Goraksha (also known as Gorakhnath) was an influential medieval Indian yogi mystic and founder of the Nath tradition who lived approximately between the 10th and 11th centuries CE. His name means “protector of cattle” symbolizing his role as a protector of souls. As a historical figure Goraksha’s significance to yoga cannot be overstated as he systematized and revolutionized Hatha Yoga practices making them accessible to a wider audience beyond ascetics.
Goraksha is credited with authoring several foundational texts on Hatha Yoga including the Goraksha Samhita Goraksha Shataka and potentially contributed to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These works detail practices for purification breath control bandhas (energy locks) mudras (gestures) and meditation techniques that form the backbone of modern Hatha Yoga.
Among his most significant contributions was the development and refinement of techniques for awakening kundalini energy including specific mudras pranayamas and meditation practices. He emphasized the importance of preserving vital energy (particularly sexual energy) and transforming it into spiritual power through specialized techniques like vajroli mudra khechari mudra and shambhavi mudra.
Goraksha also established the Kanphata (split-eared) Yogis a sect identifiable by their pierced ears with large earrings symbolizing wisdom. His teachings blended elements of Tantra Yoga and Shamanism creating a unique spiritual path focused on achieving liberation within the physical body rather than transcending it. His emphasis on the body as a vehicle for enlightenment continues to influence modern yoga philosophy.
