3 days ago
Yogi Adityanath's earrings: A window into Nath Sect traditions
On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's birthday, attention often turns to one of his most striking features-his earrings. Far from being just decorative, these earrings have deep roots in ancient yogic traditions, carrying profound spiritual meanings connected to immortality, protection, and inner Adityanath is a committed ascetic and spiritual practitioner. His earrings reflect his identity as a yogi and are linked to traditions where such ornaments are believed to channel spiritual energy and guard the wearer against negativity. In ancient Indian beliefs, particularly among yogic practitioners, ear ornaments symbolise the awakening of consciousness and a disciplined spiritual tradition is tied closely to the Kanphata Yogis, an ancient sect of ascetics. George Weston Briggs, in his book Gorakhnath And The Kanphata Yogis, writes, "The distinctive marks of the sect of the Kanphatas are the split-ears (kan-phata) and the huge earrings. In the final stage of their ceremony of initiation, a specially chosen guru, or teacher, splits the central hollows of both ears with a two-edged knife (or razor). The slits are plugged with sticks of nim-wood; and, after the wounds have healed, large rings (mudra) are inserted. These are a symbol of Yogi's faith. Some explain that in splitting the ear a nadi (mystic channel) in the cartilage is cut, thus assisting in the acquirement of yogic power. The Yogi, wearing the mudra, becomes immortal."
The initial rings are often made of clay. According to a legend, "Gorakhnath cut holes, three inches long, in Bhartri's ears and inserted ear-rings of clay. Some Yogis continue to wear earthen rings. But, since these are easily broken, others more durable substances are usually substituted. The element of value also enters into the use of more substantial rings."advertisementThe origins of ear-splitting and wearing rings vary across legends. One tradition traces the practice to Gorakhnath, a revered to Briggs, "It is said that Siva ordered Parvati to split Gorakhnath's ears, initiating the practice. Additionally, two followers, Karkai and Bhuskai, are believed to have received permission from Gorakhnath to split each other's ears, symbolising their spiritual commitment. This agreement took place at a sacred shrine on the road to King Laj, a site every accomplished yogi is expected to visit. Gorakhnath is also reported to have split the ears of Bhartri, further solidifying his association with this custom."Another version credits the tradition to Macchendranath, the guru of Gorakhnath. Briggs writes, "The Aipanthis of Hardwar say that Macchendranath, when he began to preach Yoga, by order of Mahadeo, saw that Siva had his ears split and that he (Siva) wore the great rings. Macchendra, thereupon, longed to have similar rings himself. He began to worship Siva and so pleased the god that his desire was granted. Macchendranath was then ordered to split the ears of all who should become his disciples."A separate legend claims that during Macchendranath's incarnation as a fish, he already had rings in his ears. In Puri, it is believed that the command to split ears came from Macchendranath practice also connects with the Aughars, followers of Gorakhnath who haven't undergone full initiation. Briggs explains, "Aughars are followers of Gorakhnath who have not undergone the final ceremony of having their ears split. A legend is current which serves to justify them not completing initiation. Once, two siddhas (perfect Yogis) tried to split the ears of a candidate who had been at Hing Laj; but they found that the slits closed as fast as they were made. So they gave up the attempt. Since then Aughars have dispensed with the custom. It will be seen, further on, that while many Aughars contemplate completing their initiation, there is a division of Gorakhnathis who always remain Aughars."Must Watch
