The Nath Tradition and Dharmic Nationalism The Nath Sampradaya (tradition) has historical references only since the 12 th century CE with Gorakshanath/Gorakhnath or may be from 9 th C. with Matsyendranath yogi. The Naths started calling themselves by that name only after the British rule started in India. However, the Nath tradition, by virtue of being one of the Shaivite traditions, and the syncretic influence of Buddhism and Jainism, is but a newer name (new, as in the medieval era) for the ancient Sidda tradition. The codification and practice of Hatha Yoga is attributed to this tradition. They consider Shiva as the Adi Nath (the first guru). If you are connecting this with Jaggi Vasudev’s Adi Yogi statue, and Hatha Yoga courses, you are making the right connection. The Siddas/Naths have spread throughout the country since ancient times, but due to the bewildering variety of languages, cultures and socio-economic conditions, the names morphed, the rituals differ ev
"Like a tiny drop of dew, or a bubble floating in a stream..so, is all conditioned existence to be seen" - The Diamond Sutra