09-21-2006, 05:20 PM
Nath is a family of spiritual sects originated from Hath Yogis. Some prominent Nath gurus have been Sri Goraksha Nath, Sri Matsyendra Nath, Sri Adi Nath etc. So I think Nath is a practice-based spiritiual following rather than a birth-based gotra/pravara etc. (which means one may become a Nath if wanted to and accepted by a Nath guru) Naths can be found all over India but prominently in Eastern-Northern UP, Haryana, Northern Maharashtra, W Bengal etc.