Nathism

Nathism an obscure religious cult, founded by MATSYENDRANATH, a fisherman from Chandradwip (BARISAL). He wrote a number of books, five of which have been found in Nepal. Other prominent Nath mystics were Minanath, the father of Matsyendranath, Chauranginath and Jalandhari Pada. Goraksanath was a disciple of Matsyendranath. Jalandhari Pada, also known as Hadipa, was a disciple of Goraksanath and the spiritual guru of King Gopichandra of Mainamati. The Naths practise Hatha-yoga and Kaya Sadhana (culture of the body) with a view to making the body fit, perfect and immutable, thereby attaining an immortal spiritual life.
When we are working to document Ojapali and Deodhani Tradition with Guru Lalit Chandra Nath Oja(Oja = Odhyapak = Teacher), In Assam we asked him if he is the decedents of the great Nath traditions who are a traditional healers. And I saw a boy came to him to bring medication on Basanta(Pox). He gave him a DhagaTabij(CottonThong) and assured him that he will visit his place in the afternoon. Till that time no one asked him about this ancestry of Nathism. He asserted us and shows us some of the Punthis belong to him of his forefathers.
I have an at length interview with him. This is not a place to publish the interview. If any one wants to see it can contact biswendu@yahoo.com of Lokfolk@yahoo.in
The Naths, who belong to a low or SHUDRA weaving caste of Bengal, are very often called yugis. Besides weaving, they also live by singing. Some of them serve in low-level posts in various government and non-government offices. Many Naths migrated to West bengal after partition. In West Bengal the Nath’s are belongs to two casts Jugi or Dhunuri and other Kabiraj, traditional healers. They are the Bhumiputra of Northern Belt of Bengal.(Rf. Binoy Ghosh- PoschimBonger Sonskriti- Prakash Bhaban- Kolkata)
The Naths follow Hindu marriage customs and rituals. Infant marriage is in vogue among them. Divorce is not formally recognised. A second wife may be taken if the first wife is barren or suffering from an incurable disease. Widows are not allowed to remarry. The Naths bury their dead, but perform some Hindu ceremonies.
In Arjunpur, near DumDum(Nagerbazar) Kolkata, a Moth or Worship place can be seen in the Goroksho Basi Road. NathPanthi Sadhus from various sects and clans use to visit this moth when they came to Bengal.