Shri Lahiri Mahashaya

Shri Lahiri Mahashaya was born on 30 September 1828 in the village of Ghurani in the Nadia district of West Bengal, to his parents Gaurmohan and Muktakashi. Although he lived the life of a householder — with a family and a position in government service — he became one of the greatest yogis of modern India.

His fateful meeting with his teacher took place during a work transfer to the Himalayas, at Ranikhet. There he met Mahavatar Babaji, who initiated him into the sacred techniques of Kriya Yoga. This meeting transformed the whole of his life.

Babaji entrusted Lahiri Mahashaya with a particular task: to liberate both renunciates and householders through simple, accessible techniques of Kriya Yoga. Unlike the ascetics of his time, Lahiri showed that the highest spiritual realization is attainable even while fulfilling worldly duties — as an exemplary householder, husband, and father.

“Having received this great and immortal Kriya Yoga from Babaji, I have again brought it to life in this world,” he said of his mission. His spiritual work spread rapidly, drawing seekers from every walk of life, regardless of background or creed.

Lahiri Mahashaya entered mahasamadhi on 26 September 1895, the day of the worship of the Divine Mother Durga (Mahaashtami). His diaries, commentaries, discourses, and exemplary life remain a testimony to his immense wisdom and spiritual attainment. A number of his disciples carried Kriya Yoga forward — among them Swami Shriyukteshwar Giri and Shrimat Bhupendranath Sanyal Mahashaya.

Source: Kriya Yoga International ↗