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गोरखनाथ मन्दिर, उत्तर प्रदेश के गोरखपुर नगर में स्थित है।

बाबा गोरखनाथ के नाम पर इस जिले का नाम गोरखपुर पड़ा।

गोरखनाथ मन्दिर में मकर संक्रान्ति के अवसर पर एक माह चलने वाला विशाल मेला लगता है जो 'खिचड़ी मेला' के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है। हिन्दू धर्म, दर्शन, अध्यात्म और साधना के अंतर्गत विभिन्न संप्रदायों और मत-मतांतरों में 'नाथ संप्रदाय' का प्रमुख स्थान है। संपूर्ण देश में फैले नाथ संप्रदाय के विभिन्न मंदिरों तथा मठों की देख रेख यहीं से होती है। नाथ सम्प्रदाय की मान्यता के अनुसार सच्चिदानंद शिव के साक्षात् स्वरूप 'श्री गोरक्षनाथ जी' सतयुग में पेशावर (पंजाब) में, त्रेतायुग में गोरखपुर, उत्तरप्रदेश, द्वापर युग में हरमुज, द्वारिका के पास तथा कलियुग में गोरखमधी, सौराष्ट्र में आविर्भूत हुए थे। चारों युगों में विद्यमान एक अयोनिज अमर महायोगी, सिद्ध महापुरुष के रूप में एशिया के विशाल भूखंड तिब्बत, मंगोलिया, कंधार, अफ़ग़ानिस्तान, नेपाल, सिंघल तथा सम्पूर्ण भारतवर्ष को अपने योग से कृतार्थकिया। नाथपंथी या नाथवंशी का इतिहास-नाथपंथी या नाथवंशी यह मूल रूप से नाथ समाज की श्रेष्ठ जाति जोगी समाज से होते हैं! या यूं कह तो शिव के वंशज होते है जो शिव शैवनाथ ब्राह्मण के नाम से भी जाने जाते हैं।

यह एशिया में नेपाल में 20%, भारत 13.5%, भूटान 3% नाथ लोग मिलते हैं पाकिस्तान, अफगानिस्तान, चीन, नेपाल, तिब्बत, बांग्लादेश और रंगून में नाथवंशियो के अनुयाई को मानने वाली जो लोग होते हैं वे भी एक रूप से शैव संप्रदाय से ही जुड़े हुए होते हैं क्योंकि महावीर और बुद्ध नाथ समाज और नाथ संप्रदाय का एक सनातन धर्म के अनुसार एक प्राचीन ऐतिहास रहा है जिसका कहीं भी बहुत ही कम उल्लेख किया है क्योंकि वैष्णव ब्राह्मण ने नाथो इतिहास को लोगों से छुपाया है नाथ समाज के लोग सिद्ध महापुरुष और वीर लोग होते थे परम तपस्वी ज्ञानी कल का भी रुख मोड़ देने वाले ऐसे तपस्वी होते थे क्या-क्या में अपने मुख से कोई वचन कह देते तो वह सत्य बन जाती थी इतना तेज उनकी वाणी में होता था जब राजा महाराजाओं के यहां संता नहीं होती थी। गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर गोरखपुर में अनवरत योग साधना का क्रम प्राचीन काल से चलता रहा है। ज्वालादेवी के स्थान से परिभ्रमण करते हुए 'गोरक्षनाथ जी' ने आकर भगवती राप्ती के तटवर्ती क्षेत्र में तपस्या की थी और उसी स्थान पर अपनी दिव्य समाधि लगाई थी, जहाँ वर्तमान में 'श्री गोरखनाथ मंदिर (श्री गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर)' स्थित है।

नाथ योगी सम्प्रदाय के महान प्रवर्तक ने अपनी अलौकिक आध्यात्मिक गरिमा से इस स्थान को पवित्र किया था, अतः योगेश्वर गोरखनाथ के पुण्य स्थल के कारण इस स्थान का नाम 'गोरखपुर' पड़ा। महायोगी गुरु गोरखनाथ की यह तपस्याभूमि प्रारंभ में एक तपोवन के रूप में रही होगी और जनशून्य शांत तपोवन में योगियों के निवास के लिए कुछ छोटे- छोटे मठ रहे, मंदिर का निर्माण बाद में हुआ। आज हम जिस विशाल और भव्य मंदिर का दर्शन कर हर्ष और शांति का अनुभव करते हैं, वह ब्रह्मलीन महंत श्री दिग्विजयनाथ जी महाराज जी की ही कृपा से है। वर्तमान पीठाधीश्वर महंत अवैद्यनाथ जी महाराज के संरक्षण में श्री गोरखनाथ मंदिर विशाल आकार-प्रकार, प्रांगण की भव्यता तथा पवित्र रमणीयता को प्राप्त हो रहा है। पुराना मंदिर नव निर्माण की विशालता और व्यापकता में समाहित हो गया है। भारत में मुस्लिम शासन के प्रारंभिक चरण में ही इस मंदिर से प्रवाहित यौगिक साधना की लहर समग्र एशिया में फैल रही थी। नाथ संप्रदाय के योग महाज्ञान की रश्मि से लोगों को संतृप्त करने के पवित्र कार्य में गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर की भूमिका अत्यंत महत्त्वपूर्ण रही है। विक्रमीय उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के द्वितीय चरण में गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर का अच्छे ढंग से जीर्णोद्धार किया गया।

तभी से निरन्तर मंदिर के आकार- प्रकार के संवर्धन, समलंकरण व मंदिर से संबन्धित उसी के प्रांगण में स्थित अनेकानेक विशिष्ट देव स्थानों के जीर्णोद्धार, नवनिर्माण आदि में गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर की व्यवस्था संभाल रहे महंतों का ख़ासा योगदान रहा है। क़रीब 52 एकड़ के सुविस्तृत क्षेत्र में स्थित इस मंदिर का रूप व आकार-प्रकार परिस्थितियों के अनुसार समय-समय पर बदलता रहा है। वर्तमान में गोरक्षनाथ मंदिर की भव्यता और पवित्र रमणीयता अत्यन्त कीमती आध्यात्मिक सम्पत्ति है। इसके भव्य व गौरवपूर्ण निर्माण का श्रेय महिमाशाली व भारतीय संस्कृति के कर्णधार योगिराज महंत दिग्विजयनाथ जी व उनके सुयोग्य शिष्य राष्ट्रसंत ब्रम्हलीन महंत अवैद्यनाथ जी महाराज को है, जिनके श्रद्धास्पद प्रयास से भारतीय वास्तुकला के क्षेत्र में मौलिक इस मंदिर का निर्माण हुआ। मान्यता है कि मंदिर में गोरखनाथ जी द्वारा जलायी अखण्ड ज्योति त्रेतायुग से आज तक अनेक झंझावातों के बावजूद अखण्ड रूप से जलती आ रही है। यह ज्योति आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान, अखण्डता और एकात्मता का प्रतीक है। यह गोरखनाथ मंदिर परिसर में विशेष प्रेरणास्रोत का काम करती है। इसमें गोरखनाथ जी द्वारा प्रज्ज्वलित अग्नि आज भी विद्यमान है।

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Let me start with a question.

When was the last time you genuinely, completely, from-the-bottom-of-your-heart forgave someone who hurt you?

Not just said "it's fine" to keep the peace. Not just moved on because holding the grudge was too exhausting. But actually, truly let go of the resentment, the hurt, the desire for them to suffer even a little bit for what they did?

For most people, genuine forgiveness is one of the hardest things they'll ever do. We carry grudges for years. We rehearse old arguments in our heads. We hold onto hurt like it's protecting us from something.

And then there's Paryushan — the most important festival in the Jain calendar — which culminates in Samvatsari (also called Forgiveness Day), when millions of Jains engage in one of the most profound spiritual practices imaginable: asking forgiveness from every person they've ever harmed, knowingly or unknowingly, and offering forgiveness to everyone who has harmed them.

Not just to close family. Not just to friends. Everyone. Colleagues. Neighbors. Strangers. People they haven't spoken to in years. Even people who might not deserve it by conventional standards.

This isn't a casual "sorry for that thing I did." This is deep, systematic, comprehensive acknowledgment of harm, accompanied by genuine repentance and the commitment to do better.

If that sounds intense, that's because it is. Paryushan is intense. It's meant to be. It's eight or ten days (depending on the Jain sect) of fasting, introspection, prayer, meditation, and ultimately — the hardest part — radical forgiveness.

So let's talk about it. Respectfully. Honestly. Let's explore what Paryushan actually is, why forgiveness is central to it, what happens during these days, and what this ancient practice can teach anyone — Jain or not — about letting go, healing, and living with less burden.

What Is Paryushan? The Festival of Self-Reflection

Paryushan (also called Paryushana Parva) is the most important annual observance in Jainism. It's an eight or ten-day period of intensive spiritual practice focused on self-examination, purification, and renewal.

The name "Paryushan" comes from Sanskrit roots meaning:

  • "Parya" — all around, completely
  • "Ushan" — to burn away, to destroy

So Paryushan means "burning away completely" — specifically, burning away karma (the subtle material substance that binds the soul according to Jain philosophy).

When it happens:

Paryushan falls during the monsoon season (roughly August-September), during the Chaturmas period when Jain monks and nuns remain stationary in one place rather than wandering.

Two traditions:

  • Shvetambara Jains observe it for 8 days, ending on Samvatsari (the day of forgiveness)
  • Digambara Jains observe it for 10 days, called Dashalakshana Parva (the ten virtues), ending on Kshamavani (forgiveness day)

What makes Paryushan different from other festivals:

Most festivals are celebrations — joyous, festive, outward-focused. Paryushan is inward-focused. It's serious. Contemplative. Challenging.

It's not about having fun. It's about doing the deep, uncomfortable work of looking honestly at yourself, acknowledging your failings, making amends, and committing to genuine change.

The Core Practices of Paryushan

Paryushan involves several interconnected practices, all designed to purify the soul and shed karma.

1. Fasting (Upvas/Tap)

Fasting is central to Paryushan observance and varies widely in intensity:

Types of fasts observed:

Ekasana — Eating only once during the day Biyasana — Eating only twice (no snacks between meals) Ayambil — Eating once, only plain boiled food without oil, spices, salt, milk, or sugar Upvas — Complete fast (no food, water allowed) Atthai — Complete fast for three consecutive days Navkarshi — Breaking fast 48 minutes after sunrise (no food or water before)

Why fasting?

In Jain philosophy, eating necessarily involves harming one-sensed beings (plants, microorganisms). By reducing or eliminating eating, you minimize harm and therefore minimize new karma accumulation.

Fasting is also a practice of self-discipline, reducing attachment to sensory pleasures, and creating mental clarity for spiritual practice.

Important: The fasts are voluntary and adapted to individual capacity. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with health conditions observe lighter fasts or none at all. The principle is practicing self-discipline within your capacity, not harming yourself.

2. Pratikraman (Ritualized Repentance)

Pratikraman means "turning back" — specifically, turning back from harmful actions through confession and repentance.

What happens in Pratikraman:

Jains gather (often in temples) to recite ancient prayers and confessions in Sanskrit and Prakrit. The ritual lasts 2-3 hours and includes:

Confession of sins — Acknowledging 18 types of sins (violence, lying, stealing, possessiveness, etc.) committed through body, speech, and mind

Seeking forgiveness — From the Tirthankaras (enlightened teachers), from monks and nuns, from all living beings

Repentance — Genuine remorse for harm caused

Resolution — Commitment to avoid these actions in the future

Why this matters:

Pratikraman is not just about saying sorry. It's a comprehensive self-examination. You're forced to confront the ways you've caused harm — often in ways you weren't even conscious of.

It's uncomfortable. That's the point. Growth requires acknowledging where you've fallen short.

3. Study of Sacred Texts

Paryushan is a time for intensive spiritual study. Jains attend pravachans (religious discourses) daily, often led by monks, nuns, or learned scholars.

Common texts studied:

Kalpa Sutra — Ancient text containing biographies of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira's life. Reading this during Paryushan is traditional.

Tattvartha Sutra — Foundational Jain philosophical text explaining the nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation

Stories and parables — Teaching moral lessons about Ahimsa, truth, non-attachment, forgiveness

Why study during Paryushan?

This is when people have the most focused attention on spiritual matters. The daily pravachans inspire, educate, and remind people of Jain principles they may have let slip during the busy rest of the year.

4. Meditation and Self-Reflection

Paryushan emphasizes dhyana (meditation) and swadhyaya (self-study).

Practices include:

Sitting meditation — Focusing on breath, mantras, or contemplating the nature of the soul

Reflective journaling — Writing about your actions over the past year, identifying where you've caused harm

Contemplation of the ten virtues (in Digambara tradition): forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, celibacy

The goal is honest self-assessment. Not self-flagellation, but clear-eyed recognition of where you are on the spiritual path and where you need to grow.

5. Acts of Charity and Service

Paryushan is also a time for dana (charity) and service.

Common practices:

Donating to the poor — Food, clothing, money to those in need

Supporting monks and nuns — Providing food (properly prepared according to Jain dietary guidelines)

Animal welfare — Freeing caged birds, feeding animals, supporting gaushalas (cow shelters)

Blood donation and medical camps — Many Jain communities organize these during Paryushan

Why charity during Paryushan?

Reducing possessiveness and attachment to material wealth. Recognizing the interconnection of all beings. Practicing compassion in action, not just in meditation.

Samvatsari / Kshamavani: The Day of Universal Forgiveness

And then comes the culmination: Samvatsari (Shvetambara) or Kshamavani (Digambara) — Forgiveness Day.

This is the most important day of Paryushan. Everything builds toward this moment.

What happens on Forgiveness Day:

The Practice of Asking Forgiveness

Jains reach out to everyone they know — family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, even people they've lost touch with — and say (in Gujarati or Hindi):

"Micchami Dukkadam" (Prakrit) "Uttam Kshama" (Sanskrit)

Translation: "May all the evil that has been done be fruitless / forgiven." Or more directly: "I seek forgiveness for any harm I've caused you."

This happens:

  • Face to face (touching feet of elders as a sign of respect and humility)
  • Phone calls to distant family and friends
  • Text messages, WhatsApp messages, emails
  • Social media posts asking forgiveness from all followers and friends
  • Letters to people they can't reach otherwise

The scope is comprehensive: You're not just asking forgiveness for specific remembered wrongs. You're asking forgiveness for all harm you've caused — knowingly or unknowingly — through thought, word, or deed — over the entire past year.

 

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