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ParamparaNepal / Himalaya

Natha (Gorakhnath) Sampradaya

The ascetic yogic order credited with systematising Hatha Yoga — the foundation of physical yoga practice.

Founder: Matsyendranath & Gorakhnath
Seat: Gorakhpur (India) & Gorkha (Nepal)

About this parampara

The Natha Sampradaya is the ancient order of yogī-ascetics that codified Haṭha Yoga — the disciplines of āsana, prāṇāyāma, bandha and mudrā through which the body is prepared for higher states. Its two great masters, Matsyendranath and his disciple Gorakhnath, are revered across India and Nepal; the town of Gorkha (from which Nepal takes its name) is named for Gorakhnath.

Almost every modern school of postural yoga descends, directly or indirectly, from the Haṭha lineage the Nathas preserved and transmitted.

Known for

Hatha YogaAsana & PranayamaBandhas & MudrasKundalini & NadiAscetic sadhana

Key texts

Hatha Yoga PradipikaGheranda SamhitaSiddha Siddhanta Paddhati

Guru–Shishya lineage

Adinath → Matsyendranath → Gorakhnath

NOSTOPS teachers in this lineage

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This is an informational reference to Natha (Gorakhnath) Sampradaya, one of the classical yoga paramparas of India & the Himalayas. Inclusion here is educational and does not itself imply NOSTOPS Council empanelment. NOSTOPS — India's Teacher-First Yoga Cooperative — honours every living Guru–Shishya lineage.

Natha (Gorakhnath) Sampradaya · NOSTOPS