Mahavatar Babaji

Mahavatar Babaji is a legendary, immortal yogi and guru believed to reside in the Himalayas, revered as a “Great Avatar” and a central figure in modern yogic traditions, particularly Kriya Yoga. Immortality and Appearance: According to accounts from his disciples, Babaji has lived for centuries, maintaining a youthful appearance (around 25 years old) without any signs of age. He can appear and disappear at will and move through time and space. Revival of Kriya Yoga: Babaji is credited with reviving the ancient, “lost” science of Kriya Yoga meditation in the modern age. This discipline involves specific pranayama (breath control), mantra, and mudra techniques intended to accelerate spiritual development and achieve God-realization. Guru Lineage: He initiated the nineteenth-century spiritual master Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in 1861 at a cave near Dwarahat (in the Almora district of Uttarakhand). This event is considered the “birthplace” of modern Kriya Yoga. The lineage continued through Lahiri Mahasaya to Yukteswar Giri, and then to Paramahansa Yogananda, who was tasked with spreading Kriya Yoga to the West. Spiritual Mission: Babaji’s mission is to guide spiritual seekers toward self-realization and inspire humanity to abandon materialism, war, and sectarianism. He is said to be in constant communion with Christ and other great masters, working to redeem humanity. Mystery and Identity: Little historical information is known about his life; his origins and age remain largely a secret, as he intentionally keeps his personal details private. He is known by many names, including Mahamuni Babaji, Maha Yogi, Tryambaka Baba, and Shiva Baba.