nath

Nath is a term from Sanskrit meaning lord or master, used as an honorific for spiritual teachers and later adopted as a personal name and surname in the Indian subcontinent. It appears in various cultural and religious contexts, often signaling an association with a line of teachers or a monastic tradition.

The Nath tradition, or Nath Sampradaya, is a historic movement within Hinduism linked to legendary yogis such as Matsyendranath and Gorakhnath. The tradition emphasizes experiential practices aimed at spiritual realization, including yoga, meditation, breath control, and, in some interpretations, tantric elements. It developed in medieval North India and the Himalayan region, and has influenced broader yogic culture through its teachings, lineages, and devotional centers.

Practitioners of this tradition are often called Nath yogis. Some groups within the Nath stream, notably the Kanphata Yogis, are known for distinctive renunciant practices such as ear piercing, while others maintain monasteries or ashrams and engage in public teaching and ritual activity. The Nath tradition has contributed to the history and literature of yoga and has left its mark on temple art, folklore, and local religious practices across parts of India and Nepal.

In modern usage, Nath serves as a surname or given name across India and Nepal, reflecting regional linguistic and naming conventions. Notable figures in Nath history include Matsyendranath and Gorakhnath, who are traditionally regarded as foundational or central figures of the Nath lineage. The term also functions as a general title for spiritual teachers in various communities.

Overall, the Nath tradition represents one thread within the broader Hindu yogic and tantric landscape, distinguished by its emphasis on teacher–disciple lineage and practical yoga techniques.