Haidakhan Babaji – Monk and spiritual guru from Uttarakhand who lived in the 1970s and 1980s

Haidakhan Babaji was a saint and spiritual guru from Uttarakhand known for his teachings during 1970 – 1984 till his death in the remote village of Haidakha and its premises. His principles include simple way of living, loving principles in truth, unity of all religions, importance of hard work and proper performance of one’s duty and all his teachings conclude in Karma Yoga. He had a huge list of followers including film celebrities like Shammi Kapoor. He was also known by the name Babaji and Bhole Baba, and Baba believed himself to be “Old Hariakhan Baba” who lived in the region during 1860–1922.

Haidakhan Babaji first appeared in a cave at the foot of the Kumaon Mount Kailash in Haidakha village in the early 1970s. In fact when he appeared for the first time in public as an enlighten yogi, after spending three months at the cave speaking very little, he meditated for long 45 days in a small temple on the top of the Kumaon Mount Kailash, and no one saw him leaving his seat for this period. He didn’t eat or sleep during this period. People started gathering around him, and started believing the spirituality of the yogi.

People started witnessing miracles which include healing of diseases, and could bring great spiritual changes in people. Many believers claim that he appeared at different places exactly at the same time. He claimed to be “Old Hariakhan Baba” and he also performed Hindu rituals like Yagna. He founded a spiritual centre at the foot of Himalayas in 1971. During 1970s-80s he travelled extensively preaching his principles of love, hard work and unity in religious beliefs, which was loved by all. Through his teachings he was able to attract people. He passed away on 14 February 1984, following heart failure.

Haidakhan Babaji – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. Nothing is known about his childhood and early life and no records available. Babaji is considered a real incarnation of God.

2. He used to refer himself with names – Old Hairakhan Baba, Messenger, The Guru of all Gurus, Mahavatar Babaji, Messenger etc.

3. His followers believed that he was not born from human womb as usual humans, and that he was a human manifestation of God. They also believed that he achieved Samadhi, not death.

4. He believed that he possessed a human body only to do service to others. He believed it to be his duty.

5. Though he performed local Hindu customs, he believed in Sanatana Dharma and his duty to restore it. He didn’t belong to any particular religion, but respect all religions.

6. Film actor Shammi Kapoor was a follower of Haidakhan Babaji. Many western folks also believed in Babaji and his spirituality.

7. In the early 1970s, he built a small spiritual centre and temple. Later a big park, 9 beautiful temples and cultivation lands were built, after he gained immense popularity.

8. He used to wake up at 3 am in the early morning, take a cold bath at Ganga river and gives darshan to his devotees from 5 am onwards. He performs different rituals after that. He often see individual audience in the evening.

9. He served a single meal throughout the day, and it was served during noon.

10. Though he has cleared his stand for not personally promoting any religious belief, he believed in chanting ‘Om Namah Sivay’ for meditation and strength, and also urged others to do the same.