It was G.W. Briggs who, in 1938, first wrote about Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis. The present volume should make an important addition to the study of the Nathas. At one time, the Natha Cult was an 'obscure religious cult. Now it is considered to be a significant phenomenon in the socio - cultural scenario of India. Though divergent views have been expressed by different scholars about the origin and propagation of this cult, the author of this book, Dr. P.K. Bandyopadhyay takes the view that it was the mingling of the Saivite tradition (Tantra) and the local cult of Dharmaraj in Bengal (Mahanad) during the days of Pala-Sena, that led to the emergence of the Natha Cult. 'Nada Sadhana' or search for the 'Anahata' sound is the essence of the philosophy of the Natha Yogis.