Shri 1008 Shri Hanuman Nath Ji Maharaja

Shri Hanuman Nathji was a favorite disciple of Shri Šubha Nathji Maharaja. After his demise he succeeded him and ascended the seat of the Head of the monastery. He was an honest, sincere, simple, benevolent, affectionate and sociable Sadhu. He was an embodiment of rare qualities and was always smiling. He occupied a unique position and enjoyed a reputation which none other in the sect enjoyed.

His Birth and Childhood:

He was born in a village called Vasani. It is situated in Laxmana Gadha Tehsil in Sikar district. He was born on the 2nd day of the bright aspect of the month Magha in the year 1992 of Vikram era.

Lord Siva is the first and foremost Yogi; The moon of the 2nd evening adorns his matted hair. This moon is called Balendu. Being a person born on the 2nd day of the bright aspect, he adored the seat of Fatehpur monastery as the moon of the 2nd day adorns the forehead of Lord Siva. His parents offered him to the monastery when he was only 7 years old. His fair complexion, brilliant countenance, smile on the lips and sweet words gave the feeling that one was enjoying himself under canopy of the moon light.

Presentation to the Monastery:

He used to limp during childhood. When he was only three years old, he was made to travel to Amritšrama on foot in the year 1995 of V.E. His father, Shri Bhema Ramji was a person of faith and belief. He was a well-meaning householder of religious temperament. He had a strong faith in the Ashrama. He undertook this journey with his wife for the ceremony of the first shaving of the head of the child and also to beg for the fulfillment of a wish. After the shaving ceremony, the father presented himself to the audience of Sri Jyotinathji. Shri Šubha Nathji was also present there. Shri Bhema Ram had two sons. He felt inspired to present one of them to the monastery. With this inspiration in his heart be made up his mind to present one child into the service of the Ashrama, Shri Jyoti Nathji and Shri Šubha Nathji consented to take one child into the fold of the Ashrana. Shri Jyotinathji was convinced of the truth of the offer of presentation made by Bhemaram. That is why he consented to take one child. Both the sages, Shri Jyotinathji and Shri Nath Šubha Nathji, conferred with each other and told Bhema Ramji that the limping child be presented to the ashrama. The parents felt surprised as to the limping elder brother was preferred to the healthy younger one. Shri Jyotinath told Shri Bhema Ramji to look after the limping child till he develops awareness of matters of personal and social life. When he becomes capable of looking after himself, he should be returned to the ashrama. Till then he should be cared for as a trust of the Ashrama. One night his mother had a strange dream. She got the vision of Shri Amrit Nathji in her dream. His mother narrated the event that the limping child was accepted as a present to the Asrama. On that Sri Amrit Nathji enquired where the child was limping. He said that he was a fully developed person with all the limbs in perfect shape. The mother woke up. The dream made her rejoice. She was exhilarated. The dream and the words of Shri Amrit Nathji came out to be true. Gradually the limping leg recovered. The deformity vanished and the child started balancing himself on both the legs. In the year 1999 V.E. he completed seventh year of his age. Shri Šubha Nath summoned him to the ashrama and accorded him his company. He became his most favored disciple. The sage willed in his core to safeguard the child's tendency of detachment and rear the signs of his devotion to their fullness. Also he resolved to designate him as the future head of the monastery. Accordingly be began the endeavor of refining his innate saintly qualities.

Education, refinement and austerity observance:

His education began under the close supervision of Šubha Nathaji. It has been the tradition of Sri Amritšrama that the inmates, during probation period (AUGHADA JIWAN), undergo the process of preparation for future life. During this period, they are required to go through the scriptures, besides cultivating saintly qualities. To meet this requirement he was admitted to Shri Chamadiya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya for learning sanskrit literature and the religious scriptures. At Ašhrama also he was imparted some sundry knowledge besides the canons of Sri Natha Sect. He also had to undergo austerity observances or penances. Besides, teachers were assigned with the responsibilities to train him. Service in the ašrama, duties in the sanctums joining the adoration worship in the morning and in the evening, rendering personal service in the honour of Shri Jyoti Nathji Maharaja were the parts of the daily routine of the sadhu, who was destined to head the monastery as Hanuman Nathji. He continued progressing steadily on the path of sainthood. At the tender age of seven years he did not show any strong affection for his parents and other family members. This testified for the emerging sense of detachment in the young mind. Sri Jyotinathji initiated him as his disciple. The tuft of hair on his head was shaved off as a ritual. Shri Hanuman Nathji is a great example of detachment from the family at the young and tender age of 7 years. In the year 2007 of Vikram era his ears were pierced in a ceremony. A bag for begging was also assigned to him. He was also required to culture the technique of cookery. He was supposed to keep an eye on matters of the kitchen. His contribution used to be significant. In 2005 Vikram era, he took upon his shoulders the full responsibility of the kitchen and the store.

Succession as the Head of the Math:

In 2020 Vikram era Shri Šubha Nathji held a great feast in memory of Shri Jyoti Nathji. On this auspicious occasion the sages from all the four corners assembled and presented a sacred shawl to Sri Šubha Nathji. During the ceremony, Shri Hanuman Nathji was sitting on his lap. In that position he was radiating charm all around. In that assemblage he got the opportunity of meeting innumerable monks, sadhus, ascetics, sages, mendicants and heads of asramas. The experience gained out of the organisation and the contacts remained an asset with him for the whole life. The assemblage included Mahant Sri Siriya Nathaji Abohar, Yogi Shri Ram Nathji Delhi, Shri Visam Nathji Vedantacharya, Shri Jamna Nathji Punjab, Shri Shambhu Nathji, Hardwar, Shri Khemnathji, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Kheta Nathji, Alwar, Mahant Shri Daulat Nathji, Tapasvi, Shri Balak Nathji, Vairagi, , Mahant Shri Ram Dasji, Dhigadhiya, Dadu Panthi of Dewas, Mahant Bhurdas ji Vaishnava, Mahant Shri Badari Dasji, Ganedi, Pir of 32 Dhuniyas and many others. In presence of these ascetics and sages Shri Hanuman Nathji was invested with the status of Mahant and Pir of Shri Amritšhraram. Although there were ascetics who were elder to him, he was selected because of his qualities of character. He was only 27 years old when he was installed as a Pir. The great and important office which he was entrusted did not make him arrogant and conceited. He remained the same polite, humble and graceful as he used to be. These qualities came a long way to help him ascend the height of the office. He remained given to the service of Guruji cordial in reception and true in other commitments. One should carefully protect one's character; wealth comes and goes as usual, if one loses wealth, he does not lose anything, if he is deprived of the quality of character or conduct, he is deprived on all counts.

Pilgrimage:

Pilgrimage occupies a significant place in the life of a sadhu. Shri Hanuman Nathji took to pilgrimage as an important step to spiritual accomplishment. He went on pilgrimage to holy places such as Kedar nathji, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath Dham, and Triyugi Narayana, Shri Shamkara Nathaji with some attendants accompanying him on the pilgrimage to holy places in Uttara Khanda.

With Ghadi Nathaji Maharaj and attendants he visited the holy places of Nasik Ksetra; Ujjain, Puskar, Ganga sagara, Haridwara, Dwarakapuri and Pašupati nath in Nepal were covered in due course. On the path of spiritualism, he attained and covered the ground called Shubheccha successfully.

Goes through the hard test:

Sri Subha Nathji tested him through the rigorous course on the counts of devotion to Guruji, commitment to service and devotion to duty. He successfully covered these tests and became a favourite disciple of Sri Šubha Nathji. With deep dedication, he remained committed to Guru-Bhakti. He served him and obeyed his commands with a resolute mind. During his life time he distributed honorarium to Sadhus and Brahmans with unqualified generosity. He distributed 10 kg wheat among each of the Brahmans of Fatehpur. They were also given cash as honorarium. He got the arrangements done for the upkeep of sanctum dedicated to Shri Shubha nathji. Full care was taken of the panthic norms which must be taken care of in perfect keeping with the greatness of the saint Shri Šhubha Nathji. A large feast was planned and organized with efficiency. On this occasion in 1971 he was invested with the office of the head of the MATHA, the monastery. The heavy burden of managing the ashrama and keeping tradition fell on his young shoulders.

Personality and performance:

Holding the office of the head of the ashrama, he exhibited a refined personality of a brillant performer. On many occasions he visited the Hardwar shrine and took part in fairs and festivals of religious significance. This added to the fame of the Amritšrama. He had accompanied Sri Shubha Nathji Maharaj to Hardwar at the time of consecration ceremony of Shri Guru Gorkha nath. As a volunteer, he had rendered valuable service in auspcious and solemn functions. The office bearers of the Avadhuta Mahasabha expressed their gratitude for his active cooperation. He was elected the vice president of the All India Bhesa Barah Panth Avadhuta Maha Sabha. The office had fallen vacant due to the distressing demise of Shri Shubha Nathji Maharaj. His being in the office and working for the Mahasabha increased the honour of Shri Mannathi sect and the goodwill of Shri Amritšhrama manifold. He got a gold urn installed on the vertex of the shrine dedicted to the Guru Gorakh Nath at Hardwar. A kitchen was constructed at Dalicha to make it complete. Cash was also donated in the honour of the organisation. A guest house was built at the shrine at Hardwar out of the donation of Rs 35000/- thirty five thousand. It was inaugurated by his efforts and initiative. Jaganyaka Ka Bala is a place near nokha. There a bhandara (a large feast) was held for Shri Chhotu Nathji on 7th, 8th and 9th day of the bright aspect of the month Kartika in the year 2031 V.E. He participated in it. He participated in the Grand assembly of saints and devotees of Shri Nath Panltha. The large assembly expressed its appreciation for the decency and protocol observed by him during the celebrations. He earned name and fame in the gathering. Shri Makadi Nathji of Satada renounced his physical body in the year 2031 V.E. He organised the Samadhi and the Bhandara in his honour. The entire function went off very well.

Shri Mannatha sect originated at the place called Tai. Here Shri Keshar Nathji renounced his physical body and entered into Samadhi in 1976 of the Christian era. He organised the function of Samadhi and Bhandara in his honour. On his initiative Shri Jñana Nathji was invested with the Headship of the Ashrama. Shri Shraddha Nathji, a devout ascetic at Laxmana Gadha, built an impressive ašhrama. He has great regard for Shri Hanuman Nathji. He invited him to preside over the first propitious entry. He was the chief guest at the function, and it was held under his direction. In this context a report on the page 17of the Adhyatma Shiksa, published from Laxmana Gadha, is worth noticing.

The report runs as under:

Inauguration of the Asrama was performed by the Honourable Pir and Mahant of Amritšrama, Fatehpur, Shri Hamnuman Nathji on the 7th day of the bright aspect of the month Asadha, corresponding with Monday July 17, 1972. The sadhus and devotees accompanied him to participate in the function on the auspicious occasion. Thousands of devotees and attandants thronged the Ashrama.

In the honor of Shri Purna Nathji a bhandara, the customary religious feast, was organized under his supervision. It continued from 14/4/78 to 17/4/78. Thousands of pilgrims, attendants, devotees, sadhus and yogis participated and earned virtue to their credit. There was a fair of the saints also. A procession was taken out on 16/4/1978. Shri Jaranth ji was invested with the office of the headship of the Purna Nath Matha and a declaration to this effect was made. As a unique saint of the Natha sect, he lead the procession.

A creative visionary and his innovation:

The expansion and landscaping of the ašhrama is an example of his creativity & planning. With his efforts the ašrama wore a grand look of a heavenly place in its surrounds. He left no stone unturned in his effort. He gave a wide open look to the courtyard at the first entrance gate and got a fence erected around for its beautification.

He constructed a reservoir of water for birds and animals, on the public highway in front of the asrama. In doing so, he was moved by the sentiment of service to living creatures in general.

He also constructed on Amrit Kiosk for the use of men, women and children on the entrance gate at the southern side. Fresh water is available here for twenty four hours. He also got a guest house constructed for the benefit of guests, pilgrims, saints and devotees. This is in accordance with the dream of Shri Šubha Nathji Maharaj. It was completed in 2032 Vikram era. A garden with blooming plants enhances its beauty

A Sanctum in memory of the Holy Sage Shri Shubha Nathji Maharaj:

His mind endowed with creativity and imagination, always thought of making something new that would not only enhance the beauty of the place, but also serve as utility. He got a sanctum constructed in the memory of Shri Shubha Nathji Maharaj. It was bedecked with marble. The embellished sanctum stands now in great sanctity and grandeur. A verandah around the sanctum speaks well of his sensibility. He also got an electrified tube, well dug up and constructed in the campus of the ashrama in the year 2034 V.E. Fresh potable water flows out of it to the need of the campus. In the inner courtyard many buildings now stand to his credit. On the southern side of the entrance gate a spacious prayer hall was constructed in the year 2033 V.E. On the northern side, towards the east of the kitchen and store house, a verandah in front of all the rooms was constructed. The courtyard is decorated with mosaic patterns. This came into existence in the year 2035 V.E. as the latest creation. The revered ascetic Shri 1008 Amrit Nath ji lived in the village Udasar with his parents as a child. There was a small structure known as tibari which Shri Shubha Nathji intended to convert into a befitting memorial. Acting on the inspiration of Sri Šubha Nathji and with his blessing, Shri Hanuman Nath exhibited his diligence and got a Shri Amrit Nath Smrti Mandir (a Hall in the memory of Shri Amrit Nathji Maharaj) constructed. In doing so he obeyed the command of his preceptor, Shri Shubha Nathji Maharaj.

Golden peak of glory:

The All India Avadhuta Bhesa Barah Panth Yogi Mahasabha held its grand session at Hardwar in the 1974 of the Christian era. It was the year of Maha Kumbha fare which takes place every twelfth year. Shri Hanuman Nathji was invited to it with full respect and honour. The Nath sect conferred upon him unusual and extraordinary honour. He was invested with the status of the monarch of the Nath sect unanimously. It was performed in a very auspicious way. No head of a Matha of the Mannatic Panth had ever been shown and treated to the honour of this level. He was decorated with the PIR status for the next twelve years. From 11-4-1974 to 13-4-1974 he conducted the affairs of the Nath Panth as monarch, enjoying the investiture of the powers as such and weilding the sceptre of justice and authority under the protective shade of His Holiness Shri Gorakh Nathji Maharaja. As such he accepted the presents made to him. The Royal coffer received Rs 13456/- during this period. The entire amount was given to the All India Avadhuta Bhesa Barah Panthi Yogi Mahasabha.

The tradition of Charity:

He kept up the tradition of charity of Shri Shubha Nathji Maharaj. He got a gold urn installed at the throne of the Sri Gorakhnathji Maharaja in the shrine at Hardwar. Also on the vertex of the temple of Shri Nathji he got a gold urn installed.The deed enhanced his prestige in the sect. He spent Rs. 25000/- on meals for the mendicants and the honorarium distributed among them. This was in accordance with the tradition of the Amritšrama.

He donated Rs. 4000/- for the purchase and keeping of the books on philosophy, religion and subjects related to the Natha Panth in the library. Earlier also he had visited Kuruksetra on the occasion of solar eclipse in the year 2033 V.E. Sadhus and devotees had accompanied him at that time. He had participated in the session of the Yogi Maha Sabha. He had donated Rs 21000/- for the construction of a Gorakh Nath temple at Kuruksetra. The consecration of the temple had been performed by him, in the year 1977 of the C.E. On this occasion be had earned laurels from the followers of the Nath sect. As a Sadhu, he had conquered the passion of anger. His brillant countenace and attractive personality had been the glory of the Nath Sect. The devotees and mendicants enjoyed peace and freshness and enthusiasm in his company. His life had been an example of the philosophy of detached action. He had always been dedicated to the philosophy of action and scholarly study at Panthic Yoga and the scriptures of the sages's sayings. He had been dedicated to the progress of the Amritšrama on the plane of intellectual development. His attention was always towards enrichment of the Ašrama library with literature on Yoga, religion and philosophy. All the inmates of the Ašrama remained busy with the service of the country, service of the guru, service of the ašrama, and service of the cows through well organised and disciplined routine and austere living.