Macchandanātha: Yuganātha of Kali
Nitin Ajithkumar, Abhiram P. K., Nithyamol K. V. and Dr. R. Ramanand
Abstract
The existence of the Tāntric tradition, both mythically and historically, owes itself to the efforts of great beings and the paramparās that they set into motion. In traditional narratives of Tantra, these mythical figures are seen to be central in the contextualization and the continuity of the tradition itself. Among them, the Yuganātha stands apart due to his pre-eminence and his singular contribution in revitalizing the Tāntrika landscape, literally and figuratively, especially the Kaula-based Tāntric traditions. Several references are made in the Tāntrika scriptures to the Yuganātha, who appears in every Yuga to transmit the Kaulāgamā. In this sequence of legendary beings, Macchandanātha finds his place as the Yuganātha of Kali-yuga. The paper discusses the meaning and significance of the concept of Yuganātha, drawing references from various texts, both literal and implied. It is further established that Macchanda or Matsyendranātha is the Yuganātha of Kali, especially keeping in mind the reference to the same by Mahāmaheśvarāchārya Abhinavagupta in his magnum opus, Śrī Tantrāloka. A brief overview of his mythical origins and his contributions is also given in this paper to highlight the nature of the influence a Yuganātha has in establishing the Kaula tradition and deeply influencing other traditions.
Keywords: Macchandanātha; Matsyendranātham; Yuganātha; Kali Yuga; Kaula.