Mahavathar Babaji – The Master of Kriyayoga

Pranams at the lotus feet of Babaji!

Chapter - 1

Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda in his ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ mentioned a brief introduction of Mahavathar Babaji who is the Master of Kriyayoga.  There was no elaborate information of Mahayogi Babaji, it was believed that he was born in Parangipettai in Tamil Nadu.  He is ageless and has the appearance of youth, living in the hills closest to Badrikashram, still gives Dharshan to committed and highly devoted spiritual seekers.  He has a fair complexion, crimson-colored long hairs stretched up to shoulders, wide and sparklings eyes, strong physique,  and broad shoulders.  He undertakes Samadhi/meditation most of the time, he is the preceptor of Shankaracharya, Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay, Yuktheshwar Maharaj and Paramahamsa Yoganand who have witnessed him during the Kumbhamela.  During childhood, Babaji was known as Nagaraj in his village,  once, he ate the fruit kept at home, without receiving permission from his mother for that he had to undergo severe punishment from her.  This incident hurt him deeply and it was one of the reasons he abandoned the interest in material life.   Later, he was abducted and sent to Kolkata to work as a slave under a wealthy man.  The person who bought Nagaraj as a slave was very kind. The wealthy man found the child is different and was released to live according to his wish.  Soon Nagaraj joined with the group of saints and holy men and learned their lifestyles, lived a life of Yogi, undertook several hours of meditation, learning scriptures, etc..  He visited various religious places with the groups of saints, learned scriptures, and undertook rigorous meditation.  During this period, he met Saint Gokarna, eventually, he attained Deeksha from him.  He had attained the highest spiritual state with his intense practices and meditation.  His preceptor Gokarna was highly pleased with the achievement of Nagaraj and advised him to meet Maharishi Agasthya.