Choti-diksha

Choti-diksha

One of the main dikshas in Nath Tradition, which allows the student to fully enter the tradition and join the society of sannyasis and sadhus.

Choti means small or short, this name is due to the fact that, firstly, it symbolizes the initial initiation into sannyasa (small diksha), and secondly, during this initiation the hair of the adept is cut off (completely or left very short), which means a new path and abandonment of worldly sanskaras.

Choti-diksha includes the transmission of the ritual whistle nadi-janeu, which is used to honor Guru, Gorakshanath, deities, samadhi (burial places of saints). Guru who transmits this diksha is called Choti Guru, and sadhu who has this diksha is called Aughar. The ritual whistle integrates external prana with the internal practice of the adept, which is important for kaya-sadhana practices.