Showing posts with label Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 18, 2019




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 17


Yogiraj always receive five rupees after giving Dheeksha to his disciples, he takes ten rupees as Dhakshina from the widow's in order to perform curative procedures.  His wife Kashi Moni Devi, his two sons were the disciple of Mahashay.  There were Panchanan Bhattacharya, Keshavanand, Kevalanand, Vishudhdhanand Saraswathi, Kashinath Shastri, Nagendra Baduri, Prashanth Goswami, Ramgopal Mazumdar, Harinarayanphaladhi, Kailash Chandra, Bandyopadhyay, Ramdhayal Mazumdar, Mahendrasanyal,  King of Nepal, King of Kashi, King of Vardhaman, King of Kashmir, Kalikrishna Thakur, Gurudas Banerji like prominent people were his disciples.  There were many illustrious saints who had received lessons of Kriya Yoga from Lahiri Mahashay, they were  Bhaskarananda Saraswathi, Balanand Bhramachari, and  Sai Baba.  It is not evident that Sai Baba arrived in Kashi and attained Dheeksha from Lahiri Mahashay, Shirdi Sai Baba lived during 1838 -1918, Sri Sathyacharan who was the grandson of Lahiri Mahashay wrote from the diaries of Lahiri Mahashay gave Dheeksha to Nanakpankthi Sai Baba. 



King of Kashi and Baskaranandhji used to visit Thrailangaswamiji very often, Baskaranandhji heard about Shyamacharan Lahiri from Thrailangaswamiji, this made him meet Lahiri Mahashay, and he asked King of Kashi to bring Yogiraj to Kashi.  Baskaranandhji was not used to visit Lahiri Mahashay who was a Grihastha, King of Kashi took Lahiri Mahashay in his vehicle to Baskarandhji’s hermitage, and they both had detailed discussion about the practices of spirituality and Kriya Yoga.  Lahiri Mahashay while giving Dheeksha to his disciple, always check on the capabilities of his disciple, accordingly, he will give teachings on Kriya Yoga.  He explains the basic necessities for Yoga and he will check on his disciple who is following the basic rules, after that he will give lessons further.  Ordinary people cannot follow the basic principles. 



Swami Yogananda wrote about Kriya Yoga that it is an ancient technique of meditation and breath control/Pranayama, it quickens the human evolution, the practice of Pranayama helps human blood  to decarbonizes and recharge with oxygen, the atom of the extra oxygen is transmitted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. 





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 16


It is believed that women are too devoted and sincere than men in religious and spiritual matters.   Gyanaprabhadevi who was the wife of Bhagavathicharan considered Lahiri Mahashay as her God, she performs the daily ritual to the preceptor, and all her wishes were fulfilled with the blessings of the preceptor.   Once Mukundlal Gosh was afflicted with small-pox, his health became critical, the doctor tried his best to save the boy, but he was not in a position to get out of the bed, Bhagavathicharan lost his hope.  Seeing this, Gyanaprabhadevi came towards her child and showed him the picture of Lahiri Mahashay pasted on the wall and said “Son, offer your humble Pranams to Guruji” he was so weak, he could not even lift his hand.  She said “ No problem son,  offer your Pranams with all your heart.  I am sure you will be alright, God cannot take you away from me.” Mukundlal sincerely prayed to Lahiri Mahashay.  Gyanaprabhadevi poured out all her devotion to Lahiri Mahashay, the very next day onwards the child started feeling better and this child has become one of the famous Yogi known to the world as Paramahamsa Yogananda.  He built Ashrams in Mount Washington, Los Angeles, and California, and Ranchi and Puri in India, in order to spread self-realization and meditation techniques at the divine command of his preceptor Sri Yuktheshwar Giri and Mahavathar Babaji.



Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 15

Sri Avinash Babu was working as a clerk in Bengal - Nagpur Railway office, one day he had a desire to meet his preceptor, he applied for leave for a week, his senior officer was Sri Bhagavathicharan Gosh who had a son Mukundlal Gosh, he had divine powers from the early years of childhood, later he embraced Sanyasa and came to know as Paramahamsa Yogananda.   Yogananda was a disciple of Sri Yuketheshwargiri who was the disciple of Lahiri Mahashay,  he had the Dharshan of Mahavathar Babaji and with his blessings, he went to America to spread the practice of meditation and Kriya Yoga.  He organized many institutions for self-realization in America and was the author of famous work “ Yogi Kathamrith”.   


Avinash Babu was questioned by Bhagavathicharan “why did you want to leave for a week.”  Avinash Babu said, “ I want to meet my preceptor Lahiri Mahashay, my heart says so, I am feeling little disturbed in his absence.” Bhagavathicharan said “ Avinash Babu, stop your madness.  Karma is important than Dharma and Guru, Karma by which we are earning our livelihood. If you want to be successful in life, leave all this craziness behind and concentrate on your work.”  Avinash Babu felt so disappointed after listening to his senior officer. He understood that it is a waste of time to argue or request for leave again.  In the evening, Avinash Babu remembering his preceptor Lahiri Mahashay and walking through the streets Kolkata, he started hating his work, he was terribly upset.  On the way he met Bhagavathicharan, seeing his dull face Bhagavathicharan gave advises so that he may feel better, but Avinash Babu was not willing to withdraw his mind from the visit to his preceptor.  He was tormented by the memories of Lahiri Mahashay, they both walked for a long distance in silence and came into an open ground, suddenly a brilliant ray appeared before them, from the light appeared Lahiri Mahashay, he said “ Bhagavathicharan, you are too insensitive to your subordinate Avinash Babu,”  Avinash Babu seeing Lahiri Mahashay before him,  cried out for him and prostrated before him.  Soon that brilliant ray disappeared from the sight; Bhagavathicharan was in a great shock to witness all. Bhagavathicharan said “ Avinash, I am also taking leave and joining with you to Kashi.  I never knew that your preceptor could appear before us like this. Tomorrow I will be coming with my wife to Varanasi, will you help me to get Dheeksha from your preceptor.”  As planned earlier, Bhagavathicharan and his wife arrived in Varanasi, they prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay, he said “ Bhagavathi, you are too insensitive to your assistant,” this was exactly he heard while walking with Avinash Babu yesterday.  Later Bhagavathicharan and his wife became a devoted disciple of Lahiri Mahashay. 

Monday, June 17, 2019




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 14

Once, Ramgopal Mazumdar who was a disciple of Lahiri Mahashay appealed to Mahashay about his earnest desire   to meet Babaji, Lahiri Mahashay said “When the time comes, you will meet Babaji,”.  Ramgopal Mazumdar came to Kashi to meet Lahiri Mahashay who was surrounded by many disciples and devotees, it was almost dawn, it was the beginning of the first part of the night, Lahiri Mahashay said to Ramgopal “ You go to Dhashashvamedha Ghat immediately and wait there.” Ramgopal immediately left to Dhashashvamedha Ghat, though he wanted to know the reason for sending him in this first part of the night to Dhashashvamedha Ghat, later he thought there must be something important that’s why his preceptor advised him to go.  Ramgopal came in Dhashashvamedha Ghat and seated in a place.  Soon a rock rolled down from the stairs and went to nothingness, there was a cave appeared from the place where the rock fell down, a beautiful woman emerged out of the cave, she said “I am Mathaji, people address me in this name. I am the sister of Babaji who is the preceptor of Lahiri Mahashay.  He is going to be here soon for an important purpose.” Soon they could see a brilliant light in the sky from that Lahiri Mahashay appeared, in the same manner, one more brilliant light appeared and Babji came in to view, Ramgopal was stunned to witness them.  He could see the similarities in the appearance of Babaji and Lahiri Mahashay, there was the only difference that Babaji had long and reddish-brown hair.   Lahiri Mahashay and Ramgopal prostrated before Mathaji.   Babaji said, “Hail to you sister, I want to leave the mortal coil.” Mathaji said “I understood your wish that is the reason I am here to discuss it. Kindly do not leave your mortal coil.” Babaji and Mathaji had a discussion on this subject for some time.   Finally, Babaji said “Ok. I will not sacrifice my mortal coil.” After that, both of them disappeared from sight.  When Ramgopal came back to meet Lahiri Mahashay, he found that Mahashay was giving lectures on immortality, he did not move an inch from his seat.  Ramgopal prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay.  Mahashay said: “you wanted to meet Babaji so long, it was good that finally, your wish has come true.”

















Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 13


One day a man approached Babaji and said “ Gurudev, I was searching for you in the whole woods, I am here with an appeal to you, kindly accept me as your disciple,” Gurudev did not respond to his request, he became anxious seeing the silence of Babaji, he said “ If you did not accept me as your disciple, I will jump from this mountain and sacrifice my life.” Babaji said “ Do it. I cannot accept you as my disciple.” Immediately that person jumped from the mountain and sacrificed his life, it was an experiment conducted by Babaji on that person, thus he became successful in his test.  Later, Babaji said his disciple to bring his dead body, many disciples went down and conducted a rigorous search for the body and brought it before Babaji.  While everyone was watching in awe, Babaji put his hands on his head, his life was restored and he was brought back to normal, he prostrated before Gurudev.   At that moment Sri Kevalanandhji and Lahiri Mahashay were present before Babaji.  Babaji pleasantly said “You have passed in a difficult test, now you are qualified to remain as my disciple, death cannot touch you,”


Lahiri Mahashay used to talk about his preceptor,  “he is a divine personified on the Earth, Babaji is mercy personified, whoever remembers his name with devotion and faith would attain his blessings and guidance in spirituality.” Sri Yuktheshwar Giri who was a disciple of Lahiri Mahashay has seen Babaji in person several times.  Once Yuktheshwarji was attending the Prayag Kumbhamela to take a holy dip in Ganga, there was a huge crowd of saints and holy men as usual.   He saw a few of them were begging for alms, he felt disappointed thinking that there is no one true in search of Supreme spirit, Is this festival for begging alms? At that moment, one stranger came towards Yuktheshwarji and said “ Maharaj, one saint is waiting for you, kindly come with me.” Yuktheshwarji was spellbound, there was no one familiar to him in the Prayag, he asked “ Who is he?” the stranger said “ he is sitting under the tree.” He came forward to see the saint, where he could see Babaji who has great splendor sitting under the shade of the tree and few of his disciples were sitting around him, he came close to  Yuktheshwarji and embraced him, Yuketheshwarji felt some divine energy passing through his body, he felt supreme bliss,  Babaji said “ Sanyasin, kindly be seated,”.  Those days Yuktheshwarji was not initiated to Sanyasa, he was learning Kriya Yoga from Lahiri Mahashay, so  he said “ I am not a saint,” and Babaji repeated, “ kindly be seated.” There were lectures on Gita was going on, suddenly the saint said “You were writing Bashya on Gita, aren’t you?” Yuktheshwar was shocked, he never discussed this thing with anyone, he was surprised how did the saint know about it all, saint started speaking “you must be knowing Shyamacharan Lahiri living in Kashi, give my message to him, tell him that there is little time left, energy is draining,” Yuktheshwarji stunned and looked at Babaji. While leaving Babaji said, “I will meet you again.” Yuktheshwarji conveyed all the messages to Lahiri Mahashay after returning from Prayag, Lahiri Mahashay  while listening about Babaji went into a state of trance,  he said “ Yuktheshwar, you are really fortunate, you have seen my preceptor,” Yuktheshwarji was in an awe after listening to Lahirimahashay,  he had not even a single thought of meeting Babji who is a great master for whom several noble souls are yearning to meet him for several Yugas, he was not even thought of this fortune in his dreams, he felt so disappointed and hated himself for not bowing down his head before the great Mahapurusha.   Lahiri Mahashay understood the state of mind of Yuktheshwarji and said “do not worry, Babji already promised to meet you again, therefore he will definitely give his Dharshan, you finish your writing task.”   Yuktheshwarji built an Ashram at Srirampur/Serampur in Bengal; he finished his writing task in that hermitage.  One day he finished bathing in Ganga and while returning he saw Babaji under the shade of a tree surrounded by his disciples, he rushed to Babaji and bowed down his head at his lotus feet, Yuktheshwarji said “ Babaji, kindly visit my hermitage, and purify it with your presence .” He did not accept the request of Yuktheshwarji, so he said “Kindly wait here for some time, I will bring offerings to Guruji, so that I may achieve some piousness of feeding my Guru.”  Yuktheshwarji rushed to the nearby sweet shop, when he returned there was no one to be seen, he felt miserable.  Yuktheshwarji’s sorrow was visible to Lahiri Mahashay, he prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay.   Mahashay asked, “ did you meet Babaji at the door.” Yuktheshwarji said, “ No I did not meet him.” Lahiri Mahashay said “ See, he is standing there, waiting for you” Yuktheshwarji shocked to see Babaji is standing at the door and he was all smiling, his body has great effulgence, seeing Yuktheshwarji’s non-responsiveness, Lahiri Mahashay became anxious and said “ Yuktheshwar, you did not prostrate before Babaji till now.?” Babaji said “ Yuktheshwar is angry at me. Child, you were too emotional that day that was the reason I had to leave, I was behind the sun, you could not see me, keep practicing meditation,” saying so Babaji disappeared from their sight.




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 12

Lahiri Mahashay used to address his preceptor Babaji, who is Mahasiddha Purusha of this age, same as  Mahathapaji/Maharishi Mahathapa Paramahamsa, who is the preceptor of Swami Vishudhdhanand Paramahansa still resides in Ghyanganj Mutt in Tibet.  Babaji lives close to the shrine of Badarinarayan.  Babaji’s disciple Paramahamsa Yogananda wrote in his book ‘The Autobiography of a Yogi” about Babaji that there is not much information available about him.  Babaji speaks in Hindi but he is capable to handle all the languages effortlessly, he has assumed the simple name for him. Lahiri Mahashay’s disciple addresses him as Mahamuni Babaji, Maharaj, Mahayogi, Thraymbakbaba, and Shivbaba.  This Yogi’s body has no sign of age, he is always youthful like twenty-five year old, he has fair complexion, medium built, good physique, charming face, great effulgence, black eyes, serene face, and full of kindness, his long hair locks up to shoulder are reddish brown in color, his facial appearance is similar with Lahiri Mahashay.  Once, Lahiri Mahashay described Babaji to his disciple that he had given Yoga Dheeksha to Jagathguru Sri Shankaracharya, and Saint Kabir das as well.  Kevalanand was the disciple of Lahiri Mahashay described a real incident to Swami Yogananda.  One night there were few disciples were sitting close to fire pit with Babaji.  Suddenly Babaji took a blazing wood from the pit and struck on a disciple who yelled out of uncontrollable pain, Kevalanand said “ Guruji, why did you do such a merciless act.” Guruji said “his sinful deeds of previous births were burnt into ashes.” he put his hand on the wound of the disciple and removed his hand in a few minutes and there were no signs of the wound at all.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 11


Swami Yuktheshwar and Ram was a disciple as well as a close friend to Mahashay, once Ram was afflicted with severe infection and medicine was not helping him, Yuktheshwar selflessly served his friend, Ram’s condition became worse so he came to Mahashay and informed all about the distraught state of Ram.  Mahashay said doctor giving medicine and nothing to worry, he will be alright soon, Mahashay advised Yuktheshwar to continue his service to Ram. Yuktheshwar was felt relieved after listening to Mahashay.  One day doctor said that Ram cannot be saved, he may stay alive for another two hours.  Yuktheshwar extremely worried, he rushed to Mahashay, he was consoled by Mahashay that nothing will happen to Ram, he will be alright. Yuktheshwar saw Ram is getting worse every hourly, suddenly Ram woke up from the bed and said “ Yuktheshwar I am leaving, kindly tell Gurudev to bless my body,” soon he fell on the bed, Yuktheshwar became inconsolable, soon rest of the disciples of Mahashay came, Yuktheshwar rushed to Lahiri Mahashay to convey the demise of Ram.  Mahashay went to transcendental state after hearing from Yuktheshwar, the state continued for several hours,  after that he got up from the state the next morning and informed Yuktheshwar to collect a few drops of oil from the earthen lamp and put seven drops of oil in the mouth of Ram, Yuktheshwar said “ Guruji, he passed away yesterday afternoon. What I do with this oil?” Mahashay said “ Do what I say, nothing to worry,”.  Yuktheshwar returned with the oil, saw Ram’s body showing up the sign of life, he took the help of a disciple and put seven drops of oil in Ram’s mouth, immediately after the seventh drop, Ram’s body started moving, slowly he sat up on the bed,  Ram said “ I saw Mahashay in the ray of light, he asked me to leave sleep and wake up, he advised me to meet him immediately.” Soon three of the disciples came to Mahashay, he was extremely happy to receive them, he said “ Yuktheshwar told you not to worry about anything. I have told you two times, but you did not believe me, I do not want to interfere in doctor’s work, I hope you will keep stock of castor oil, it would keep the patient away from the mouth of death.”  Yuktheshwar and disciples prostrated before Mahashay, Yuktheshwar bow down before Mahashay and said “ Guruji, kindly forgive my mistake, I was ignorant, I could not understand the meaning of your words.”




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 10


 Lahiri Mahashay remembered the writings in Yogavashisht about supreme bliss.  The miseries, pain, and sorrows cannot harm the soul, it afflicts the body and sense organs.   The soul forgets its real nature of permanent bliss due to the ignorance and gets attached to the body and sense organs eventually suffer from pain, miseries, grief, and sorrow.   This material world is an illusion, we are soaked in the illusion, therefore, we forget the nature of the soul; we are acting as an instrument and move along with miseries, afflictions, fleeting happiness, sorrows, and grief.  All those sensual pleasures are short living,  they fasten humans more and more into the worldly bondage, ultimately they cause miseries, afflictions, and pain.  A person who understands the fact that the supreme soul who is the source of permanent bliss resides as the soul in all the living beings, so there is no difference in soul and the supreme spirit, eventually came to understand the eternal truth “Aham Bhramasmi”.  The person who understands the highest of the truth that there is no difference between soul and supreme soul, instantly relieved from the illusion and will not be tormented with the pain, miseries, or sorrows.  It is called knowledge of ‘Self’.  



Yogiraj Lahiri Mahashay used to demonstrate humility before his disciple; his home was a pilgrim place for all the pious people.  There were several people used to assemble to listen to his lectures on Bhagavad Gita.  There was Ramprasad Jaiswal who has the business of selling liquor was also one of his devotees of Lahiri Mahashay was present to listen to his speeches,  as usual, the pious people and Bhramin assembled were disliked his presence.  Once a scholar asked him “Don't you feel ashamed of yourself? Why do not you sit away, why are you sitting in the crowd of twice-born? move away from here, and sit in a corner.” Yogiraj felt miserable after listening to the harsh words of the scholar, he stood up from his seat, he called for Ramprasad and said: “ Ramprasad, come and be seated in my place.” Lahiri Mahashay changed his seat. Ramprasad was frightened to see one scholar shouted at him to move away, Yogiraj calling him to take his seat, he was so confused, he thought he must have made some grave mistake, seeing the pathetic situation of Ramprasad, Yogiraj said: “ Come here and take my seat.” He fell at the feet of Yogiraj and said “ Maharaj, kindly do not command me to do so. I cannot commit this terrible sin,”.  Immediately the Zamindar of Kashmipur, Rai Bahadur understood his foolishness, he rushed towards Yogiraj and apologized, and he moved towards Ramprasad and asked for forgiveness, later he took Ramprasad with him and made him sit with him.

Sunday, June 16, 2019




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 9

Yogacharya Dr.Ashokumar Chatterji in his book “ Purana Purusha” mentioned that Lahiri Mahashay was introduced  Sai Baba to Kriya Yoga. In the year 1886 after retirement from the work, he invested a major part of his life on Meditation and Kriya Yoga, during this period of time he had several visitors. Lahiri Mahashay never revealed the fact that he is a holy man, he enlightens people with the knowledge in scriptures, Veda, Dharma Shastra, etc.. Grandson of Yogiraj wrote in a book about the incarnation of saint Kabirdas in the three Yug.  Yogiraj used to write his diary in Hindi, not in Bengali, he does not believe in religion, though he was a born in a strict Bhramin family. He advises people that we are children of Supreme Lord, none of the wealth or possession is not ours and it’s not going follow us, one day we have to leave this behind, therefore always remember the supreme soul which is the ultimate asylum of all.  Everyone knows that Lahiri Mahashay never saw any difference between Hindu, or Muslim or Christian.


Lahiri Mahashay went to attend Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, he was roaming around with the saints and holy men assembled there.  Suddenly his eyes fallen on a heavy matted hair lock Sanyasin, in front of the Sanyasin his preceptor was sitting humbly and massaging the feet of Sanyasin. Lahiri Mahashay asked his preceptor “ Gurudev, you are serving this Sanyasin,”  his preceptor did not look at Lahiri Mahashay and answered “ Now I am massaging his feet, later I will clean his vessels, I am learning humility by serving knowledgeable as well as people of no knowledge.” Lahiri Mahashay understood that it was an instruction of his preceptor about service to noblemen, the Supreme Lord resides as the soul in humans, after this incident, Lahiri Mahashay had a tremendous change in his behavior.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 8

Lahiri Mahashay resumed his work at Benares after returning from Ranikhet, he sincerely followed the instructions of Mahavathar Babaji.   He concentrated on conducting lectures on Bhagavad Gita, and various scriptures.  He initiated many people into Kriya Yoga and Meditation, to the people from all religious faith, he had disciples from Hindu, Christians, and Muslim religion, though it was unusual for a twice-born to practice, he had disciples from various professions, and notable among were Sri Yuktheshwar Giri, Panchanan Bhattacharya, Pranavanandha, Keshavanandha Bhramachari, Bhupendranath Sanyal and parents of Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda.   The prominent people who received an initiation to Kriya Yoga were Bhaskarananda Saraswathi of Benares,  Balanandha Bhramachari of Deoghar, Maharaja Ishwari  Narayan Singha Bhahadhur of Benares and his sons.   After retirement from work he was teaching lessons on scriptures to the sons of Maharaja Ishwari Narayan for a monthly wage, an everyday ferry would come to pick up Lahiri Mahashay to palace, Girish Chand who is the senior officer to Maharaj Ishwari Narayan was aware of proficiency of Lahiri Mahashay, they were college mates.  One day Girish Chand said “ Maharaj, kindly take care of your preceptor very well, make sure he is honored and respected well,  Lahiri Mahashay is not an ordinary teacher, he is a great Yogi, but he is taking all efforts to remain simple and unnoticed.  I have seen and aware of his supernatural powers, kindly make sure to keep him comfortable.” Maharaj said “ I also think the same about Lahiri Mahashay. After seeing his knowledge and dedication I have understood about him thoroughly. He should not face any disgrace from anyone; therefore you should take care of this matter.”   Maharaj and his sons became disciples of Lahiri Mahashay, they believed that Yogiraj is a noble- soul born on Earth like Sant Kabirdas.  




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 7

Lahiri Mahashay returned to his work, people in the office were happy to see Lahiri Mahashay.  The last ten days Lahiri Mahashay was missing and absent at work, they thought he met with an accident in Ranikhet and passed away, his office mates continuously enquired his reason for absence, but he did not say anything about his life in Himalaya.  In order to pacify his office mate, he said “ I was lost in the woods. It was a new place for me; therefore I took the time to come back.”  After a few days, he received a letter from the head office that they wrongly appointed him in Ranikhet and soon he will be back in the office in Banaras, and the person who was in charge of the duty in Ranikhet will be appointed to work immediately.”  While returning from Ranikhet, he stopped at Muradabad at the request of his office mates, one day while talking one of his friends said “ There are no true saints today, all are taking pleasures in food and sleep.  It is frustrating to see them, they build a big hermitage and spread advice, and make fool of people.  A true saint will not touch the precious things like money, clothes, fruits, ornaments, etc…”  Lahiri Mahashay was sitting there said “ Your perception is wrong, there are true saints living in India, we are unfortunate to understand them, they stay away from the crowd and engages in spiritual practices, my preceptor is also one among them. I have attained a new life with his mercy.” He resumed the glories of his preceptor, but none of them believed his words.  Even though Lahiri Mahashay has attained the virtues of one of the supreme ascetics with the mercy of his preceptor and the piousness he had attained in previous births, like an ordinary person, he could not control his pride.  Listening to the hilarious comments of his friends he was so frustrated and said: “ I can ask my preceptor to be present here to prove you all.” No one listened to his words, he felt insulted and became so angry, he forgot that it is not advisable to perform any supernatural powers before these kinds of people who are not deserving the same or does not have divine sight to understand the supreme consciousness, Lahiri Mahashay went to a room and asked them to sit out of the room, “until you hear my call no one should enter or try to peep in what’s happening inside.” saying so he closed the door of the room, and started meditating.  After some time he could visualize a brilliant ray in the room, in that ray he could see his preceptor, he was not pleasant and said “ Shyamacharan, you have called for my presence for a group of non-believers and sinners, I am going now, never expect my presence for ridiculous matters like this in the future .”  Lahiri Mahashay felt terribly guilty and upset, he prostrated before Gurudev and begged for pardoning him, he wanted to make those people aware of the knowledge that there are still saintly people living on Earth.   Lahiri Mahashay pleaded before Gurudev, finally, he agreed for it, but warned him not to repeat, and assured to be present before him if he really feels the need of his preceptor.  Lahiri Mahashay opened the door, people looked at him in awe, one of the people said it is just an illusion it is not real, Gurudev moved among the people  and touched them, also offered sweet pudding, many of them were returned after consuming the offering, one person came forward and attained Dheeksha from Lahiri Mahashay.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 6


 Gurudev asked him to consume the meal, and instructed him to go to his cave and practice meditation, he went inside the cave and sat on the woolen blanket, Gurudev touched his forehead with his fingers, soon Lahiri Mahashay entered into a transcendental state.  In this manner, the practice of meditation continued for another few days.  On the eighth day, Gurudev said “My task is over, you have to return from this place very soon.  In fact, I have persuaded your head office to send you here to finish this task, so that you can attain Dheeksha.  They will call you back to join the duty.  ” Lahiri Mahashay was anxious to hear all these and said “ Gurudev, kindly do not send me back, kindly give me an opportunity to serve your lotus feet.  I wish to live in your presence,” Gurudev said “ No son, you have to go back, not like a Sanyasin, you should remain in Grihasthashram and perform service to society.  Many people will approach you for Dheeksha.  Seeing the devotion of a  Grihastha, they will understand the fact that even the Grihastha can attain the highest achievement in spirituality with the knowledge of self and knowledge of Bramham. You need not be away from Grihasthashram. You have already freed from that bondage.  Always remember to give Dheeksha to an appropriate disciple.  In order to attain the knowledge of superconsciousness, everything can be sacrificed.”  After this incident Lahiri Mahashay undergone drastic changes, he does not want to go back to Karmakshethra, leaving this blissful abode of spirituality. He sincerely prayed to Gurudev should keep him as a disciple with him, Gurudev understood the mind of Lahiri Mahashay, he said “In this birth, you have attained an abundance of supernatural powers of several births. I did not bring you here until your marriage took place.  You should continue your life as an ideal Grihastha. Several people will approach you to learn Kriya Yoga and meditation.  You should make them aware that even the Grihastha can perform Yogic practices, when you give Dheeksha to your disciple, always recite these verses of Gita to them about Nishkamya Karma, which keeps away the soul from sufferings, agonies, pains, sorrows and repeated births, always give lessons to deserved people who are ready to sacrifice everything for the attainment of knowledge of self and knowledge of supreme soul, these are the requirements of the people who want to receive the knowledge of Kriya Yoga.”  The time has come to leave his preceptor, Lahiri Mahashay started weeping like a child, The preceptor said “ You are not leaving for once and all, I will always be with you, whenever you think of me, I will be there for you. You need not worry about the separation at all.” 





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 5


Lahiri Mahashay sat near the lake, soon the snow started falling heavily, water current of river Vegvathi has increased, and he could hear the growling of wild animals.  He realized that his body temperature is increasing slowly; he continued to stay like that for some time. A Brahmachari came near Lahiri Mahashay and give a set of Dhothi and asked to follow him, he said, “ Gurudev is waiting for you.”  He walked with the Bhramachari for some time, suddenly he saw a marvelous sight, Lahiri Mahashay asked, “ is it going to be dawn?”  Brahmachari said “ It is mid night, the light you are seeing from Swarna Mahal, it was created today for a specific purpose by Gurudev.  You will get Dheeksha from this Swarnnamahal today, so that all your worldly bondage will disappear from now onwards.”  Lahiri Mahashay with raising heart beat arrived and stood near the Swarnnamahal, he was mystified by the sight, the fortress was decorated with various gems, the sparkling gems created an illusion of dawn, there were many saintly people standing at the door, there was an extremely rich fragrance in the air, inside the fortress he could visualize numerous saints and holy men sitting and meditating, the whole area was decorated with lamps, brilliant rays emitting from the body of holy men and saints, there were children reciting Vedas, everything looks  super natural, he never imagined in his whole life that he would witness this kind of magic.  He moved forward through the Swarnnamahal and found Gurudev, he immediately prostrated before him, “ Son, wake up, today all your worldly bondage will be removed, you will be enlighten with the knowledge of the supernatural world, You will be receiving Dheeksha  on Kriya Yoga to attain the knowledge of supreme bliss,” saying so, Gurudev spread his hands near the fire pit, instantly the whole place near the fire place filled with flowers, before the glowing fire place, Gurudev offered Dheeksha on Kriya Yog to Lahiri Mahashay.  After receiving Dheeksha, Lahiri Mahashay looked around the Swarna Mahal to his heart’s content and sat at the feet of  the preceptor who said “ Shyama Charan, close your eyes and keep silence,” after some time he was opened eyes at the instruction of his preceptor.  At that moment, there was no Swarna Mahal, no holy men, or no Vedic chants.  He was sitting in the cave before his preceptor and his disciples.  It was quite astounding for Lahiri Mahashay, he was recollecting all those marvelous sights from his memory once again. 





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 4


One day Shyamacharan Lahiri received a notification from his office, found that he is transferred from Dhanapur to Ranikhet, he left the family behind Kashi and left to Ranikhet.  Those days commuting was not easy, there were no railway lines, so he had to adopt various means of transport to reach Ranikhet.  Once he was settled in Ranikhet, he used to watch in awe the beauty of Himalaya, he walks for some time.  One day he went for a walk and moved up to Dhruvgiri, soon he heard somebody is calling him by name for once or twice, but the voice reverberated in the whole area for several times.  He was so surprised and went to check the person, Lahiri Mahashay conducted a rigorous search for the voice in all surrounding areas, after some time he saw a young man standing on the top of the hill, and he was showing gestures to come up.  Lahiri Mahashay went up to the hill but he could not recognize the youth, he said “ I was calling out your name. You did not recognize me?” Lahiri Mahashay said, “ No, I do not  know you.”  He took Lahiri Mahashay to a nearby cave. He showed the woolen blanket and Kamandalu and said: “ Could you recognize these items?” Lahiri Mahashay said “ No, Maharaj, I could not understand you or any of these items, but you know my name. How?” Babaji said “ I know you very well, I have brought you from Dhanapur to Ranikhet, after some days you have to return to Dhanapur,” Lahiri Mahashay was surprisingly watching at him, he was standing like a statue and watching at the astounding youth.  He touched the forehead of Lahiri Mahashay, with the single touch his body roused with divine energy; slowly he could regain all the memories of the past rushed in.  Soon Lahiri Mahashay understood that in his previous birth, he used to conduct Tapasya in this cave, the Kamandal and the woolen blanket were used by him, he used to meditate by sitting on it, his face shone with extreme bliss, he immediately prostrated before the youth and said “ Gurudev, I have recollected all those memories, this cave was my field of spiritual practice, kindly forgive my ignorance.” The youth continued “ I was waiting for you for the past forty years.  After leaving this place I was following you like a shadow, I was watching you from the day you have born, now only you have come to me, now I will perform purification process, drink some oil from the vessel, and wait near the lake,” he followed the instruction of Babaji and went to lay near the lake. 




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 3

There were three illustrious Yogis highly remembered and discussed in Bengal for the past hundred years, they were Sri Loknath Bhramachari, Shyamacharan Lahiri, and Swami Vishudhdhanandha.  These Yogis had several numbers of disciples, hence the glories of their preceptors came into light.   Yogiraj Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay was born on 30th September 1828, in Ghurni village, in Nadhiya district, Bengal.   There were two children in the first wife of his father Gaur Mohan Lahiri, one was a daughter and another was a son.  After the death of his first wife, Gaur Mohan Lahiri remarried to Mukthakashi and Lahiri Mahashay was born as the first child to this pious Bhramin couple.   In the year 1833,  Jalangi river near to his birthplace changed its course and swept off the Lahiri properties, one of the Shiva shrine built by this family was also disappeared into the depth of river Ganga.  Later, one of the devotees found the swirling image of Lord Shiva in the water and installed it in a new shrine in Ghurni village.  Gaur Mohan Lahiri left the Ghurni village and settled in Benares, he built a Shiva temple in Benares, conducted worship, he continued a Vedic way of living, reading scriptures, the performance of ceremonial rites, observance of charity, etc.. Lahiri Mahashay has done schooling in a Bengali institution found by Joy Narayan Goshal, he learned English, Sanskrit, French and Bengali, later he joined in Sanskrit college and attended Sanskrit lessons. He had a great interest in learning scriptures and attending lectures on scriptures given by the famous scholar Nag-Bhatta.  Lahiri Mahashaya learned lessons on Upanishads and scriptures from Nag-Bhatta.  There was a neighbor Debnarayan Sanyal who was close to this family.   In order to firm their relationship between the families, they decided to perform the marriage of the children within the two families.  In the year 1846, Shyamacharan Lahiri married to Kashi Monidevi who was the daughter of Debnarayn Sanyal.  This couple had two sons and two daughters.   At the age of 23, in the year 1851 Lahiri Mahashay was appointed as an Accountant in the Military Engineering Department of English Government.  He attained great success in career life and spiritual life too. He had to work in various places and arrived in Dhanapur, as a play enacted by the supreme Lord.  Suddenly, there was chaos among the family members about the family wealth after the death of his father,  Lahiri Mahashay was a peace-lover, he entrusted all the family properties with his stepbrother and left.  He bought a house in the Garudeshwar Mohulla in Benares. 




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay



Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 2

Shyamacharan Lahiri thought the officer did not know about his spiritual practice, he will understand when the time comes.  One day office peon arrived at the table and said “ Babu, officer calling you.” Seeing Lahirimahashay, Officer said, “ Pagala Babu, you are a brilliant personality, I think you know astrology, your words became true.” Lahiriji understood the inner meaning of the officer’s words, he looked at him surprisingly and asked: “ What’s that has become true sir.” Officer pleasantly said “ You have told me about my wife that day was true, she is alright now, she has already started flying to India. Actually, I was extremely worried about her health conditions. After receiving her mail I feel so relieved. Let Madamji arrive, I will introduce you to her.”  After fifteen or twenty days of this incident, once again Lahiriji was called in the chamber of the officer, where  Lahiriji was received with a wide smile and introduced to a lady who was sitting in a chair.  Immediately, Madamji jumped out of her seat with a sudden shriek “ Oh! My God!” the officer asked “ What? What did happen?” she asked Lahiriji “When did you come?” officer surprised and asked, “why are you asking Pagala Babu?” Lahirimahashay understood all that meant by Madamji, without saying anything he went out of the chamber.  Madamji resumed “ It is quite surprising to me, I think I am somewhere in the magical world, while I was severely ill in England, I saw this person standing close to my bed and putting hands on my forehead, I was shocked to see him at our house, he was a total stranger to me, another day he gave me help to sit on the bed while my health conditions were improving I felt quite surprising." While helping this gentleman said to me “ daughter, you are alright now, you will not have any problem, your husband in India is really anxious about you, write a letter to him right now, tomorrow arrange with your travel agency to book a ticket on the next available flight to India, you proceed to India at the earliest, otherwise your husband will resign the job and come back to you.”  she continued " after saying so he vanished from my sight. I did not even get a chance to ask his whereabouts, where is he staying, how did he know about you, etc.. I was in a dream world at that moment; I am really shocked to see him here.”  Officer did not get surprised at all after listening to his wife.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 1

Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri was working as Accountant in Military Engineering Department of British Government, Dhanapur.  He was holding a bundle of files waited before the chamber of the higher official and asked “May I come in sir?’ he could not hear any response from inside, so he directly went inside the chamber and kept the files on the table and came out.  The higher official was looking through the windows worriedly, after thirty minutes Lahiri Mahashay entered the room with some more files, saw the officer was really anxious and restless, the officer said “Today I am not in a frame of mind to work; you can keep the files on the table and leave.”  Lahiri Mahashay earnestly requested “Sir, is there anything bothering you? If anything I could help you to relieve your tension, if so I am happy to do that.”  The officer took a deep breath and said “ Pagla Babu/crazy young man, I have received a letter from England, my wife is seriously ill. I do not know what to do. If I was there I could have taken good care of her.” Lahiri Mahashay said “I was thinking something is bothering you deeply. I could understand the reason for not touching the files.  I will come after some time.”  After listening to Lahiri Mahashay, the officer became pleasant.  All the workers in the office address Lahiri Mahashay as ‘Pagala Babu/Mad officer, he always immerses in himself, he always speaks gently with a smile, eyes always remain half closed, some people used to call ‘Anandmagna Babu/man of joy, he always immerses in bliss. Lahiri Mahashay was never seen worried or anxious in all his life.   After some time, Lahiri Mahashay saw that the higher officer opened the door and said “today I am not going to do any work, please do not disturb me. I will be doing the file work tomorrow.”  Lahiri Mahashay said “Ok. Sir, you need not worry about anything. Madam is alright now.  She is writing a letter to you today. You will be receiving her mail by the next post.  She is preparing to fly from London at the earliest flight, she will be arriving soon immediately after the availability of the ticket. ” The higher officer was looked at him with a smile and said “You are giving me an explanation as if you have met her in England. Pagla Babu, I did feel better after hearing from you. Thank you very much. May your words become true! Now you can go to your seat.” Shyamacharan Lahiri understood that the officer did not believe his words.