Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c6.2

c6.2

GORAKHNĀTHĪS claim that they receive none but the twice-born into their order.¹ This position is not quite clear, however, for some Yogīs admit that Śūdras are received.² Oman reported low caste recruits³ and said that they admitted every description of people.⁴ Wilson made a similar report.⁵ In some parts of the Panjab low castes are admitted and menials are called ‘Camarwā.’⁶ And it was reported in 1901 that they admit anyone, that even a Musalmān may become a Yogī.⁷ At Dhinodhar, orphans, children of destitute persons, lazy and disheartened men, even old men, the indolent and those afflicted with domestic troubles are admitted;⁸ but recruits are chiefly from the Shepherd (Rabari) caste. The abbot in 1838 was Warnāth of that caste.⁹ Formerly in Kacch Dheḍs were admitted to the order, and one pīr of the monastery was Meghnāth, of that caste; however, the practice was discontinued and Meghwāls, or Dheḍs, were denied admittance.¹⁰ At Gorakh-mandi they recruit from most Hindu castes, but ostensibly receive neither Christians, Musalmāns nor Dheḍs.¹¹ Kāṇthaḍ-nāthīs recruit from Ahīrs, Rājputs and others.¹² At Ṭilla candidates are drawn chiefly from Khatris, Aroras and Brāhamans.¹³ It is probable that caste distinctions are to a great extent ignored.¹ In some places they receive boys whom parents have promised to Yogīs in fulfilment of vows.²