Maintaining the tradition of Gorakhnath Math, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath being the head of the Math will offer ‘Khichdi ‘ to Gorakhnath Baba on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Gorakhpur on January 15.
The Gorakhnath Math is a temple of the Nath monastic order group of the Nath tradition. The name Gorakhnath derives from the medieval saint, Gorakshanath. The Nath tradition was founded by guru Matsyendranath. Thousands of devotees throng the temple on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, when they offer khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba. 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.
According to belief Gorakhnath Baba resides in Gorakhpur and his favourite food is Khichdi. After offering Khichdi to Baba, it is distributed among the devotees as ‘prasad’ on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Legend says that while traveling Gorakhnath visited Jwala Devi in Himachal Pradesh, where he was offered non-veg food. But, he refused saying that he takes khichdi only. After asking to boil the water for cooking khichadi, he left for ‘bhiksha’, and reached Gorakhpur.
In Gorakhpur, he put his bowl for collecting offerings from people. The bowl never filled, though people continued to put offering into it. Since then the tradition of Khichdi offering has been continuing. It is believed that the water still boils at the Jwala Devi Temple is for the preparation of Khichdi for Gorakhnath Baba.
Yogi will offer the first Khichdi to Gorakhnath Baba after performing puja in the morning. After that the Khichdi from the royalties of Nepal will be offered to Baba, followed by the offerings by lakhs of devotees from far off places.
