On the occasion of the birthday of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, often a special thing attracts people’s attention, they are the girls worn in his ears. These are not just decorative jewelery but are deeply associated with the Indian yoga tradition, which are related to immortality, security and operation of internal energy.
Yogi Adityanath is not only a political leader but also a dedicated yoga seeker and a Mahant of Gorakshpeeth. The rings worn in their ears are a symbol of their yogis identity and are associated with the traditions where the jewelery worn in the ears not only awakens consciousness but also protects the seeker from negative energy. This tradition is particularly related to the ‘Confata Yogi sect’. In this tradition, in the last phase of initiation, the Guru rips the middle part of the disciple’s ear with a special two -edged knife or razor. Then big rings are worn at that place, this is the etymology of the word ‘Confata’, ie ie ear and ‘phata’ i.e.
Spiritual messages are hidden in earrings
George Weston Brigs writes in his famous book ‘Gorakhnath and the Confata Yogis’ that the unique identity of the Confata Sampolation is his torn ears and large rings worn in them that testify to his initiation and Yogpath. According to this tradition, these rings are considered helpful in keeping the energy of the seeker stable, focusing and spiritual awakening.
The first rings were often made of soil. According to a legend, Gorakhnath made three inches long holes in the ears of Bhartri and put earthen earrings. Some yogis still wear earthen rings but, since they break easily. Therefore more durable substances are usually used. The use of more durable rings also shows the element of value. The origin of the tradition of ears bursting and wearing rings is stated in different legends. According to a tradition, this practice started from Gorakhnath.
Lord Shiva had given Parvati to tear Gorakhnath’s ear
According to Brigs, ‘Lord Shiva is said to have ordered Goddess Parvati to tear Gorakhnath’s ears, which led to this tradition. Apart from this, the two followers ‘Karkai and Bhuskai’ were allowed to tear each other’s ears from Gorakhnath, a symbol of their spiritual dedication. This agreement was reached at a holy pilgrimage site on the way to King Laj where every full yogi should go. Gorakhnath also torn the ears of Bhartri, which further strengthened his relationship with this custom.
In another version, this tradition is credited to Guru Machhendranath, Guru of Gorakhnath. Briges writes that the app of Haridwar says that when Machhendra Nath started promoting yoga on the orders of Mahadev, he saw that Shiva’s ears were torn and he (Shiva) wore big coils. Machhendra Nath also wished to wear a similar chill. He started worshiping Shiva and pleased God that his wish was fulfilled. Machhendra Nath was then ordered to tear the ears of all his disciples.
What do legends say
According to a separate legend, during the fish avatar of Machhendra Nath, he already had rings in his ears. In Puri, it is believed that the order to tear the ear came from Machhendranath itself. This practice is also associated with the people who are followers of Gorakhnath but did not take full initiation. Brigs says that Oughdar is a follower of Gorakhnath who did not complete the last ritual of tearing the ear. A legend is prevalent which justifies why he did not complete initiation. Once, two Siddha (Purna Yogi) tried to tear the ears of a candidate in Hing Laj. But they found that the sooner they used to pierce, the sooner they would stop. So he gave up this effort. Since then, the Aughar also gave up this custom.