Gorakhnath Temple Gorakhpur

As the foremost centre of the Nath Sampradaya, the temple preserves the yogic and ascetic heritage of Guru Gorakhnath, a figure revered across North India and Nepal. The eternal dhuni symbolises the unbroken flame of yogic knowledge. The Makar Sankranti Khichdi Mela is one of the largest religious fairs of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The sprawling Gorakhnath temple complex is the headquarters of the Nath yogic tradition founded on the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath, the legendary hatha-yoga master. The complex includes the main shrine with the seat (samadhi) of Gorakhnath, a perpetually burning sacred fire (akhand dhuni) said to have been lit by the guru himself, extensive gardens, a Vedic school, a hospital and a museum. Managed by the Gorakhnath Math whose mahants have long been influential in the region, the temple hosts a huge month-long Khichdi Mela around Makar Sankranti, when lakhs of pilgrims offer khichdi to the deity.