Gorakhnāth and the Kānphaṭa Yogīs

by George Weston Briggs

The cult of the Kanphata Yogis is a definite unit within Hinduism, and its study is essential for understanding this phase of the religious life of India. In analysing the different aspects of this cult the author has drawn upon various sources, such as the legends, folk-lore and the formulated texts of this sect.

The book is divided into three sections. The first two sections comprising chapters 1-13 deal with the cult and history of this sect. The third section containing chapters 14-16 opens with the Sanskrit Text Goraksasataka and its English rendering and annotations. It proceeds with the analysis of physiological concepts, chief aims and methods and then comes to conclusion.

The subject matter of this study has been so arranged that the first two sections serve to illustrate the third. The book is fully documented. It has a Preface, Glossary, Bibliography, Plates and General Index.

Genres: Hinduism, India

380 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sanjay Bhatia]

This is an old book, written by a Westerner who was one of the first few to uncover very interesting information. Hinduism has evolved a few times over the past (4-5) thousands of years. Gorakhnath had a huge influence on Indian beliefs, not just HInduism. His influence went from Kubul out west to Assam out East, which is a huge distance. Anyway, this book has all the details on the many sects of his followers. It's a fast paced book with many facts that will surprise the reader.. certainly surprised me and I'm a Hindu.

[Dr. Vipin Behari Goyal]

Mysticism is integral part of the Hinduism, and Baba Gorakhnatha propounded Nath Cult which is still highly revered unit of Hinduism. The highlight of the book is third part of the book "Goraksa Sataka" in which one hundred Sanskrit verse have been translated in English. First two parts are almost prelude to this chapter.