Revan Nath, also known as Revananath, Revansiddhi Nath, Revan Siddha, Kada Siddha, and Kadhsiddheshwar, Siddharaj was the 7th or 8th Navnath. He is especially worshipped in western India, where several temples are dedicated to him, and several Sampradayas trace their origin to him, the best-known being the Inchegeri Sampraday. Vishnu’s command – When eighty-eight thousand sages were created, some part of Brahma’s semen fell on the banks of Narmada. There Chamas Narayana should appear under the name ‘Revan Nath’. Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System also acknowledges the great existence and work performed by Navnathas.

Who is Revan Nath

Revan Nath (also known as Revansiddhi) is the Great saint from whom this everlasting Guruparampara began. He was one of the nine great Yogis who were known as Navnath (Nine sages). He was the noble follower and a great devotee of Lord Dattatreya (Shree Datta is considered as one of the Gods in the Indian religion).

The incarnation of Revan Nath

In the past, eighty-eight thousand sages were born from the semen of Brahma. At the same time, a little semen fell on the earth on the banks of the river Reva/Narmada. Chamas Narayan entered it. As soon as he was born, he started crying. A man who had come to drink water on the river took him away. His wife put him to sleep next to her son with great joy. He was found on the banks of the river Reva, so he named it ‘Revan’.

Revan Nath and Dattatreya met at the age of twelve. As soon as Dattatreya touched him, he got full knowledge and remembered his previous birth. That is, he remembered that he is Chamas Narayan. After that Dattatreya gave some powers (Siddhi) to Revan Nath. i.e. gave some magical powers. Which he used to live comfortably. He also used that achievement to feed many people. He cured many ailments. His fame spread far and wide. So people started calling him Revansiddhi.

After some time, Lord Dattatreya preached the mantra in his ear and eradicated his duality. And included him in the Nath sect.

Revan Nath Etymology

Kada Siddha

According to one account, Revan Nath derived the name Kada Siddha from his Siddhi, spiritual powers:

A woman (called “Maiee”) was against all saints in “Karver” province. She used to trouble the saints who had acquired Siddhi (God gifted powers) and hence Revan Nath was requested by his disciple (Marul Siddha) to stop Maiee by using powers given to Revan  Nath by Shree Dattatreya. Revan Nath accepted this request, and converted “Maiee” to a musical instrument, which is said that, he used to play until his death. Due to his very kind heart and great powers with which Revan Nath stopped “Maiee”. Hence people started to call him Kada Siddha.

Kadhsiddheshwar

According to another account, Revan Nath settled on the Siddhagiri Hill for ascetic practice, living on whatever the jungle, gave him. He became famous as Kadhsiddheshwar:

• “Kadh” = Jungle;
• “Siddha” = Siddha, siddha guru, “one who is accomplished”;
• “Ishwar” = Shiva, the “Supreme Lord”.

Meaning “the one who attained supreme realization in a forest”.

Navnath Bhaktisar

Malukavi

A Marathi book, Navnath Bhaktisar (Published in 1819) by Malukavi contains a life sketch of Revan Nath. In the three chapters (34th, 35th, and 36th) of this book, one can see the descriptions of this story. Chamas Narayan -one among Nav Narayanas for the sake of the welfare of the world incarnated near Revateer and grew up in the family of an ordinary farmer. One day while engaged in agricultural work he had the vision of Lord Dattatreya and by his grace, he attained ‘Mahima Siddhi’ (occult power).

Miracles

On the basis of which he had performed several miracles. Therefore he became famous as ‘Revansiddha’ in that region. After some time Macchindaranath paid a visit to that region. Owing to the occult power tiger, lion, and other such wild animals forgetting their enemies were found to be with Macchindaranath. On seeing this, Revan Nath was flabbergasted.

Revan Nath realized that Mahimasiddhi that he had attained was not of any help. This could be accomplished only by God-realization (Brahmajnana). According to his wish, Macchindaranath took Revan Nath to Lord Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya initiated Revan Nath into spiritual life. Revan Nath spent some time in penance under the guidance of Lord Dattatreya and Revan Nath realized God and then Revan Nath went to Mogalayi, Kanchi, Balehalli, and other places. After that, for some time he lived in Vite-Renavi (Renagiri) of Mandesh.

Siddhanta Sar

Marathi Book

In another version, Some chapters related to the story of Revansiddha are found in the Marathi work ‘Siddhanta Sar’. This work was composed in the year 1713 A. D. (1635 Sake) at Kiamte-on the bank of the river Krishna in Vairatdesh, Maharashtra. Saraswatas opine that this work has been written by Kesarinath who was in the line of Macchindaranath. Revansiddha is incarnated from the phallic (Linga) of Someshwara. His disciple was Marulasiddha and Ekoram was the disciple of Marulasiddha.

Tradition of Siddhas

Thus the tradition of Siddhas began from Revan Nath according to this work. There was a woman called ‘Maiee’ in the region of Karaveer who used to scare and capture Siddhas by challenging them to drink poison which was with her. At the instance of Marulasiddha, Revan Nath drank all the poison and hence Maiee was defeated and surrendered to Revan Nath. Revan Nath initiated Maiee and released all the Siddhas. This story is found in many other works. Regarding this Revan Nath’s time there are different versions:

• The phallic of Chandramouleswara was handed over to Adi Shankaracharya by Revan Nath only and therefore Revan Nath must be regarded as a contemporary of Adi Shankaracharya.
• But R. B. Halakatti in his ‘Amaraganadhiswara charitregalu (P.70) indicates that Revan Nath lived during the lifetime of Bijjal (1157 A. D.-1168 A. D.). The palace of Bijjal began burning when Bijjal became arrogant and put boiling rice in the ‘Jolige’ (a kind of shoulder bag) and the fire got extinguished only when king Bijjal begged the pardon of Revan Nath.

Revan Nath’s Biography

Revan Nath was born at the bank of Reva River (Narmada River) and was brought up at a farmer’s house.

Mahima Siddhi

One morning Revananath proceeded to his farm, Lord Dattatreya gave him darshana, revealing himself. Guru Dattatreya recognized the boy as an Avatara being incarnated on earth and gave him special Siddhi, divine powers, called “Mahima”. After receiving this Siddhi, the farmer’s house was flourished with plenty of food grain, and prosperity, and Anna Chatra was also started.

Macchindranath, the first Nath of the Navnath Sampradaya, visited the village when he came to know about Mahima Siddhi. Macchindranath prayed to Lord Dattatreya to give the status of Brahma Sanatana to this boy. Revan Nath realized his Satya Swaroopa and proceeded to work for the welfare of the world, and the upliftment of poor and needy people.

The story of seven dead children

Function at Brahmin family

While on pilgrimage, Revan Nath arrived at one village by the name Vita (Near Sangli, in Maharashtra). In that village, there was a name ceremony function at one Brahmin family. They said Brahmin saw Revan Nath and cordially invited Revananath on the holy occasion of the naming ceremony of his son. Revan Nath decided to stay at Brahmin’s residence for a while when Revan Nath saw his love and respect. 

Why Brahmin is crying

The mother of the dead kid started weeping. Revan Nath heard the voice of her weeping and asked the Brahmin, who is crying, what happened? That Brahmin elucidated all his story to Revan Nath and explained about past history of his son that all the kids who took birth at his home were dead and this recently expired kid was his 7th son.

After listening to the story, Revana Nath interact with himself in his mind that how it could happen when I was present in the Brahmin’s house! After doing condolence there, Revan Nath assured the Brahmin and straightway approached Lord Shiva and brought Chaitanya of the seven dead kids therefrom.

Made alive the seven dead kids

Revan Nath made seven pieces of the dead kid and reinstated the Sanjivan Chaitanya therein, made alive the seven dead kids, and gave them rebirth by using spiritual power. Shri Revan Nath stayed for some more days in that village and thereafter proceeded for pilgrimage for divine duties i.e. welfare of needy people.

A similar story of the same seven dead children

Lord Shankar’s guards battled fiercely with Revan Nath. But finally, everyone including the Lord fainted due to the effect of the Vatakarshan Mantra. When Gandharva called Lord Vishnu for help, Lord Vishnu asked Revan Nath politely, “Revan, what is the reason behind the battle?” Revan Nath said, “The seven sons of a Brahmin from Vite village died at a very young age. The Brahmin is extremely sad. I want to take away that Brahmin’s sadness by making his sons alive again.”

Lord Vishnu said, “All those seven souls are in my contiguity. If you want to give them Sanjeevani then first prepare seven bodies.” Revan Nath agreed to it. He came back to Mrityulok and entered his own body. He narrated everything to the Brahmin. They wanted seven bodies. Revan Nath prepared seven bodies from the body of the seventh son. With help of the Sanjeevani Mantra, he put life into those bodies. All the seven souls came back from Heaven. Seeing the divine birth of their sons, the couple became very happy! Later Revan Nath gave those boys Diksha of the Nath Sampraday. (Even today in Vite village Revan Nath has extreme respect.)

Revan Nath’s Temples

Siddhagiri Math

Revananath is considered to have established the Kadsiddheshwar Temple and Math in the 7th century CE. Other accounts mention a history of “more than 1300 years”, and the 14th century CE when a Lingayat Priest established a Shivling at the hill, which became Kaneri Math.

It is located on Siddhagiri Hill in Kanheri village, Karveer tehsil, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra state, India. It is also called “Siddhagiri Math” The Siddhagiri Math was established around the Moola-Kadsiddheshwar Shiva temple in the Shaiva-Lingayat tradition. 

Lingayat tradition

In the 12th century, Math came under the influence of Basaveshwar, who established the Lingayat tradition of south India. Nowadays the influence of math exceeds most of the districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, and also to some places in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Part of Siddhagiri Math is the “Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum”, a wax museum dedicated to Gandhi’s ideal of rural life. 

Annual Ceremony

Warshik Maha Utsava (Annual Ceremony) is being celebrated continuously for 3 days over here and the said practice is observed in Revan Nath Darbar Kolhapur for 33 years regularly with all joy.

All spiritual rituals of Nath Sampraday are being arranged. The Annual ceremony comes in Margashirsha, Vadya Ashthami Navami, and Dashami as per the Hindu calendar which normally comes in the month of December every year as per the English calendar.

Other temples

• Revansiddha Temple was built in the 16th century and lies hardly three furlongs away from the village Renavi.
• Sidhhanath Temple, Kharsundi is of a relatively recent origin, being built 150 years ago.
• Lord Bhoodsidhhanath Mandir is located in Bhood, Maharashtra.

Sampraday

Inchageri Sampraday

The Inchageri Sampraday honors Revananath as the (mythological) founder of their sampraday.

The Inchageri Sampraday, also known as Nimbargi Sampraday, is a lineage of Hindu Navnath and Lingayat teachers from Maharashtra which was started by Bhausaheb Maharaj. It is inspired by Sant Mat teachers as Namdev, Raidas, and Kabir. The Inchageri Sampraday has become well-known throughout the western world due to the popularity of Nisargadatta Maharaj.

Nisargadatta Maharaj

Shri Nisargadatta started to give initiations in 1951, after a personal revelation from his guru, Siddharameshwar Maharaj:

Many wanted to become his disciples and get formal mantra-initiation from him, reverentially calling him “Maharaj,” “Great (Spiritual) King.” Yet he was reluctant to have disciples and serve as a guru. Finally, in 1951, after receiving an inner revelation from Siddharamesvar, he began to initiate students into discipleship.

Nisargadatta Maharaj attracted a broad following in the western world. He never appointed any successor, because he wasn’t allowed to appoint a successor. You have to remember that Nisargadatta hasn’t realized himself when Siddharameshwar passed away.

Western teachers regard Shri Nisargadatta

Nevertheless, several western teachers regard Shri Nisargadatta to be their guru. Shri Ramakant Maharaj says to be “the only Indian direct disciple of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj” who offers initiation into this lineage. He received the Naam mantra in 1962 from Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and spent the next 19 years with him.

Dnyaneshwar

Revananath initiated Sant Dnyaneshwar. (1275–1296), also known as Sant Jñāneshwar or Jñanadeva and as Kadasiddha or Kad-Siddheshwar Maharaj.

How Nivrutti became Nivruttinath

In a state of extreme distress, Vithalpant went to Triambakeshwar (near Nasik) with his family for performing worship at the Shiva temple. Triambakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas or luminary lingas of Lord Shiva. While they had gone for performing pradakshina (circumambulation) of the temple one night they encountered a ferocious tiger (in the thirteenth century the area was a deep forest).

Nivrutti wandered into a cave in the Anjani mountain where Gahininath, one of the nine Naths was staying for some time. In spite of his young age initiated him into the Nath sect.  With the initiation of nath panthi ‘Soham Sadhana’ which is the combination of Yoga, Bhakti, and also Dnyana. He instructed him to propagate devotion to Shri Krishna. That is how Nivrutti became Nivruttinath. 

Nivrutti initiated Dnyanadeo

In 1287 Nivrutti initiated his younger brother:

Nivrutinath initiated Dnyanadeo into the Nath sect and instructed him to write a commentary on Gita. Thus we have a unique situation of a fourteen-year-old Guru instructing his twelve-year-old disciple to write something which has become the hope of humanity.

Dnyaneshwar took Samadhi at the young age of 21.

Shri Muppin Kadsiddheshwar Maharaj

Shri Kadsiddheshwar was formally adopted by the 25th Virupaksha Kadeshwar of the Kaneri Math, Lingayat Parampara, and invested as the 26th Mathadheepati of the (Siddhagiri) Kaneri Math, Lingayat Parampara, in 1922 at the age of 17. He met Siddharameshwar Maharaj in 1935, who became his guru.

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Reference:

• https://spiritualcave.com/stories-of-navnath-9-yogis/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revan_Nath
• https://gurudevranade.com/kadasiddha/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inchegeri_Sampradaya
• http://navnath.net/eng_fram_36.html