Mahavatar Babaji | |
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 Mahavatar Babajimeditating in thelotus position – a drawing fromAutobiography of a Yogi, commissioned by Paramahansa Yogananda and based on his own meeting with Babaji. | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Unknown |
| Known for | Kriya Yoga |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| School | Yoga |
| Religious career | |
Disciples | |
Mahavatar Babaji (IAST:Mahāvatāra Bābājī;lit. 'GreatAvatar(Revered) Father')[a] is a legendary immortalyogi andguru, who is said to be living in theHimalayas. He is said to have taught multiple revered historic yogis, includingLahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895).[3][2] Babaji first became recognised through the writings ofParamahansa Yogananda, who devoted a chapter of hisAutobiography of a Yogi to Babaji and foundedSelf-Realization Fellowship, a modern yoga movement that Babaji is associated with.[2] The cave where Babaji met Lahiri Mahasaya, located nearRanikhet, is now a tourist attraction and place of pilgrimage in India.[4]: 170
There is little historical information about Babaji. According to Yogananda, Babaji has intentionally kept his birthplace and birthdate a secret.[2]
Mahavatar Babaji was on the cover ofThe Beatles' 1967 albumSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.[5][1][6] He can also be seen on the cover ofGeorge Harrison's 1974 albumDark Horse. SongwriterRoger Hodgson of English rock bandSupertramp composed a song called "Babaji" in reference to Mahavatar Babaji. This song was recorded and released on their 1977 albumEven in the Quietest Moments...[7] In Book 3 ofConversations with God (1998), byNeale Donald Walsch, it is mentioned that Babaji may at one time have resurrected himself from the dead, likeJesus.[8]
The 2002 filmBaba featured a fictional encounter with Mahavatar Babaji.[4]: 235, 314 The film was produced byRajinikanth, a devotee of Babaji.[9]
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