Matsyendranatha

Matsyendra
Macchindranāth, Mīnanātha
Matsyendranatha (centre) with his disciples - Navnath
Personal life
Born10th century c.e
Religious life
ReligionHinduism, Buddhism
Founder ofHatha yoga
PhilosophyHatha yoga, Tantra
SectNath, Kaula, Shaivism
Senior posting
Disciples
  • Gorakshanath, Jalandharnath, Kanifnath (Kanhoba), Gahininath, Bhartrinath, Revan Nath, Charpatinath and Naganath
Kaulajnan-Nirnaya, Akul-Viratantra

Matsyendranātha, also known as Matsyendra, Macchindranāth, Mīnanātha and Minapa (early 10th century) was a saint and yogi in a number of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. He is considered the revivalist of hatha yoga as well as the author of some of its earliest texts. He is also seen as the founder of the natha sampradaya, having received the teachings from Shiva. He is associated with Kaula Shaivism. He is also one of the eighty-four mahasiddhas and considered the guru of Gorakshanath, another known figure in early hatha yoga. He is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and is sometimes regarded as an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara.

In the Siddhar tradition of Tamil Nadu, Matsyendranath is revered as one of the 18 Siddhars of yore, and is also known as Machamuni. The Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu is home to his Jeeva Samadhi.