Guru Gorakhnath is also known as Gorakshnath. He was a Nath Yogi from 11th to 12th century. There is also a town named after him Gorakhpur. Nath literature was started in Gokhakhanath dhra. According to Gorakhpanthi literature, Adinath himself is considered as Lord Shiva. Guru Matsyendranath, who pursued the tradition of Shiva correctly. This is considered in the Nath community. Guru Matsyendranath, was the only person who pursued the tradition of Shiva correctly.
There are differences among scholars about the birth of Gorakhnath. Rahul Sankrityayan considers his birth as the 13th century of 845 AD. The beginning of the Nath tradition is very old, but this tradition from Gorakhnath got a streamlined expansion. Gorakhnath's Guru was Matsyendranath. Both are considered to be prominent in 84 provinces.
Before Gorakhnath there were many sects, who merged in Nath community. In addition to the Shaivites and Shasters, Buddhism, Jainism and Vaishnava Yoga Margi also came in their sect.
Gorakhnath has given more importance to the work of yoga and his compositions in yoga. Through these he taught the importance of Hatha Yoga. Gorakhnath used to experiment with the body and mind.