Navnath Names: Complete Guide to Nine Saints’ Sacred Names and Meanings
Navnath names refer to the sacred names and epithets of the nine great saints known as the Naths in Hindu and yogic traditions. These revered spiritual masters represent the pinnacle of yogic wisdom and divine realization, with navnath names reflecting their spiritual attributes, accomplishments, and roles within the tradition. Understanding these names helps devotees deepen their connection to this ancient lineage of enlightened teachers.
Understanding Navnath Names and Their Significance
The Navnath (Nine Naths) are a fundamental part of yogic and Hindu mysticism, representing masters who achieved extraordinary spiritual powers and wisdom. Each of these saints is known by multiple names that reflect different aspects of their identity and spiritual achievements.
Navnath names are traditionally associated with the teachings of Shiva and represent a direct lineage of spiritual knowledge passed down through generations. Devotees and yoga practitioners invoke these names during meditation, rituals, and spiritual practice to seek guidance and blessings.
The significance of navnath names extends beyond mere identification—each name carries spiritual energy and symbolic meaning related to the teachings and miracles attributed to these masters.
The Nine Naths and Their Primary Names
The Navnath tradition lists nine primary saints, though different regional and sectarian sources may vary slightly in their names and order:
- Adinath (the first/primal lord) – Also called Shiva, Mahakal, Dattatreya
- Matsyendranath (lord of the fish) – Also known as Machhindra, Minanatha
- Gorakshanath (protector of cows) – Also called Gorakhnath, Gorakshnath, Yogiraj
- Jalandhara (lord of waters) – Known as Jalandhari, Jalandharnath
- Khandoba (the warrior saint) – Also called Khandaba, Khandalanatha
- Charpati (sitting on four) – Also known as Charpat, Charpat Nath
- Bharthari (the royal renunciate) – Also called Bhartrihari, Bharti, King Bharthari
- Mallinath (the weaver saint) – Also known as Mallari, Mallinatha
- Revanath (lord of the deserted place) – Also called Revanatha, Reva Nath
Sacred Epithet Names of Navnath
Beyond their primary names, the Navnath are addressed by numerous sacred epithets that describe their spiritual qualities and powers:
Divine Titles and Honorifics
- Yogi (the one who practices yoga)
- Yogeshwar (lord of yogis)
- Siddha (perfected one)
- Siddhanatha (lord of the perfected ones)
- Nath (protector/lord)
- Mahayogi (great yogi)
- Mahakaal (lord of time)
- Parameshwar (supreme lord)
- Avatari (one who incarnates)
- Tapaswi (ascetic)
- Tapasvi (devoted to austerity)
- Rishi (sage)
- Muni (silent sage)
- Maharishi (great sage)
- Brahmin (knower of Brahman)
- Parabrahmin (supreme Brahman)
- Atman (the self)
- Paramatman (supreme self)
- Guru (spiritual teacher)
- Mahatma (great soul)
- Diksha Dataa (giver of initiation)
- Mantra Dataa (giver of mantras)
- Gyani (knower)
- Jnani (wise one)
- Mokshagamini (giver of liberation)
- Bhakta Vatsala (friend of devotees)
- Daya Nidhi (treasure of compassion)
- Sadhu (holy person)
- Maha Siddha (great perfected master)
Navnath Names Relating to Spiritual Powers
- Ashta Siddha (possessor of eight supernatural powers)
- Navnidhi Eshwar (lord of nine treasures)
- Shakti Rup (embodiment of divine energy)
- Shaktidhara (bearer of power)
- Kali Kriya (executor of time’s will)
- Karana Brahma (creator of causes)
- Karana Ishwar (lord of causes)
- Virat Rup (universal form)
- Akshara (imperishable one)
- Akshara Brahma (imperishable absolute)
- Anadi (without beginning)
- Ananta (infinite)
- Anaadi Ananta (eternally infinite)
- Amrita (immortal)
- Amar (deathless)
- Avyaya (imperishable)
- Nithya (eternal)
- Nityapriya (lover of the eternal)
- Sat Chit Ananda (being, consciousness, bliss)
- Brahmananda (bliss of Brahman)
- Param Ananda (supreme bliss)
Navnath Names Connected to Ascetic Practices
- Tapah Siddha (one perfected through austerity)
- Vrata Anushtha (observer of vows)
- Vratin (one who keeps vows)
- Bhakta Bhaktin (devoted devotee)
- Bhakti Yukta (full of devotion)
- Karmakarta (doer of sacred action)
- Karma Yogi (warrior of action)
- Nishkama Karma Yogi (action without desire)
- Agyani Seva (service to the ignorant)
- Seva Paramapara (service tradition)
- Sannyas Rup (embodiment of renunciation)
- Sannasi (renunciate)
- Tyagavata (renouncer)
- Mohi Nirmukta (free from attachment)
- Ragini Nirmukta (free from passions)
- Bhaya Nirmukta (fearless)
- Shoka Nirmukta (free from sorrow)
- Dukha Nirmukta (free from suffering)
- Aham Nirmukta (free from ego)
- Maya Nirmukta (free from illusion)
- Hari Nama Anuragi (lover of Hari’s name)
Navnath Names Reflecting Divine Attributes
- Sat Swarup (embodiment of truth)
- Satya Priya (lover of truth)
- Satya Vrata (vow of truth)
- Ahimsa Priya (lover of non-violence)
- Shanti Rup (embodiment of peace)
- Shanti Dataa (giver of peace)
- Shanti Sagar (ocean of peace)
- Ananda Swarup (embodiment of bliss)
- Ananda Dataa (giver of bliss)
- Sukha Dataa (giver of happiness)
- Daya Rup (embodiment of compassion)
- Karuna Rup (embodiment of mercy)
- Karuna Sagar (ocean of mercy)
- Prem Rup (embodiment of love)
- Prem Dataa (giver of love)
- Prem Sagar (ocean of love)
- Ksham Rup (embodiment of forgiveness)
- Kshamavata (forgiving one)
- Shreeman (wise)
- Shreyasi (prosperous)
- Mangala Kaari (doer of good)
- Mangala Dataa (giver of prosperity)
- Kalyan Kaari (doer of welfare)
- Kalyan Dataa (giver of welfare)
- Kalyan Sagar (ocean of welfare)
Names Associated with Specific Naths
Gorakshanath Names: Gorakhnath, Yogeshwar, Mahayogi, Gorakh Nath, Gorakh Pir, Siddha Yogi, Kaya Kalpa (body transformation master), Nadi Vigyanvetta (knower of energy channels)
Matsyendranath Names: Machhindra, Minanatha, Mina Nath, Matsya Rupa (fish form), Jala Nath (lord of water), Pranava Nath (lord of primordial sound)
Adinath Names: Adi Nath, Anadi Nath, Shiva, Mahakal, Dattatreya, Maheshwar, Trilochana (three-eyed), Chandrashekhar (moon-crested)
Jalandhara Names: Jalandhari, Jalandhar Nath, Jalandharnatha, Udaka Nath (water lord), Kshara Nath
Bharthari Names: Bhartrihari, Bharti, Raja Bharthari, Bharta, Bhart Nath, Nara Nath (human master), Adi Yogi
Khandoba Names: Khandalanatha, Khandaba Nath, Martanda Bhairava, Shankara (giver of prosperity), Kshetra Pala (field protector)
Charpati Names: Charpat, Charpat Nath, Charpata, Avadhuta (liberated one), Naga Nath (lord of serpents)
Mallinath Names: Mallari, Mallinatha, Mallik Nath, Malla Nath, Vastra Kari (weaver)
Revana Names: Revanatha, Reva Nath, Shunya Nath (lord of void), Atma Nath (lord of soul)
How to Use Navnath Names in Spiritual Practice
Devotees chant and meditate on navnath names as part of their spiritual sadhana (practice) to seek blessings and guidance. The names are often recited in mantra form, either individually or in sequence, particularly during early morning meditation sessions.
Many practitioners use navnath names as part of japa (repetitive chanting), integrating them into their daily spiritual routine. The practice is believed to strengthen the connection between the devotee and the lineage of these enlightened masters.
Regional Variations in Navnath Names
Different regions of India, particularly in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and North India, maintain slightly different lists and interpretations of navnath names. Some traditions emphasize certain Naths over others, resulting in varying hierarchies and name usages within regional sects.
These regional differences reflect the rich diversity of the yogic tradition and demonstrate how navnath names have evolved across centuries and geographical boundaries.
For more on the Nath tradition and its historical significance, see Wikipedia’s Nath Tradition.
If you’re interested in exploring more spiritual name traditions, consider reviewing our guide on Rashi Names: A Complete Guide to Zodiac-Based Names in Hindu Tradition and our comprehensive article on Shiva 108 Names In Telugu: Complete List with Meanings and Significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Navnath mean?
Navnath means “nine lords” or “nine masters,” referring to nine great saints in the yogic and Hindu tradition who exemplify spiritual perfection and enlightenment.
Why are navnath names important?
Navnath names carry spiritual power and significance, helping devotees connect with the teachings and blessings of these enlightened masters during meditation and spiritual practice.
How many authentic navnath names are there?
While each of the nine Naths has multiple names and epithets, there are approximately 50-70 well-documented primary and secondary names across the tradition.
Can anyone practice chanting navnath names?
Yes, anyone interested in yogic and Hindu spirituality can chant navnath names, though it’s often recommended to receive proper guidance from a spiritual teacher.
What is the best time to chant navnath names?
Early morning (brahma muhurta) is traditionally considered the most auspicious time for chanting navnath names and practicing meditation with these sacred names.
Understanding and honoring navnath names deepens your connection to one of India’s most ancient and profound spiritual traditions, offering guidance and inspiration on the path to spiritual awakening.
