Introduction
Shri Matsyendranath is a historical figure said by some scholars to have lived about 1,000 years ago. (c. 1000 CE). He is considered by many to be the founder of the broader Nath Order as a distinct sect.
While the Naths had been known much earlier, Matsyendranath initiated a revival by combining the three viewpoints of Siddha, Kaula (Tantrik), and Nath teachings.
The City of Women Legend
During the Puranic period, Shri Matsyendranath developed a public relations problem. He was said to have lived in the “City of Women” and taken their queen as his consort.
While some believe an awakened adept would have known what he was doing, the story relates that his chief disciple, Shri Gorakhnath, was moved to action with the intent of saving his Gurudev from that fleshy involvement.
Shri Gorakhnath went on to emphasize the yoga of meditation within a sannyasi order and is considered the Adiguru of the largest Nath Panth in India.
Reverence and Legacy
Shri Matsyendranath is still revered in Nepal and many parts of Northern India.
Of considerable interest to the modern International Nath Order, is the Kaula confluence between both Shri Matsyendranath and Shri Pagala Baba.