Mahavatar Babaji

Mahavatar Babaji is a legendary yogi venerated as the founder of the Kriya Yoga lineage. According to the Kriya Yoga tradition, Babaji is an immortal mahavatar (great incarnation) who has lived for centuries in the Himalayan regions, guiding spiritual seekers. The name 'Babaji' is a respectful title meaning 'revered father'. While not mentioned in ancient Vedic or Puranic scriptures, his existence is primarily known through the 1946 book 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda, which describes Babaji as the guru of Lahiri Mahasaya, who revived Kriya Yoga in the 19th century.

Some traditions identify Babaji with the ancient sage Agastya, who is revered in the Ramayana and Puranas as a great yogi and author of many hymns. However, this identification is not universally accepted. Babaji's iconography depicts him as a youthful, radiant yogi with long hair, often seated in the Himalayas, sometimes with a third eye symbolizing spiritual insight. He represents the ideal of spiritual mastery and immortality, embodying the goal of Kriya Yoga: union with the Divine through disciplined meditation.

Babaji is not associated with any consort or vahana, and his worship is primarily through the practice of Kriya Yoga techniques and the mantra 'Om Mahāvatār Bābājī Namaḥ'. Devotees believe he appears to sincere seekers in various forms. In Hindu cosmology, Babaji is considered a siddha (perfected being) who has transcended the cycle of birth and death, serving as a living example of the potential for human spiritual evolution. His teachings emphasize direct experience of the divine through pranayama and meditation, as outlined in the 'Kriya Yoga teachings' attributed to him.

While not part of mainstream temple worship, Babaji is revered worldwide by followers of Kriya Yoga, and his influence extends to modern spiritual movements. The tradition holds that Babaji continues to guide humanity from his Himalayan abode, fulfilling the role of a cosmic teacher.

Depicted as a youthful, radiant yogi with long hair, often in the Himalayas. Sometimes with third eye. Serene, transcendent expression.