Religious Activity
Today's Gorakhnath Math, centered at in eastern Uttar Pradesh (also eponymous from the saint), is a religious institution that runs two Gorakhnath temples, one in Nepal in the district of Gorkha (another word believed to be derived from Baba Gorakhnath), and the other a little south of Gorakhpur. The temple at Gorakhpur is said to contain the samadhi shrine (tomb) and gaddi (prayer seat) of Gorakshanath. These temples constitute the centre of most of the Hindu religious activity in this region.
Thousands of devotees throng these temples on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, when they offer Khichdi to Gorakshanath Baba. The King of Nepal also occasionally visits one of these temples during this festival.
The Gorakhnath Math has a significant following in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the terai regions of Nepal, and also among wider circles across the Nath groups. The monastic order, according to the principles of the saint Gorakhnath, does not follow caste conventions as in other Hindu religious groups. Thus, non-Brahmins may serve as priests.
The present mahant or chief priest is Avaidyanath. He appointed his successor Yogi Adityanath, who established himself as hero of Hindu renaissance.
It is widely believed that those who chant ShriGorakhnath Chalisa 12 times they are blessed with a miracle jyoti.
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