Gorakhnath
/ˌɡɔːrəkˈnɑːt/noun
Gorakhnath is a medieval Indian yogi and revered figure traditionally regarded as the founder or major early teacher of the Nath yogic tradition.
Did you know?Gorakhnath is traditionally linked with Haṭha Yoga and the Nath tradition, but the dates and historical details of his life remain debated by scholars.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷōus
“Cow or cattle; the ancient root behind Sanskrit go and English cow.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
go
“Cow, cattle, or—in religious contexts—something associated with sacred cattle and the earth.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣa
“Protection or guarding; related to the verbal root rakṣ, “to protect.””
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
nātha
“Lord, master, protector, or revered spiritual authority.”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Gorakṣanātha
“A Sanskritized form interpreted as “Lord of the cow-protector” or, more broadly, “Gorakṣa’s lord”; it became the formal name associated with the yogi.”
Medieval and Modern South Asia
Hindi
Gorakhnāth
“The modern North Indian form of the name, honoring the celebrated Nath yogi and religious figure.”