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SIDDHA’S BACKGROUND IN BRIEF
Sidha Traditions:
The worship of Baba Balak Nath Ji is a strong link in the long chain of Siddha Tradition
in Hindu Mythology as per Sanskrit Literature. For reference, Siddhas have
been mentioned in – Bhagwata Purana’s 6th Chapter and Skanda Purana’s
7th Chapter as paying obeisance to the Lord Indra in long line of deities i.e. ‘Vishwa
Deva’, ‘Sandhya Gana’, ‘Ashwani Kumar’, ‘Charna’,
‘Brahmavadi’, ‘Muni Gana’, ‘Vidya Dhara’, ‘Upsara’,
‘Kinnara’, ‘Pakshi’ and ‘Naga’.
Dances of Siddhas, Yaksha and Gandharva in the Vadrika Ashrama of Prashra.
Valmiki Ramayana’s 5th Cantos i.e. Sundra Kanda relates to conversation among
Siddhas, Charnas and Maharishis.
‘Patanjali’s Yog Sutra’ (Vibhuti Pada) says much about the "vision
of ‘Siddhas’ by pious souls".
‘Amar Kosha’ has many references of ‘Siddhas’ along ‘Vidyadhara’,
‘Upsara’, ‘Yaksha’, ‘Rakshasha’, ‘Pishacha’,
‘Guhiaka’ and ‘Bhuta’.
The originator of the ‘Sankhya Philosophy’ is believed to be a prominent
Siddha. In ‘Srimadbhagvad Gita’ Lord Krishna comments Himself as ‘Kapil
Muni’ among ‘Siddhas’.
Relevance of Amar Katha, Chaurasi Sidhhas (84 Siddhas) & Nav-Nathas (9 Nathas)
with birth reference of Baba Balak Nath Ji
Amar Katha is a Puranic story about the origin of Baba Balak Nath Ji. As told, a
parrot nestling incidently heard the Amar Katha being told by "Lord Shiva"
to "Parvati". Lord Shiva’s ‘Trishul’ followed parrot
nestling. Parrot nestling hide in the stomach of the wife of Rishi Vyasa and requested
a promise from Lord Shiva for coming out. The promise was that when parrot nestling
would come out in human form, all the children born at that time along with it,
might become eternal. Lord Shiva agreed for that and an extra-ordinary beautiful
lad came out and vowed before Lord Shiva for blessing. This lad famed as ‘Sukdev
Muni’, later on. Baba Balak Nath was one of the nine ‘Nathas’
and eighty four ‘Sidhas’ born at that time.
In ‘Ashvamedha Parva’ of ‘Mahabharata’ there is a reference
of the discussion about the ‘Siddhas’.In Hindu belief, the ‘Siddhas’
are known to live eternally and in invisible form. Legend has it that – ‘Baba
Balak Nath’ is a contemporary of 83 ‘Siddhas’ of His times. Baba
Balak Nath Ji is regarded as the most superior "Maha Sidha".
‘Siddha Tradition’ is based on ‘GURU SHISHYA PRAMPARA’ in
Hindu Philosophy and ‘Baba Balak Nath’ is believed the disciple of ‘Rishi
Dattatriya’ whose lineage is traced to ‘Rishi Attri’.
The Sidhpeeth in the Historical context:"Nav Nathas" and "Chaurasi
Siddhas" lived in the period 8th to 12th century A.D. In the 10th century A.D.
during their routine wandering in the hills, they visited Bharmour in Chamba District
of Himachal Pradesh during the reign of Shahil Varman. One of those—Charpat
Nath – became "The Rajguru" of Kingdom. The 8th and 9th century
A.D. Hindi Literature is enrished with the preachings of Sidhas likes Sarhapa, Sharhapa,
Luipa etc.
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