Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c7.89

c7.89

In Berār³ the Nāthas comprise eighteen divisions, of which the recognized or regular sub-sects are Āudhut, Kānphaṭiya and Gorakhnāth. Among the heterodox are Udāsī, Kalbelī and Bharadi. They know seven other divisions, each identical with a Hindu deity, known as the nine Nāthas, Navanāthas. They trace their origin to Ādināth through Gorakhnāth and Matsyendranāth. Gorakhnāthis are considered of a higher order than the Kānphaṭiyas, for at a feast given by Gorakhnāth and Matsyendranāth each guest was given what he desired. The chosen dishes were all produced through the miraculous powers of the two Yogīs. Kānipā asked for cooked snakes and scorpions and was promptly hooted from the feast. (But Kānphaṭiya is not derived from Kānipā.) Kānphaṭiyas split the lobe of the ear, Gorakhnāthis the cartilage. The marriage ceremonies of Gṛhastas resemble those of neighbouring Hindus. The marriage dowry is one and one-fourth rupees. The married Yogīs are called saṃjogī, the celibates Yogī, or Jogī. They eke out their living by weaving coarse cloth, nawār, and blankets. They carry a bunch of peacock feathers with which they make magic passes over the sick, and act as fortune-tellers and makers of charms. Others keep on exhibition small performing bulls. The householders are followers of Gorakhnāth and Matsyendranāth. Their chief objects of worship at the Śivrātri are the carans of those two saints. The Bharadīs perform a ceremony in honour of Devī in which they beat drums and remain awake all night, hence their name. These Nathās recruit from all castes.