Siddha Nath Tradition

Siddha Nath Tradition

The Siddha Nath Tradition is the oldest lineage of masters in the Hatha, Rajas, Mantra and Kriya Yoga history.
Indian mythology describes Shiva as revealing the doctrine of tantra and hatha yoga to his consort, Parvati, so that she could teach humankind to rid themselves of the suffering of duality. However, when Shiva asked her if she understood the teachings, Sage Matsendranath, who had eavesdropped on the conversation, answered first responded that he had.
Thus, Shiva initiated Matsendranath first student into these holy techniques. Matsendranath practiced for 12 years following the instructions of his guru and attained the highest state of mind.
Shiva was very taken with his devotion and granted him a wish. Matsendranath wished for a student who would surpass himself. Shiva then said that this was only possible if he, Shiva, personified himself as the disciple. And so he took the form of Gorakshanath.
Matsendranath founded the lineage of Kaula Tantra Tradition and Gorakshanath the Nath Yogis tradition.
These two traditions are still transmitted in the Sampradaya style (master to disciple).