The Nath Sampradaya, a prominent tradition of yogis, traces its origins to the legendary figures Matsyendranath and his disciple Gorakhnath. This tradition reveres Adinath (Shiva) as the supreme deity, and its mantras are central to the practice of Hatha Yoga and the awakening of kundalini. The primary mantra, "Om Adinathaya Namah," is a salutation to the primordial lord, while "Om Gorakhnathaya Namah" invokes the blessings of the great master Gorakhnath. According to the Goraksha Samhita, these mantras are chanted to attain mastery over the body and mind, leading to spiritual power and yogic siddhis (supernatural abilities).
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a foundational text of the tradition, emphasizes the importance of mantra repetition (japa) in conjunction with asanas and pranayama for kundalini awakening. The beej-akshara (seed syllable) "Om" is considered the primordial sound, representing the unmanifest reality, and its vibration aligns the practitioner with the cosmic energy. Traditional purposes include purification of the nadis (energy channels), stabilization of the mind, and attainment of liberation (moksha). Recommended chanting context includes early morning or during meditation, with a count of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha mala.
Ritual settings often involve a clean, quiet space, and the practitioner may wear the distinctive kantha (earrings) of the Nath order. Cautions: These mantras are considered powerful and should be received from a qualified guru to avoid adverse effects. The Nath texts warn that improper practice may lead to imbalances in the subtle body. The tradition holds that regular chanting with devotion brings the blessings of the Nath siddhas and accelerates spiritual evolution.
Salutations to the primordial lord.
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', representing the unmanifest reality and cosmic vibration.