Kanphata Yogi

Member of an order of religious ascetics that venerate the Hindu god Shiva.

They are followers of Gorakhnath, a master yogi of the 12th century or earlier. Their ideology incorporates elements of magic, mysticism, and alchemy absorbed from both Hindu and Buddhist esoteric systems. Members focus on acquiring supernatural powers rather than following the more orthodox practices of meditation and devotion. They are distinguished by large earrings worn in the hollow of the ear.

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▪ Hindu ascetic

      member of an order of religious ascetics in India that venerates the Hindu deity Lord Śiva (Shiva). Kānphaṭa Yogis are distinguished by the large earrings (earring) they wear in the hollows of their ears (kān-phaṭa, “ear split”). They are sometimes referred to as tantric (esoteric) sannyāsins (ascetics), because of their emphasis on the acquiring of supernatural powers in contrast to more orthodox practices of devotion and meditation. They are followers of Gorakhnāth (Gorakhnath) (Gorakṣanātha), who is said to have lived in the 12th century or even earlier, and are also known by the name Gorakhnāthīs or Nāthapanthīs. The ideology of the Kānphaṭa Yogis incorporates elements of mysticism, magic, and alchemy absorbed from both Śaivite (Hindu) and Buddhist esoteric systems, as well as from Haṭha Yoga.

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