LesterKitamura4 at 14:15, 1 April 2026

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{{short description|Teacher of spirituality in northern India}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Haidakhan Babaji
| image = One of the first photos of Haidakhan Babaji 1970.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Haidakhan Babaji
| birth_name =
| years_active = 1970–1984
| death_date = {{death date text|14 February 1984}}
| death_place =
| website = https://www.haidakhandisamaj.in
| resting_place_coordinates =
}}
'''Haidakhan Babaji''', simply called '''Babaji''' by his students and devotees, was a religious teacher who appeared near the village of Haidakhan{{efn|Haidakhan is also spelt at times as Hairakhan because the central sound, ḍ, in the name does not exist in English and is something between the R and D sound.}} in northern [[India]] ([[Uttarakhand]]) and taught publicly from 1970 until his death in 1984. He has a following in the Western world, and two [[ashram]]s in India.

== Life ==

According to "The Teachings of Babaji", Haidakhan Babaji "appeared" in June 1970 in a cave at the foot of the Kumaon [[Mount Kailash]], across the [[River Ganges]], near a remote village called Haidakhan, in the [[Nainital district|Nainital]] District of [[Uttrakhand]], India. His followers maintain that Haidakhan Babaji is a [[Mahavatar]] – "a human manifestation of God, not born from woman."<ref name="Foreword" group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=foreword}}</ref>

It is reported that starting in late September 1970 Haidakhan Babaji spent forty-five days meditating in a small temple on the top of the Kumaon Mount Kailash "without leaving his seat."<ref name="Foreword" group=B/> In September 1971, Haidakhan Babaji, in a sworn testimony, convinced the judge of the court in Haldwani that he was the "Old Hariakhan Baba", thought to be active in that region in the years 1860–1922, and that he had the right to use the [[ashram]]s in Kathgaria and Haidakhan.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Shyam|1990|pp=125–135}}</ref> In 1971 Haidakhan Babaji started travelling across India, proclaiming his message, performing sacred ceremonies, such as [[yagna]], and attracting more devotees. This included celebrities, such as [[Shammi Kapoor]],<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Shyam|1990|p=158}}</ref> and gradually more Westerners.<ref group=B>See e.g. {{harvnb|Devi|2001}} and "Guru for Westerners" below.</ref>

Though some of his followers<ref group=B>See for instance: Orr, Leonard, 1988, 1995.</ref> believed he was immortal, Haidakhan Babaji died on 14 February 1984; local sources said it appeared to be of heart failure. He was buried in Haidakhan Ashram. This is how Babaji foretold and explained his death:

{{blockquote|My body is meant to dry up one day. This body is nothing; it is here only to serve people. […] Even my own body has come only to perform a duty to serve all human and all living things.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=2 February 1983}}</ref>}}

== Teachings ==

===Unity of Religions===
Haidakhan Babaji maintained that: "All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity and Love".<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=25 December 1981}}</ref> In his living years he taught intensively the importance to live a simple life with loving principles in truth. Although worshipped according to local customs, Haidakhan Babaji explained that he came to restore [[Sanatana Dharma]]. Sanatan Dharma can be understood as a primordial religion reflecting natural laws established at the beginning of the Creation.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=25 March 1983}}</ref> He explained further: "I have come to guide humanity to a higher path. I do not belong to any particular religion, but respect all religions. I seek the elevation of all mankind. "<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=29 July 1983}}</ref>

He stressed the unity of all religions as expressed in the following words: "In any town there is always a central place; all the roads in the town or from out of town lead to that central place. Similarly, all religions lead to one point, and that is God Himself; and therefore following any religion you will ultimately reach God."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=24 December 1981}}</ref> He said: "We are all one with each other and with God."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=2 April 1980}}</ref> Haidakhan Babaji said: "You should seek harmony in everything you do. I am harmony. Thank you for your love."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=12 April 1980}}</ref><ref group=B>For further details, see {{harvnb|Shyam|1990}}</ref> Haidakhan Babaji proclaimed: "One can follow any religion, one can follow any practice or path, but one must be humane."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=22 January 1983}}</ref> He said: "The world now is in a state of turmoil. It is suffering from three kinds of pain – physical, mental, spiritual – and there is only one way of being cured from these. We have to root out inhumanity and replace it with humanity. (…)"<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=23 September 1983}}</ref> He also made the following statement: "The only true man is one who practices 'humanism.' (…) this is the only way to success in life."<ref name="Ibidem_d" group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=29 October 1983}}</ref>

===Karma Yoga===
Babaji talked about the importance of hard work and proper performance of one's duty so often that Karma Yoga should be considered the central element of his teachings. Babaji used to say that: "Work is worship"<ref name="Babaji 1981" group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=23 October 1981}}</ref> and that hard work is the best [[spiritual practice]]. On another occasion he said: "If you are engaged in doing good deeds and go on doing good acts, you will have good sleep, good appetite and bad thoughts will not cross your mind. Otherwise, you will always be criticizing others. In inaction, your minds will always be engaged in thinking critically of others. Karma – activity – is the only thing which can drive out all evils".<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=17 November 1983}}</ref> Babaji also taught that "perfection in work" was the real meaning of [[Kriya]] Yoga.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=10 November 1983}}</ref>

===Japa Yoga===
[[Japa|Nama Japa]], the repetition of God's name, was a fundamental part of Haidakhan Babaji's teachings. He explained that God's name is the most powerful sound of the Creation – "more powerful than a thousand atomic and hydrogen bombs."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=26 December 1982}}</ref> – and that this is the only real thing. Haidakhan Babaji especially recommended the use of the [[mantra]] "om namaḥ śivāy" ([[Sanskrit]]: ॐ नमः शिवाय् )<ref group=B>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ginakim.net/graphics/OmNamahShivai_Babaji_45pc.gif |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224203444/http://ginakim.net/graphics/OmNamahShivai_Babaji_45pc.gif |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> – because of its protective qualities,<ref group=B>E.g. "Chant OM NAMAH SHIVAY and you can defy death." {{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=28 July 1979}}</ref> but also stated that one can use any God's name "his religion teaches".<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Devi|1990|p=6 Babaji's Teachings}}</ref> The mantra is always written internationally simplified as "Om Namah Shivay" in books about Babaji written in [[English language|English]] or other languages.<ref group=B>Maria Gabriele Wosien: ''Ich bin Du – Botschaften des Meisters vom Himalaya'', G. Reichel Verlag, {{ISBN|3-926388-23-4}}</ref>

===Forthcoming Great Changes===
Haidakhan Babaji warned his followers about the forthcoming Great Revolution or Maha Kranti. He described Maha Kranti as involving "earthquakes, floods, accidents, collisions and wars [...]."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=26 July 1979}}</ref> In the context of these upcoming calamities, he called for courage: "Walk on with courage and bravery. Go on working to improve humankind and establish the Path of Truth. […] Fight for truth! To face life you must have great courage every day".<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=16 January 1983}}</ref> Haidakhan Babaji urged his followers to be "inspired". He stated: "Everything in this world is 'PHURO' – transient. It has no reality. True reality is to proceed on the path of truth, to keep the company of saintly people, and to render service to men."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=31 August 1983}}</ref>

Babaji advocated on behalf of the less-fortunate. He stated: "you should look to the areas of your countries where people are poverty-stricken and helpless and then do all you can to raise their standard of living, teaching them cleanliness and high morals. To serve the needy truly and from the heart is true service to God. [...]"<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=20 April 1983}}</ref>

== Spiritual routine ==

Babaji would typically start his day around 3:00 am, with a bath, often in the cold [[River Ganges]], which was followed by meditation or a fire ceremony. Around 5:00 am he would see his devotees for ceremonial chandan (placing a mark on forehead), followed by morning [[Aarti]] (devotional singing) around 6:00 am. Then until noon everybody would be engaged in some form of karma yoga. At noon the only meal of the day was being served, followed by more karma yoga in the afternoon. Sometimes a more elaborate ceremony such as the fire ritual [[havan]] would be performed around the noon time.<ref group=B>{{Cite web|url=http://sanskrit.org/the-fire-ritual-havanhoma/|title = The Fire Ritual: Havan/Homa|date = 2 March 2014}}</ref> In the afternoon, Babaji would sometimes see devotees for individual audiences, known as [[Darśana|darshan]]. Then there would be another bath, followed by the evening Aarti. After the evening Aarti, Babaji gave short speeches that were recorded in "The Teachings of Babaji".<ref group=B>For more description of daily routines around Babaji see also {{harvnb|Devi|1990|pp=63–67, 73}}</ref>

== Identity ==

Babaji maintained that he was identical with the Hairakhan Baba (also spelled as Hariakhan or Heriakhan) who lived around Hairakhan in the years 1860–1922.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=Foreword}} See also {{harvnb|Shyam|1990|pp=50–65}}</ref> He suggested a few times that he was identical with [[Mahavatar Babaji]] described in [[Paramahansa Yogananda]]'s ''[[Autobiography of a Yogi]]''.<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Antonov|2008|loc=Foreword}}</ref> This claim is apparently disputed by the [[Self-Realization Fellowship]], the society founded by Yogananda.<ref name="RadheShyam" group=B>{{harvnb|Shyam|1990|p=xvi}}</ref> [[Gaura Devi]] recorded Babaji as saying: "I am no one's Guru, but I am the Guru of gurus."<ref group=B>{{harvnb|Devi|1990|p=9 Babaji's Teachings}}</ref>

==Guru for Westerners==
[[File:Haidakhandefwary.JPG|thumb|upright|Image of the [[deity]] Haidakhandeshwari in the temple of the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram near [[Crestone, Colorado]]]]

Babaji was introduced to many Westerners by [[Leonard Orr]], an exponent of immortalism and a founder of the breathwork practice of [[Rebirthing (breathwork)|rebirthing]]. Orr maintained that Babaji was an immortal; his belief system was shaken by Babaji's death from a [[heart attack]] in 1984.<ref name="Christof Dada 2017">{{cite journal |last=Christof Dada |first=Catharine |title=The physical Immortalist and the Guru who Died |journal=Body and Religion | publisher=Equinox Publishing |volume=1 |issue=2 |date=22 December 2017 |issn=2057-5831 |doi=10.1558/bar.32181 |pages=169–184}}</ref> His following is widespread in the Western world, with followings in countries including Austria,<ref name="Hindus and Hindu Religious Traditions in Austria">{{cite book | title=Handbook of Hinduism in Europe (2 vols) | chapter=Hindus and Hindu Religious Traditions in Austria | publisher=Brill | date=2020-07-07 | isbn=978-90-04-43228-4 | doi=10.1163/9789004432284_029 | pages=806–832| s2cid=242543421 | last1=Winter | first1=Franz }}</ref> Germany,<ref name="Bergunder Stiftungen 2006">{{cite book |last1=Bergunder |first1=Michael |last2=Stiftungen |first2=Franckesche |title=Westliche Formen des Hinduismus in Deutschland: eine Übersicht |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G-tdAI_EcqYC&pg=PA10 |year=2006 |publisher=Otto Harrassowitz Verlag |isbn=978-3-931479-76-3 |pages=10ff}}</ref> Italy,<ref name="Hinduism in Italy">{{cite book | title=Handbook of Hinduism in Europe (2 vols) | chapter=Hinduism in Italy | publisher=Brill | date=2020-07-07 | isbn=978-90-04-43228-4 | doi=10.1163/9789004432284_045 | pages=1098–1140| s2cid=242737099 | last1=Nencini | first1=Andrea Maria | last2=Squarcini | first2=Federico }}</ref> Sweden,<ref name="Hinduism in Sweden">{{cite book |title=Handbook of Hinduism in Europe (2 vols) |chapter=Hinduism in Sweden |publisher=Brill |date=2020 |isbn=978-90-04-43228-4 |doi=10.1163/9789004432284_062 |pages=1466–1485|s2cid=225594509 |last1=Sardella |first1=Ferdinando }}</ref> Switzerland,<ref name="Mayer1993">{{cite book |last=Mayer |first=Jean-François |title=Les nouvelles voies spirituelles: enquête sur la religiosité parallèle en Suisse |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tmn2yDLUYuMC&pg=PA16 |year=1993 |publisher=L'AGE D'HOMME |isbn=978-2-8251-0412-5 |pages=16ff}}</ref> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite book |last=Wildcroft |first=Theodora |author-link=Theodora Wildcroft |title=Post-Lineage Yoga : from Guru to #metoo |publisher=[[Equinox Publishing (Sheffield)|Equinox Publishing]] | publication-place=Sheffield | year=2020 | isbn=978-1-78179-940-6 |pages=20, 49, 123, 130}}</ref> and the United States, where the "Yogananda/Babaji Lineage" was established in multiple centres{{efn|These include the Haidakhan Samaj in the United States; the other centres would be related only if a connection with [[Paramahansa Yogananda|Yogananda]]'s Babaji is assumed.<ref name="Melton Jones 2011"/>}} by the time of the first American Hindu census in 2011.<ref name="Melton Jones 2011">{{cite web |last1=Melton |first1=J. Gordon |last2=Jones |first2=Constance A. |title=Reflections on Hindu Demographics in America: An Initial Report on the First American Hindu Census |url=http://www.asrec.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Melton_Hindu_Demographics.pdf |publisher=Association for the Study of Religion, Economics & Culture |access-date=7 April 2021 |page=16 |date=7 April 2011 |quote=Yogananda/Babaji Lineage: Self Realization Fellowship, Amrita Foundation, Ananda Church of Self Realization, CSA (Roy Eugene Davis), Cross and the Lotus, Haidakhan Samaj, Hariharananda Mission West, Hamsa Yoga Sangh, International Babaji Kriya Yoga Sangam (S. A. A. Ramaiah), Kriya Yoga Ashram (Swami Shankarananda Giri), Kriya Yoga International, Kriyayoga of Babaji (Guru Gyan swami), Self Enquiry Life fellowship, Temple of Kriya Yoga}}</ref>
An [[ashram]] dedicated to Babaji, the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, with a temple to the goddess [[Lakshmi]], was founded in [[Crestone, Colorado]] in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.babajiashram.org/about-us |publisher=Babaji Ashram |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
The musician Gopal Hari and his wife Ambika formed a group named Goma, performing Haidakhandi chants on their albums ''River of Grace'' and ''Sacred Source'', and a third album of the Haidakhandi [[Aarati]] (service of worship).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hari |first1=Gopal |last2=Ambika |title=Goma: Music |url=https://gomaretreat.wordpress.com/music/ |publisher=Goma |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

==Haidakhandi Samaj==

In India, the Haidakhandi Samaj, with ashrams at Haidakhan village and at Chilliyanaula (Chilianola), provides both communal living and to spread Babaji's message. The Haidakhan ashram, called "Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham", offers medical and dental services. The Chilliyanaula ashram, called "Anandpuri Ashram", offers free [[cataract surgery]], an [[ear, nose, and throat]] clinic, and dental services.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Haidakhandi Samaj |url=http://www.haidakhandisamaj.in/haidakhandi-samaj.php |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:IMG-20181118-WA0279.jpg|Navdurga temples and ashram near Haidakhan
File:Main Ashram of Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham.jpg|Main Ashram of Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham, Haidakhan
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==

===Primary and devotional===
{{reflist|group=B|22em}}

===Independent===
{{reflist|30em}}

==Sources==

* {{cite book |last=Antonov |first=Vladimir |year=2008 |title=The Teachings of Babaji |edition=Kindle}}
* ''Babaji Mahavatar.'' ''The Descent of Eternity into Time''. (1983). Shri Hairakhan Baba Prachar Sangh Foundation. Amsterdam. NL. {{ISBN|90-70867-01-X}}
* {{cite book |last=Devi |first=Gaura  |year=1990 |title=Babaji's Teachings |location=Allahabad |publisher=Haidakhandi Samaj}}
* {{cite book |last=Devi |first=Gaura |year=2001 |title=Fire of Transformation. My life with Babaji |location=Devon, England |publisher=Nymet Press |isbn=0-9541839-0-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Shyam |first=Radhe |year=1990 |title=I Am Harmony. A Book About Babaji |location=Crestone, Colorado |publisher=Spanish Creek Publications |isbn=0-9626421-0-X}}
* ''The Teachings of Babaji''. (1983, 1984, 1988). Haidakhan, Uttar Pradesh: Haidakhandi Samaj.

==Further reading==

* Berry, David. (1986). ''Have Guru Darshan''. VHS and DVD film. DB Productions.
* Caddy, Renata. (2012). ''Encounters with Babaji, Master of the Himalayas''. Findhorn Press. {{ISBN|978-1-84409-574-2}}
* Churchill, Pola. (1997). ''Shiva Mahavatar Babaji''. Los Angeles: Churchill Publications.
* Datt, Jai. (2014). ''Babaji - Only Love - 55 Late Portraits.'' Kindle edition.
* Farasiotis, Dionysios. (2011). "The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisos". St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood. {{ISBN|978-1-887904-16-2}}
* Giridhari Lal Mishra. (2011). ''From Age to Age: Stories of Haidakhan Babaji''. Powell's Books. {{ISBN|0-578-08546-1}}
* Goodman, Shdema Shivani. (1990). ''Babaji, Meeting with Truth at Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham''. {{ISBN|978-0-87418-039-8}}
* Minett, Gunnel. (1986). ''Babaji – Shri Haidakhan Wale Baba''. Stockholm, Sweden.
* Lal, Arvind. (2018). "Corporate Yogi: My journey as a Spiritual Seeker and an Accidental Entrepreneur". HarperCollins India. {{ISBN|93-5277-678-X}}
* Mahendra Baba. (2016). ''Arti to Babaji Mahavatar: Flames of Divine Love by the Haidakhandi's''. Kindle edition.
* [[Malhotra, Ashok]]. (2013). ''The Babaji Affair''. {{ISBN|978-1-4923-2955-8}}
* Mckellar, Geri. (2014). ''How to find your inner glow. A meditation with Babaji''. Kindle and paperback editions.
* Moriarty, Joe. (1984). ''All Our Teachers. The Melodies of Babaji''. Tape recording.
* Pritam (Piotr Rajski). (2004). ''Unity Beyond Division. Haidakhan Babaji's Message to the World''. {{ISBN|0-9685539-3-1}}.
* Pritam (Piotr Rajski). (2020). ''Truth, Simplicity and Love. Essential Haidakhan Babaji''. {{ISBN|978-0-9812582-2-5}}.
* Pritam (Piotr Rajski). (2022). ''Unity Beyond Division. Haidakhan Babaji for Christians''. {{ISBN|978-0-981258270}}
* Ray, Markus; Ray, Sondra. (2016). ''Babaji: My Miraculous Meeting with a Maha Avatar''. {{ISBN|1-68348-804-0}}.
* Ray, Markus; Ray, Sondra. (2020). ''The Perfection of Babaji''. Kindle edition.
* Reichel, Gertraud. (1988). ''Babaji – the Unfathomable. 108 Encounters''. Weilersbach, Germany.
* Romola Butalia ''Sri Babaji: Immortal Yogi of the Himalayas''. Motilal Banarsidass. {{ISBN|81-208-3257-4}}
* Taylor, Peter (2004). ''Shiva's Rainbow''. Ethos-UK. {{ISBN|0-9547064-0-4}}
* [[Maria-Gabriele Wosien|Wosien, Maria-Gabriele]]. (1990). ''Babaji – Message from the Himalayas''. Reichel Verlag. {{ISBN|978-3-926388-14-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Wosien |first=Maria-Gabriele |author-link=Maria-Gabriele Wosien |year=2020 |title=Babaji – I am You |edition=Kindle |publisher=Reichel Verlag |ref=none}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* Haidakhandi Community: https://www.haidakhandi.org/
* Babaji's UK website: https://www.ukbabaji.com/
* [https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Haidakhan+Babaji+Ashram/@29.2469954,79.6560874,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x39a0922ca7babfcd:0x31fd55a56c3ac634!8m2!3d29.2469961!4d79.6560878?hl=en Haidakhan Babaji's Ashram] on Google Maps.
* Haidakhandi Samaj India: http://www.haidakhandisamaj.in/

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Babaji, Haidakhan}}
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:People from Nainital district]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]
[[Category:Indian religions]]
[[Category:Kriya yogis]]

Haidakhan Babaji - Revision history

LesterKitamura4 at 14:15, 1 April 2026