Alakh Niranjan is a religious slogan chanted by Nath Yogis and the people of Nath Sampradaya. The slogan was first used and popularized by Navnath (nine saints). It is originally a Marathi slogan. Nath Yogis and the followers of some other sects chant it when they meet another person or go to houses for alms. Other than Hindus, this term is popular among some Sikh sects also. Guru Nanak Ji used it to denote God.
Different Meanings of Alakh Niranjan:
The word “Alakh” most probably originated from “Alakshya,” which means “that which cannot be brought into the focus of vision” or “which cannot be seen.” Another origin could be A-Lakshana, which means “one with no attribute.” The word Niranjana also has many meanings, including but not limited to spotless, a lamp, pure, Supreme Being, free from attachment, devoid of darkness or ignorance, etc.
1. Therefore, the literal meaning of Alakh Niranjan is “invisible God” or “God without any attributes”, i.e., Brahman. As we greet each other by saying Jai Shri Krishna or Jai Shree Ram, Nath Yogis use it to greet each other as well as to remember God.
2. One more meaning of Alakh is “to arise.” Considering the context, it can also mean “to arise oneself and to arise others in the name of God (Paramatma) or “arise the purity in you.”
3. As Nath Sampradaya has its roots in Shaivism, it can relate to Lord Shiva because Shaivites believe that Lord Shiva is Brahman. Also, Niranjan is one of the names of Lord Shiva, and Shiva also means “pure.” Therefore, it could be a term to denote Lord Shiva like Har Har Mahadev.
Other spellings of the word Alakh are Allakha or Alekha.
Origin of Alakh Niranjan:
It is believed that Matsyendranath first coined this term, but it was Gorakhnath who popularized it, while some scholars believe it was Gorakhnath who first used it.
Movies:
The name Alakh Niranjan has been used in the titles of some Indian movies.
1. Alakh Niranjan (1975) – A Gujarati movie.
2. Bola Alakh Niranjan (2019) – A Marathi movie.
Therefore, next time you hear this slogan, remember its meaning and do not forget to tell others also.
References:
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/alakha#hindi
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/niranjana