Babaji is a Mahavatar (the great incarnation of God) who stayed in a human body during 1970 – 1984. Like other great avatars, he came to relieve people’s sufferings and stop their self-destructive deeds, thus guide human beings to a higher path. Below you will find a simple introduction to Babaji, but remembering that language is never sufficient to describe His unfathomable grace, we can truly know Him through faith, openness and love. May you prosper on your way to God, Om namah shivay!

His holy appearance

Babaji appeared in a holy cave at the feet of the Kumaon mount Kailash across the sacred Gautama Ganga river from the remote village of Haidakhan in 1970. Later he was recognised and experienced by various devotees as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. 

Tapasya on a mount

Just after his appearance, he did tapasya on the mount Kailash for 40 days and nights. During his tapasya he ate nothing and barely drank. In his early life he was quiet and soft, always immersed in meditation.

showing miracles and showering blessings

After his tapasya his gratefulness and numeral miracles performed (including healing, giving visions and blessings ect.) attracted innumerable followers around India. People came for his darshan (laying eyes on a holy being), adored his beauty, asked for his blessing and expressed their love and affection towards him in a great sense. 

calling western devotees

Later in his life Babaji resided in Haidakhan. Although he never went abroad, he called a lot of western devotees to Haidakhan in his special way, by appearing in their dreams, through books and photos. People who were called by him felt strongly his presence, guidance and protection on their way from their own countries to Lord Haidakhan. 

Mahasamadhi

Babaji stayed in his physical body for 14 years, from 1970 to 1984. He left his body on February 14, 1984, and since then, he has been guiding humanity in an invisible form. His presence and teachings remain tangible to this day. Now, 40 years have passed, but devotees and ashrams worldwide are still very active, working tirelessly to do good for humanity, spreading Babaji’s message, and uplifting the spirits of those in pain and distress.

sweet discipleship

During this incarnation, Babaji did not have many disciples. He emphasized that the number of devotees is not important; just one courageous person is enough to change the world. There is only one Krishna, one Rama, and one Jesus. Moreover, it was often difficult for devotees to be around him. Babaji, the fire of transformation, resembled a strict father and a demanding teacher.

He taught in a unique way—not through extensive speeches, but through small actions, a few words, or even just a glance. His teachings were so subtle and personal that they could be understood only by the specific person for whom they were intended. In this manner, he touched the deepest core of his devotees, made them confront their defects, and thus, helped them become wiser and more perfect. Sometimes, he induced intense mental turmoil in a person until that person realized the lesson. At other times, he was extremely soft and sweet. As is written in the aarti: “Who doesn’t know your motherly love towards your devotees? He whose heart is tender and whose speech is very sweet, even whose punishment is very gentle, and whose body is tender from head to toe, I bow to him again and again.“

His teachings

During these 14 years, thanks to the efforts of some devotees, the public discourses given by Babaji on various occasions were recorded, compiled, and published as books, which are accessible in ashram shops and websites. In his teachings, there are a few topics that he often touched upon, indicating the importance of these spiritual rules in the life of a devotee who wishes to attain good results in their lives.

Kranti—the destruction

One of the most frequently mentioned topics is kranti, or destruction. Babaji repeatedly told the devotees to be alert, as destruction would come soon, taking the form of war and catastrophe.

repeat God’s name 24 hours a day!

Another important message from Babaji is to repeat the Lord’s name all the time, whether it’s Hare Krishna, Rama, Jesus, or Shiva. Babaji specifically left a mantra for people in the world, “Om Namah Shivaya,” for its protective effect. In his speeches, he continually stressed that we should repeat the mantra as often as possible, as it is like water that cleanses the mind, preventing negative thoughts from entering. Now, the practice of japa (repeating “Om Namah Shivaya” with the help of a rudraksha mala) is a common sadhana (spiritual practice) among the Haidakhandis.

Karma yoga

Another crucial message is karma yoga, the yoga of action. Babaji said that karma yoga is the supreme yoga and is based on the law of cause and effect, which is the foundation of the entire universe. Whatever we do in the morning, we can see the results in the evening. The seeds sown in the morning sprout by the evening. Therefore, actions performed to benefit others bear good fruit and never go in vain. Everyone should take courage again and again, practice karma yoga, and make progress.

By karma yoga, devotees resided in Haidakhan built up a high platform and temples through hard work.

we need unity

Babaji also stressed the unity of humanity and religions. He taught that God created humans in His image, making it unrealistic to differentiate between castes, races, or colors. Babaji said that we are all made of the five elements and share the same spirit. In all respects, we are one humanity, one human family. Limitations arise from political beliefs and world leaders, who are bound by time, place, and culture, thereby creating differences and separateness.

Babaji also said that one can follow any religion or practice any path. All religions are acceptable. By sincerely following one’s chosen religion, one can ultimately reach liberation, the highest abode of God.

Have Guru Darshan

Here’s a documentary film made by David Berry. The video shows how life was like in Haidakhan in those precious and deep times with our Bhole Baba.

om namah shivay…