, where he saw Mina. He was thrilled at the discovery, saying, "Now I see who my real disciple is." Turning to his sleepy spouse, he said: "I will initiate him rather than you.""
- ^ Feuerstein, Georg (2013-09-11). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice (Kindle Locations 12803-12804). Hohm Press. Kindle Edition. "He is specifically associated with the Kaula sect of the Siddha movement, within which he may have founded the Yoginî-Kaula branch."
- ^ R. N. Hema (December 2019). Biography of the 18 Siddhars (Thesis). National Institute of Siddha.
- ^ "18 Siddhars". www.satsang-darshan.com. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.