Mahavatar Babaji is revered as an eternal spiritual guru or yogi. Let’s delve into his early years and his journey to become a yogi. While there is no concrete evidence or precise information regarding Babaji’s birthplace or name, there are some stories claiming that he was born in Parangipettai of Tamil Nadu, in southern India and the name given to him was Nagarajan.
The legends say, Mahavatar Babaji gave Darshan to Lahiri Mahasaya (also known as Shyama Charan Lahiri) and taught him Kriya Yoga. The first reference of Babaji appeared in a chapter of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi.
It has been said that when Babaji was a little child, he encountered a Yogi, Yogi Gorakhnath, who taught him the fundamentals of meditation, spiritual awakening, and the deeper meaning of yoga. This Yogi, who was to become his first teacher, was crucial in shaping Babaji’s life. He was guided by Yogi Gorakhnath to reach Rishi Agastya and obtain Diksha.
Babaji was drawn to spirituality at an early age and stood out from his fellow children. Even at such a young age, he used to devote a lot of his time to meditation.
According to legend, Babaji wandered the Himalayan highlands and forests as a young boy, leaving his family behind. He encountered numerous sages and began practicing thorough meditation under their guidance. He became proficient in Kriya Yoga with practice and commitment. During Kriya Yoga, a person develops their spirituality and gains control over their body and mind. He accomplished something that very few individuals in this world can do in their lifetime.
According to certain fables, Mahavatar Babaji is continuing to live for centuries. Some stories claim that someone saw Babaji for the first time 2000 years ago. Only a handful of individuals have laid eyes on him, and all of them characterized him as being in the 18–25 age range. He is also referred to as Amar Baba or the Deathless Guru because it is thought that he has overcome death.
He used to mentor a select group of disciples, among them Lahiri Mahasaya, who in turn taught Swami Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda the lessons that Babaji had imparted to him.
In his Autobiography of a Yogi, Swami Paramhans Yoganand dedicated a chapter to Mahavatar Babaji, disclosing his teachings and way of life. And such is the way Mahavatar Babaji is known to and followed by people.
He stated in this autobiography that Babaji has given Yoga initiated to Shankara, an ancient founder of Swami Order and also to Saint Kabir, the medieval poet. He also states, “Mahavatar Babaji can be seen or recognized by others when he desires so. He is known to have appeared in many slightly different forms to various devotees, sometimes without beard and mustache and sometimes with them. As his undecaying body requires no food, the master seldom eats. As a social courtesy to visiting disciples, he occasionally accepts fruits or rice cooked in milk or clarified butter.”
It is said that Mahavatar Babaji educated Lahiri Mahasaya and delivered the Kriya Yoga teachings in this cave in 1861, which is located 25 kms from Dwarahat and 3 Kms from Kukuchina (Dunagiri Mountain) in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Kukuchina Village, the closest starting point for the cave’s trek, is where you must go in order to get there. The Cave is then accessible only after an exhausting hike up the mountain. This cave offers visitors a profound sense of tranquility. This is the ideal location for Kriya Yoga or meditation.
The trip is energizing and captivating due to the picturesque elegance of the nearby hills and valleys. Everyday pilgrims visit the cave to experience the ultimate spiritual existence of their own self.
Mahavatar Babaji’s impact has sparked a number of spiritual movements, such as the Yoga Satsanga Society and The Self Realization Fellowship (SRF), which were established by Paramahansa Yogananda to propagate Babaji’s teachings globally.
Babaji is known for his silence. He has mastered his mind and consciousness in such a way that he communicate telepathically or using impactful few words statements.
Legend has it that Babaji has achieved the Saurabh Samadhi which means he has become immortal and has the power to change his appearance whenever he pleases. He is said to be a youthful, attractive man with long hair, a luminous complexion, and eyes that are full of wisdom.
Many people also think that he is a heavenly incarnation who came to earth to share his teachings and impart Kriya Yoga as a means of spiritual enlightenment.
Although much about Mahavatar Babaji remains mysterious, he continues to inspire the people all around the world through his teachings and guidance.
Babaji’s cave is located in Kukuchina near Dwarahat. To reach there, you must reach Kathgodam first. You can choose the train, air or road route according to your preference. From Kathgodam, you must travel towards Kukuchina via Dwarahat. From Dwarahat, there’s a 3 km trek uphill to reach Mahavatar Babaji’s cave.
You can find comfortable and affordable homestays in Dwarahat and Kukuchina. You can book the accommodation online if you’re traveling on your own or you can book a package to Mahavatar Babaji’s cave with accommodation.
Babaji’s cave is a spiritual place where the devotees visit to perform Kriya Yoga or meditate. You can enjoy the following activities while visiting the cave:
Best Time to Visit
It is recommended to visit Mahavatar Babaji’s cave between April to June and September to November as the trekking paths are clear and the weather is pleasant during these months. Avoid the monsoon and winter season.
Kathgodam to Dwarahat
Dwarahat to Kukuchina
Kukuchina to Babaji Cave
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