Kanifnath

Kanifnath (Kanhoba) is one of the nine masters of the Navnath Sampradaya, widely venerated in Maharashtra. He is traditionally identified with Kanhapa of the Siddha lists.

Tradition/Life

The Nath accounts count Kanifnath among Matsyendranath’s disciples and credit him with yogic feats recorded in devotional literature. The hagiographies tell of his practice in the body of a king’s steed? — the popular tale belongs to the Kanhapa cycle — and of his protection of devotees. These are tradition narratives without historical documentation.

Teachings/Works

No authenticated works are ascribed to him. In Maharashtra he is remembered as a master of kaya-siddhi, the perfected body, within the hatha yoga tradition.

Legacy

The Kanifnath temple on the hill fort near Pune (Kanifnath gad) is an active pilgrimage site; his name is invoked in the Navnath recitations and in local calendars of the Nath sampradaya.

Verification notes

• Content derives from the Navnath Bhaktisar and regional tradition; the identification with Kanhapa is traditional, not established.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).