In Search of Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave

August 8th, 2009

The following is a count of my journey to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave in Dronagiri area in Himalayas. I took the trek on 29th of July 2009 along with my Father. After several visions and signals from the Masters, I finally made the trek deep into the Mountains at about 9000 feet.

To view photos from my Trek to Babaji’s Cave, please click here.

Leaving Rohtak for Haldwani
After I could not make the trek to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave in Pandukholi region during my visit to Almora, Himalayas in 2007 – I had accepted the fact that the time had not come yet for me to visit. During my summer 2009 vacation, I was determined to make the trip and after a small hiccup, it materialized into reality. I will try to be as faithful in remembering the little details as possible and provide you with my experiences during this extraordinary journey that I took with my Father.

My Father and I left Rohtak on Sunday, 26th July 2009 at about 10 AM for Haldwani where we would stop for the night. The drive from Rohtak to Haldwani takes about 7 to 8 hours and is about 340 KMs (337 in our case) if there are no traffic problems. The route is:

Rohtak to Delhi to Ghaziabad onwards to NH 24 all the way through Hapur, Muradabad, Rampur, Bilaspur, Rudrapur to Haldwani. We stopped at Haldwani for the night where an old colleague and friend of my Father Mr. Bisht lives. Haldwani is the last stop in the plains on way to Nainital and surrounding areas and is known as the Pravesh-Dwaar (entrance) to the Dev-Bhoomi Uttaranchal (now Uttrakhand). It connects plains to the Kumaon region of the mighty Himalayas. The next morning was rather hot and muggy as we left Haldwani at around 10 AM for Almora. The drive was scenic as it normally is anywhere in Himalayas. By then we had learned that Monsoon rains had mostly evaded the state of Uttaranchal, but as we started ascending the mountains on NH 87, we noticed raindrops on our wind shield. Due to landslides that had occurred earlier, the normal route (via Bhimtal) to Almora had been closed to public and we had to take a detour and go through Ranikhet and enter from the backside of Almora. On our way, 4 ladies asked for lift to Pilot Baba’s Ashram that was on the way. We gladly accommodated them and dropped them at their destination.

Visit to Haidakhan Ashram, Ranikhet
As we reached Ranikhet, my Father and I decided to pay our respects to Haidakhan Baba and visit his Ashram on the outskirts of Ranikhet. To visit the Ashram, one must enter the Ranikhet Cantonment and take the low road from the Main roundabout beyond the Sadar Bazaar. Here we found another older Gentleman who we asked for directions and we ended up offering him a lift into Ranikhet until the point where the 2 KM slip road took us directly to Haidakhan Baba Ashram. Since it was a cloudy day, we could not see any of the peaks Nandadevi, etc.) that are usually visible from the Ashram on a clear day. We spent about 30 minutes at the Ashram and I meditated for about half an hour. After paying our respects, we left the Ashram at 2:05 PM for Almora in hopes of making the trek to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave the following day. Little did we know that it was not yet to be. We arrived at Almora at 4:03 PM (odometer 474 KMs).

Fury of Rain Gods
Later that night in Almora, my Father and I both woke up to the sound of raindrops. The next morning turned out to be immensely cloudy and carried dense fog. We could barely see the terrace of the floor beneath ours. The clouds were below us and it felt as if we were in heaven for a moment. At times the floating clouds seemed to enter our hotel room and the very next moment the rain would stop giving us a bleak hope of setting out for Pandukholi where Babaji’s cave is located. The day, however, stayed dismal and rainy for most of the time and by 10 AM we had dropped the plan of making the trek. Later that night, the TV news predicted heavy rains during next 48 hours in the state and my father even suggested that we leave the following day if rain gods continued with their fury. To our relief, rains finally gave way to a light drizzle at about 4 PM. We finally left the hotel room to take a walk on Mall Road and also visited the Almora Market. Before retiring for the night, my prayers seemed to be getting answered as I finally saw the mountains in front of us that had stayed hidden behind clouds for most of the day. The heavy cover of clouds seemed to be saying goodbye to the mountains and I thanked Babaji for keeping my hopes alive of making the trek the next day.

Bright and Sunny 29th, Trek to Babaji’s Cave
Bright sunshine greeted us the next morning as we woke up to almost clear blue skies. We left soon after our breakfast of Poori Bhaaji at 8:39 AM. Kukuchina was 86 KMs of drive from Hotel Shikhar, Almora. To reach the trekking point, one must leave Almora on NH 87 and pass through Ranikhet and continue towards Dwarahat. From Dwarahat, one must bear right towards Dunagiri Temple and continue towards Pandukholi. We reached Dunagiri Temple at 11:25 AM (odometer 557 KMs) and Pandukholi was still 5 more KMs to go. After driving for a few more minutes we reached Kukuchina, which is the last village before the 2 KM walk to Rathkhaal where the trek begins. We had a cup of hot Himalayan tea at Joshi Tea stall. Mr. Joshi, who runs the shop, carries Himalayan hospitality and a welcoming smile on his face. We were surprised that he remembered us from our brief stop from 2007 when I had failed to make the trek. We discussed the conditions and the weather in the mountains and requested him to arrange a Jeep ride along the 2 KM narrow path to take us to the trekking point. My Father and I decided against taking our own Ford Ikon car considering the extremely narrow and hilly path that, in my opinion, should either be travelled on foot or in a vehicle with 4-wheel drive.

Jeep Ride to Rathkhaal, facts about the Area
On many occasions, I thought the right tire of the Jeep would slide and slip over into the Valley taking all of us along and not to mention, I kept murmuring Babaji’s name all through the nerve-breaking Jeep ride. Once the Jeep dropped us at the point where the YSS (Yogoda Satsang Society) board pointed towards the Cave up in the mountains, we chanted Babaji’s name and began our trek at 12:07 PM (Tuesday, 29th July 2009). Those who wish to get an idea of the geography and the trek must understand a few things. Babaji’s Cave is unlike most of the other sacred places such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, etc. which are visited by thousands of people each year. You will even find people in Almora area that have not heard of Babaji’s cave up in Pandukholi area. The area in particular is 86 KMs. from Almora and the trek requires sincerity, strong will, devotion and intuitiveness on your part. YSS (Yogoda Satsang Society) along with others have done a great job in putting up a few boards and laying out a very basic raw mountain path, but one may still get easily lost if not attentive and intuitive.

Trek begins to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave
As we started climbing the stony and narrow path along the mountain edge, I felt a surge of strange energy and did not feel any fatigue all through the trek whatsoever. My father took frequent breaks while climbing and I went along capturing the extraordinary Mountains around us through the lens of my camera. Somewhere mid-way during our trek, it started raining heavily and we had to take out our raincoats from my backpack. Climbing a mountain path such as this one could be very dangerous especially when it’s raining. Rain along with pine needles along the path can make the mountain surface very slippery as we discovered during our trek. Interestingly, I slipped more than my father. May be his mountain skills acquired during childhood when he used to climb mountains in Kashmir, helped him along the way. After the rains became too heavy, I said a little prayer to Surya Dev (Sun) and whispered Surya Mantra so the sun would shine and rain would stop. Lo and behold within a minute or so, the rains subsided and sun came out. I was grateful to Babaji as it made the climb a little easier especially for my Father.

Mahavatar Babaji Smriti Bhawan
After an hour or so of climbing through the forest, we came to an ashram, which turned out to be Mahavatar Babaji Smriti Bhawan established on the hilltop by YSS (Yogoda Satsang Society) on 25th July 2002. An elderly couple that met us in front of the Bhawan told us that the Cave was further up, about a couple minutes climb from the Smriti Bhawan. We also ran into a group from Andhra Pradesh that was visiting Babaji’s Cave. Their driver gave us the key to the Cave’s door after I convinced him that we would lock the Cave door and the Smriti Bhawan and hand the key over to a keeper that lived in the village down in the valley. Initially my father suggested that he would rest at the Bhawan and I should continue up to the cave, however, I did not think that he came all the way up here to miss out on visiting the sacred cave. After my suggestion, he accompanied me up.

Arrival at Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave
Finally we saw the steps and the door of the Cave. I asked my Father to do the honors and unlock the door. As soon he opened the door, a sudden rush of energy went through me as I saw the interior of the sacred Cave. On first look, one could say that 4 to 5 people could easily sit next to each other in the Cave. We noticed that drops of water were trickling down from the cave top, which we attributed to the recent rain. Although YSS has put up a marker, gate and the steps, the cave itself is natural and could be thousands of years old. I would like to refrain from making any claim on this, however. Since the plastic spread inside the Cave was wet, we decided to spread our raincoats and sit on them. I sat in the Lotus pose (Padamasana) and was immediately lost in a trance. One does not have to try and meditate as it comes naturally where one almost feels being present on a different plane far away from the mundane world. The silence and the grace that prevailed within the cave were unlike anything I had experienced before in my lifetime.

“It’s time to leave”
Call it the fury of the weather gods or Babaji’s signal to leave – within about 15 to 20 minutes clouds started thundering in the most threatening way and we knew that rains were imminent. I finally opened my eyes and my Father suggested that we get a move on. After taking a few pictures and paying our respects, we locked the door and descended back to the Smriti Bhawan. To our surprise we found that the group of people we had met earlier was still inside the Ashram where we also decided to stay put until the rain ceased. The Smriti Bhawan had 3-4 rooms where one could stay overnight. Since the rains were heavy outside, I decided to sit and meditate inside the Bhawan where a couple of other people from the group were already meditating. Within about 30 minutes, rains gave way to bright sunshine and we decided to leave.

Energy Circles
Later while viewing the photos, I found one photo clicked after another where energy circles could be seen on my right. I discussed this with my Uncle, Dr. Rajeev Kaushik, who is a Sahaj Yogi and has recently published a book with Rupa Publications on Kundalini Yoga describing his experiences and revelations. He explained that such energy circles and usually seen at charged and sacred places where sages have done tapas or establish their presence in astral form.

Losing our way in the forest
In a stroke of wisdom, I suggested to my father that we leave the group behind and be on our way. Little did I realize that the descent back to the village would be even trickier than the climb up. Due the rain, the mountain paths were filled with water and we both slipped at a few places. I tried to be more than alert despite handling my camera and capturing the serenity and beauty of the mountains and trees around us. At a sharp turn, we came to a narrow path off the mountain where despite my strong suggestion; we turned left per my Father’s instinct. It wasn’t too late before we realized that we had not come this way during our climb up. Instead of descending the part of the mountain on our right we had confused the surroundings and were actually heading in a totally strange direction. After ascending the mountain and then descending again, we found ourselves headed straight to the valley into deep forest. At one point we could even see a house in front of us at some distance away, however, it was on the other side of the mountain and it was not possible to reach it unless one crossed the forest that lay at the bottom part of the mountain that we were on.

I then suggested to my Father to bring back his mountain-instincts and guide us out of this predicament. As I mentioned earlier, he had climbed many mountains during his childhood in Kashmir, which at that time was full of wilderness as well as animals. He took a moment to study the surroundings and then eventually with some input from me, we headed to our right and started climbing the part of the mountain that lay ahead of us. It was my understanding that it would bring us back to our original path. At some places, we had some serious hiking on the cliff of the mountains that was also wet from recent rains. I was also worried about my Father and his ability to climb at such rough spots.

Himalayan Hospitality
By Babaji’s grace, we went through the rough path and also crossed a small waterfall hidden deep within the mountains and eventually ended up in a small field of Turnips. In front of us – lay a villager’s hut who, to our good fortune, was inside the hut and having his lunch at the time. My father told them that we were coming back from Babaji’s Cave and had lost our way in the mountains and requested him to show us the correct way to reach Rathkhaal and then Kukuchina. Before he showed us the correct way, he stressed more than once that we join him for lunch or tea at the least. We politely thanked him for his generosity and went our way after getting directions. This along with other minor incidents strengthened our faith that people in the mountains were still filled with the hospitality, trust and kindness that has almost disappeared from the plains.

After descending through another rough spot that was filled with water and stones, we reached the 2 KM stretch (Rathkhaal) that would take us to Kukuchina where our car stood parked near Joshi Tea Stop. Earlier we had taken a jeep ride to save time and avoid any fatigue before beginning the trek; however, we decided that it was best to walk back to Kukuchina so we could cherish the beauty and serenity of the sacred mountain.

Guide welcomes us!
On a lighter note, I later pointed to my Father a little incident that had happened earlier while were inside the Smriti Bhawan up in the mountains after our visit to the Cave.
Father had mentioned about the challenges involved in our trek (from the heavy rains to the difficult trek) and I had casually remarked back (almost boasting) “what more challenge can Babaji present us with?” We chuckled later that Babaji indeed gave us another small challenge by making us take the wrong route and getting us lost in the forest. Lord works in mysterious ways to teach us lessons, both big and small in life.
Our trek back became very tiring due to the extra fatigue we had to undergo after losing way up in the mountains. We took frequent breaks and just sat in silence to breathe in the mountain air. At one spot, we came across a Black Dog who was waiting on the edge of the mountain by a boulder and came running towards us as we approached that spot. Since I have never been close to dogs (that’s another story), my father cajoled him into making him go away. On a very interesting note, the dog stayed ahead of us all the way to Kukuchina and even stopped and waited for us as we took breaks during our trek back on the stony Himalayan path. We both had our own ideas about the dog, which would be later revealed to us by Sh. Netraballabh Joshi at Joshi Tea Stall.

Arrival back at Kukuchina
After about 55 minutes, we arrived at Kukuchina at 3:30 PM and Mr. Joshi greeted us with a smile. My father was quick to request 2 hot cups of Himalayan tea and a couple pieces of bread to chase away the fatigue of the trek. We also met Shri Netra Ballabh Joshi with whom we held discussion on Mahavatar Baba, Mahabharata, Ashwatthama, and other related topics. Some excerpts from our conversation can be viewed on Youtube in form of Part 1 and Part 2 . He also told us about the dog that had been guiding visitors on the 2 KM stretch back to Kukuchina for a few years now. I silently bowed down to the humble creature for his generous services and we later fed him with Biscuits and Bread as a small token of our gratitude.

The extraordinary day ended when we finally took leave of Joshis, bowed down to the Dronagiri Mountain and Mahavatar Baba in reverence for making this trek possible. It was once in a lifetime experience and one must physically go there to feel the energy, aura and blessings of the Dronachal Valley and Mahavatar Baba.

Arrival back at Almora
We left Joshi tea stall at 3:55 PM (odometer 562 KMs) and arrived back at Almora Hotel at 6:44 PM (odometer 648 KMs). If anyone has any questions about the trip or our trek, feel free to contact me through this website. May Babaji guide us and bless us.

Important pointers/interesting observations about/during the Journey

• Before you begin the trek, I highly recommend that you stop at Joshi Tea Stop at Kukuchina. Mr. Joshi can provide you with any guidance needed for the trek.
• Be prepared to face Kaanwariyas on NH 24 if you travel during the month of July. They can cause serious traffic problems and 1-lane is usually reserved and shut down for them. This is the period during which Kaanwariyas celebrate their Shivratri.
• Do NOT make Almora your base camp like we did. Best place to stay is Ranikhet. Pandukholi is only about 55 KMs (as compared to 86 from Almora).
• People in the mountains may frequently ask you for lift. This might be considered out of question in the Northern Plains. We were surprised when an elderly mother asked lift for her newly wed daughter!
• Even the simplest and financially challenged person may turn out to be the most hospitable and courteous. Such is the culture in Himalayas!
• It is best advised to not undertake the trek during Rainy season, but if you are as daring as us, do not forget to pack raincoats!
• Lastly, I would quote what I once read in an article. “Leave your cold intellect behind before approaching the sacred and serene mountains.”

Om Namah Shivay.

Gautam Dhar/Anupam Dhar
8th August 2009, Rohtak, INDIA
Trek date: 29th July 2009

Links:

In Search of Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave: Photos

Videos of my conversation with Shri Netra Ballabh Joshi: Part 1, Part 2

NOTE:

I would like to make a request that this web-site is only meant for informational, learning and entertainment purposes. Please do not post inflammatory comments or start any controversies, or slander any fellow people on this site. Such comments shall be DELETED and users will be BLOCKED. If you wish to engage in defamation and inflammatory topics, then you are at the wrong web-site

Peace

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161 Comments so far

1. on 09 Aug 2009 at 7:51 am 1.dhilip said …

   hi thanks for sharing your experiences…

2. on 09 Aug 2009 at 10:27 am 2.Sapna said …

   Extremely Informative. Your India trip was after all fruitful. You were lucky to be there …

3. on 09 Aug 2009 at 10:45 am 3.dhilip said …

   hi can you share your feelings in detail when u sat in meditation inside cave..did u feel the presence of babaji? did u see his physical presence?

4. on 09 Aug 2009 at 9:24 pm 4.Piyush said …

   Hi Gautam,

   What a wonderful account of your visit to Dunagiri and Babaji’s cave. Most fascinating. It was also highly interesting to see photos of the energy circles. I have seen some circles in my photos of Dunagiri, but never investigated them further…

   Thanks for a wonderful account. Look forward to meeting you sometime at Dunagiri.

   Piyush.
   http://www.dunagiri.com

5. on 09 Aug 2009 at 9:27 pm 5.Piyush said …

   Hi Gautam,

   What a wonderful and descriptive account of your visit to Dunagiri and to Babaji’s cave. It was particularly interesting to see photos with energy circles…i have seen circles in some of my photos of Dunagiri but never investigated them…taking them to be rain-drops or dust-spots.

   Look forward to meeting you on one of your next visits to Dunagiri.

   with best wishes,

   Piyush
   http://www.dunagiri.com

6. on 14 Aug 2009 at 8:26 am 6.vacaspati said …

   we had visited the cave in the month of april. the masters of the universe always open the ports for such sacred journeys at the time u physically and spiritually are ready that is why ur darshan happened on ur second outing. what u saw is merely the portico of a much larger tavern which had labyrinths in which mahavatar’s dera resided when it was visited by lahiri mahasaya. the route u have taken shows that u had to follow the path of lahiri mahasaya by approaching the cave through ranikhet. we managed to stay at dwarahat itself not at the yss ashram but on the route to kukuchina, dronagiri called hotel mayank, which incidentally is run by a person who also runs an ashram on the foothills of dronagri just outside dwarahat where there is a shrine for Sai Babaji which is Sai Baba of Shirdi and Mahavatar babaji.

   We had already visited the birth place of Mahavartar in the year 2003 which is in parangipettai (chidambaram dist, tamil nadu) and had to wait for 6 long years for ths special visit to the cave but it happened so fast that images of our visit are so fleeting we can scarce believe that we have achieved this unique journey to the temple as well as the cave.

   in photographs there are patches in corners that occur which are explained by photographers as refractive lens errors however in our almost ten years of pilgrimages and photographies such refractive errors have happened very rarily and in the case of our visit to parangipettai we did notice such errors. cosmic vibrations are supposed to by picked by kirrillian photography using special thermal sensors and there were such vibrations in abundance along the path to the cave which were much more intense in the cave and peaking towards the inner wall. the most important observation is that ur mind seems incapable of thought and u don’t really remember what u felt inside the cave in that sense the cave is a spiritual warp. hope that ur next visit u can stay in dwarahaat itself and enjoy the vibrancy of the dronagiri itself.

7. on 14 Aug 2009 at 11:14 pm 7.Jacob said …

   very beautiful dear friend!

8. on 16 Aug 2009 at 11:09 am 8.Gautam said …

   Thanks for sharing your count and thoughts, vacaspati.

9. on 17 Aug 2009 at 9:55 am 9.Venkat said …

   Thanks a lot for sharing such wonderful pictures and your experiences. Pictures are very wonderful and informative to people like us who are at the other corner of the world.

10. on 17 Aug 2009 at 7:42 pm 10.Haresh Pandya said …

    Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope and pray that I be able to visit that cave some day.

11. on 21 Aug 2009 at 12:48 pm 11.Gautam said …

    Thanks Piyush Sir. God willing, we shall surely meet there next time!

12. on 02 Sep 2009 at 11:46 am 12.Suraj Prabhakaran said …

    HI Gautamji/ Anupam,

    This article was amazing. I have read the Autobiography of a Yogi many times and all the chapters are fresh in my mind! The cucumber story, the tiger swami, St. T. Neumen, the woman who never eats and the university degree to name a few of my fav chapters. This entire journey was more interesting read as it carried the actual beauty of the rubbled path above to our dearest Babaji. Call his name and there would be an instant blessing – Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasya once said and I love following it..You look graceful in the picture and u seem to understand the beauty of the Guru’s teachings and their mysterious help flowing for ages and ages to we characters playing our part! In all they were one of the best to ever come across- this trip. have a great time ahead..God Bless!

13. on 02 Sep 2009 at 8:11 pm 13.Anupam Dhar said …

    After reading Sri Vacaspati’s account, I now recall the complete
    sense of vacuum I registered when I sat down after Gautam closed his eyes in meditation. After squatting I had turned involuntarily and was facing the cave when after sometime Gautam got up to leave. And during this period I was oblivious to sound and sight both, as if time had stood still. The torrential and thunderous rain also had failed to register its din. And all along the short period I had not closed my eyes. I did not give it much thought assuming I was too tired by the climb to have felt the way I felt. Maybe Sri Vacaspati has a point there.

14. on 05 Sep 2009 at 5:38 am 14.vacaspati said …

    Infact Swami Kebalananda mentions this state of mind to Yukteshwar Giri and though Yogananda has further classified samadhi as per tradition, this is a strange kind of Nirbi kalpa samadhi.
    Babaji’s cave has this vibration, and infact Sri Margabandu SK Singh was is a Kriyaban, went to the holy cave first last year and then guided our journey. At that time too, I had asked the couple individually about it, and they said the same thing that you have mentioned Sir. They too had attributed it to tiredness, thunder and rain and then accepted when I pointed out that on emerging from the cave at a short distance they started having thoughts. I felt at ease, Amanasya or transcendental bliss, is natural in samadhi, but in the cave it is automatic, at attained at great ease. It is almost Sir, like a portal, or like a broad band connection at great speed.
    My brother who had accompanied us sat outside the cave with our daughter for most of the time, and felt this thrill of thoughtlessness, too.
    This gives great credence to the Shketram that Babaji’s cave is, such findings from diverse persons, as in age, ethnicity and upbringing, to find similarity of feelings at the Cave of the Eternal Master.
    If one can capture that state and replicate it whenever one invoke’s Babaji’s blessings then it will be a true blessing to the seeker!
    Thank you Sir for coming forth with your private feelings.

15. on 05 Sep 2009 at 7:50 pm 15.Anupam Dhar said …

    Thanks indeed for your participation in our quest for spiritual pathways.
    Your insight into the subtleties of mysterious nature are precious and welcome indeed.
    Thanks again and may Babaji bless you.

16. on 06 Sep 2009 at 6:12 am 16.Hari said …

    Thank you so much for putting this up on the net. May God bless you.
    Hari.

17. on 08 Sep 2009 at 12:47 pm 17.Dr Milon Mitra said …

    Gautamji pranam,
    After reading yours and others account about the cave, I went into deep meditation with thoughts of God and Babaji. After getting up I became sceptic. How are you sure that the cave belongs to Babaji? Your only way of knowing it was the YSS Boards and their identification/directions. Did Lahiri baba tell his disciples about the cave? What was your source of information?
    Please do not take me otherwise.

18. on 08 Sep 2009 at 12:54 pm 18.Gautam said …

    Dr Mitra:

    Skepticism is the engrained nature of human mind, so do not be hesitant in ever doubting anything. You are correct in saying that my source of information is only the deep research I have done over the years, count of Sages I’ve read, locals count of the place, and my interaction with other seekers.
    The place has been mentioned by Lahiri Mahasaya in his diaries, notes, to his disciples and also mentioned in the book “Autobiography of a Yogi”.

    Also, such matters can not be explained by merely using our “brain”. One has to directly experience first-hand and transcend the boundaries of intellect to feel the bliss and grasp the knowledge. All the best in your search! :=)

    Peace,
    Gautam

19. on 08 Sep 2009 at 5:59 pm 19.vacaspati said …

    dear Masters
    The human can rise above mumbo-jumbo if he or she listened to a voiceless voice, a source of knowing that is not knowledge or hearsay. This is the source to which a seeker taps into in his/her voyage from the relative to the real, from relativity to reality.
    hence it is said that true knowing is first by elimination-Neti,Neti(not this, not this) and then an inspired moment of pratyaksha, direct perception dawns upon the seeker and throws light on the situation. Science seeks validation of data, so all esoteric experiences of masters, as vividly described in books like Autobiography of a Yogi, are all treated as metaphysics and not physics, but tell me which law of science or theorem is not based on an axiom or supposition? In utter contrast to that, the state of realisation, and the true nature of the self have been commented upon by various sages down the ages, who are not even connected by geography or ethnicity and yet stumbled upon this same startling conclusion about the nature of the human. Hence this is called the Holy Science.
    To the point of Babaji’s cave, there is an account of Babaji being a disciple of Agastya, and belonging to the Siddha tradition who embraced an immortal body, and went north to the Himalayas, and his jaunts and haunts are the hills of Dronagiri which is sacred and associated with the immortal Hanuman. Now through Lahiri Mahasaya, we know also that it is near Ranikhet.
    The cave appropriated by YSS is sealed upto 90% and just this much is suffice to offer the experiences to fellow journey men like yours truly. In this experience of calm and of samadhi, one can testify to the holy, sanctified nature of that cave. South Indian actor Rajnikanth wrote about his trip to this cave, and he and his companions entered from above, and saw a much larger spot according to the travelogue account in a vernacular weekly in 2005. In YSS ashram at Dwarahaat, the present head Swami Nirvananda mentioned that for the actor a special team of Kriyabans had come from their main center at Ranchi and he only heard of their trip. Incidentally the present world wide head of YSS, Dayamata has not been to the cave, not managing the ardous climb, but in her account she says that the Deathless Master informed her that while that was a spot he stayed for long, to seek His blessings there is no requirement to make such a journey.
    Why then do we journey? Do we seek Babaji or his state of deathlessness? Do we seek to cast off duality or retain this form given to us for eternity? Prabananda was a person who had two bodies, and two pensions, and yet chose to cast off his yoke. This is where individual will has mastery over the Cosmic Plan. Beyond all seeking, and knowing there is yet a small, but yawning chasm to be forded, which requires on our individual part a leap of faith. Do you have it in you?
    I hope this has fanned more fervour in the masters, and spurs more enquiry…May The Masters be with us.

20. on 08 Sep 2009 at 8:08 pm 20.Gautam said …

    vacaspati ji, thanks very much for your input!

21. on 08 Sep 2009 at 8:54 pm 21.Anupam Dhar said …

    Dr Milon Mitra has asked a very simple question. I think he deserves a equally simple response.
    Sri Shyam Charan Lahiri has given a definitive description of his place of initiation.
    I would like to quote a few passages from his biography titled, “Purana Purusha Yogiraj Sri Shama Churn Lahiree”. This book first appeared in Bengali and was later translated into English by Dr Ashoke Kumar Chaterjee. Here are a few relevant excerpts which provide a definitive answer to the location of the ancient cave of Mahavatar Babaji where he initiated Lahiri Mahashaya and finally bestowed upon him Shaktipat.
    ” One day Shama Churn, accompanied by armed guards was proceeding along a hilly forest path carrying official cash. He heard someone calling him by his name. A sanyasin hastily came down a hilly tract and stood before him. He said,’ I knew you would come by this path. I have been waiting for you. Complete your work and come to my hermitage.’ He pointed to the hill top.
    After some hesitation, Shama Churn finally decided to visit the sanyasin.He proceeded along a narrow path leading to the peak. Gasping for breath, he reached the hermitage.The sanyasin touched Shama Churn gently and a electric current swept through his body..He saw his previous birth unfolding and realised the sanyasin was his Guru in his previous birth. He heard him saying,” You pracctised sadhana in your previous birth. This tiger skin and ascetic’s bowl belong to you. I have preserved them. Your
    lifespan ended here while doing sadhana. I’ve been waiting for you now for forty years.”
    This place of initiation was fifteen miles away from Ranikhet in the Dunagiri or Drongiri hills of the Dwarahat mountain range.”
    This narrow path also leads to the famous Pandukholi.

    I trust this brief description would suffice to blow away any lingering doubts.
    Participants desirous of learning more about the subject book may please contact Gautam. He obtained this edition for me.

22. on 09 Sep 2009 at 6:26 pm 22.vacaspati said …

    The description of the cave is given by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda in chapter 34 titled ” Materialising a Palace in the Himalayas” in ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’. Lahiri Mahasaya was working in the MES at Danapur when a telegram arrived to inform him that he was required to go on work to Ranikhet. Lahiri Mahasaya narrates this to Kebalananda,” My official duties were not onerous, I was able to spend many hours roaming in the magnificent hills. A rumor reached me that the great saints blessed the region with their presence. I felt a strong desire to see them. During a rambleone early afternoon, I was astounded to hear a distant voice calling my name. I continued my vigorous upward climb on Dronagiri Mountain. A slight uneasiness beset me at the thought that I might not be able to retrace my steps before darkness had descended over the jungle.
    I finally reached a small clearing whose sided were dotted with caves. On one of the rocky ledges stood smiling a young man extending his hand in welcome. I noticed with astonishment that, except for his copper-colored hair, he bore a remarkable resemblance to myself. ‘Lahiri, you have come!’ The saint addressed me affectionately in Hindi.’Rest here in this cave. It is I who called you!’ I entered a neat little grotto which contained several woollen blankets and a few kamandulus (begging bowls)”

    a few paragraghs further Lahiri Mahasaya continues the description which I have picked up at the discretion of descriptive content of this cave…
    ” He added gently,’Lahiri, surely this cave is familiar to you?’ As I maintained a bewildered silence, the saint approached and struck me gently on the forehead. At his magnetic touch a wondrous current swept through my brain, releasing the sweet seed-memories of my previous life. ‘I remember!’ My voice was half-choked with joyous sobs.’You are my guru Babaji, who belonged to me always! Scenes of the past arise vividly in my mind; here in this cave I spent many years of my last incarnation!’

    Subsequently Babaji directs Lahiri Mahasaya thus:
    “‘Lahiri, you need purification. Drink the oil in this bowl and lie down by the river.’”
    This river finds a mention thus, ” The chill wavelets of the Gogash River lapped now and then over my body, outstretched on the rocky bank. Tigers howled near-by, but my heart was free of fear:”
    From his account the Mahasaya mentions his Office imagining him lost in the jungles for ten days and was received by another telegram that directed his return from Ranikhet to Danapur.
    Thus this account was given to Kebalananda and was given to Yogananda in his stead, who mentions this event in his account, an autobiography which is unique in the sense that it was the first such book ever, where a first person account of a Yogi and Master is available to the world.
    The book mentions that Babaji did not stay at one place for long, “dera danda utaoi” and moving with his close band of disciples. Babaji’s sister Mataji’s residence is mentioned as a cave underneath/ near the Dasawamedh Ghat in Varanasi, where a meeting of Lahiri Mahasaya Mataji and Babaji takes place, in which Babaji promised to not cast off his mortal frame. But from this account of Lahiri Mahasaya, this much is clear, that the location of cave is at Dronagiri above the ravine of the Gogash River, where Babaji camped for several decades with his disciples including Lahiri in his previous birth. After his birth Babaji mentions waiting for 3 decades for Lahiri at this very spot, and asks his favorite disciple if the cave was familiar to him. So we can safely say it was his residence for a considerable span of time. And it was not merely a small cave but a little grotto, where several disciples stayed with the Deathless Master.
    This is the source of YSS’s markings. Incidentally, the spot above the cave on the ridgeline, called Pandav Kholi is associated with the Pandavas in their exile, when they awaited the return of Arjuna from his weapon training in Indraloka, a beautiful portion of Kubera’s pleasure gardens. From here the Nanda Devi complex of peaks is at its most beautiful view!

23. on 15 Sep 2009 at 3:07 am 23.Nagu said …

    hi, it was a nice article, i am planning to go there if god permits and if its in my destiny, hopefully in january 2010. any advice please. thanks in advance

24. on 15 Sep 2009 at 7:55 am 24.Gautam said …

    Hi Nagu, all the best in your journey. Do consider the pointers I gave and give my respects to Mr Joshi at Kukuchina on your arrival!

25. on 15 Sep 2009 at 1:31 pm 25.Nagu said …

    hi gautam, thaks for the prompt responce, is january a goodtime is there anything i should take and know during this period. thanks

26. on 15 Sep 2009 at 2:22 pm 26.Gautam said …

    Hi Nagu:

    I am very sure that January will be extremely cold. I’ve lived in snow and winters for many years, so it does not bother someone like me, but do make sure you’re comfortable with that weather.
    I’m pretty sure it might also snow there at 9000 ft. I would suggest you check the weather too.

27. on 16 Sep 2009 at 8:14 pm 27.K L Arvind said …

    Excellent!!!

28. on 18 Sep 2009 at 2:37 pm 28.Vinay said …

    Hi everyone,

    Is april-june a good time to visit Babaji’s cave? Anyways, im curious to know as to why Babaji abandoned this cave? I hear that he still lives in himalayas with a small group of disciples in an ashram shielded from foreign visitors.

    Also, Gautam, please give the ways in which we can travel onroute to the cave… i plan to first reach hardwar, via delhi and could u please tell me how to proceed from hardwar and what means of transport i can take from there….

29. on 18 Sep 2009 at 10:59 pm 29.Gautam said …

    Vinay, April-June should be good. I don’t think you’ll find any rain during that time. Babaji has not abandoned the cave. Do not expect run into him like you would run into a stranger at an Inn. One must attain the spiritual stauts and a state of absolute surrender to experience such beings.

    From Haridwar, you would still have to take NH 24, I think, but you may want to double check. There might be another way from Dehradun/Haridwar side, but in my opinion you’d have to take NH 24 to NH 87E as explained in my travelogue and then pass through Ranikhet to Dwarahat to Dunagiri to Kukuchina.

    All the best brother.

30. on 19 Sep 2009 at 11:15 pm 30.Anupam Dhar said …

    Hi Vinay!
    If you are using pubic transport, make rail reservation from Haridwar to New Delhi and also make a connecting reservation to Kathgodam in Haldwani district. This is the last rail head before you head for the hills. Time your reservations so that you arrive at Kathgodam early morning or thereabouts. From here you have various options to reach Ranilkhet. You can board a bus, share a taxi. Exclusive taxi would cost you about INR 1000/-. The road journey takes 3 hours. There is varied fare available for board and lodge. Choose one that suits your budget. They vary from 400/- to 6000/- per night. In absence of local transport which could take you from one hotel to another, you may choose to stay at the Govt. hotel MONAL TRH. It is just above the bus stand. Tariff 450 to 650/- The phone number is 0941-221527. Govt.hotels and rest houses are operated by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL). You may access http://www.gmvnl.com. You could also make reservation from their office at Haridwar as also seek more information before you proceed. Contact GMVN RAHI MOTEL, Lalta Rao Bridge, Haridwar. Phone 224240. From Haridwar you won’t need the area code, which however is 01334, in case you are using a cell phone.
    If your purpose is only to visit Babaji’s Cave and Ashram, make sure to meet Mr.Joshi who operates a restaurant cum hotel service at Kukuchina. He also let’s out his few rooms with rudimentary facilities of board and lodge. His contact number is 05966-244773. And when you make your enquiries at the GMVN office at Haridwar, tell them you wish to visit Pandukholi in the Dungiri hills. Babaji’s Cave is familiar only to his devotees.
    Dec-Feb is snow season in those areas. It starts thawing and melting during March. You will find it impossible to trace the route to the Cave covered under snow. Even if you go in Apr- Jun and you are alone, ask Mr.Josshi to provide you with a local boy as guide who may charge you a reasonable amount. If you are fortunate, you may find company.
    I think I have been quite exhaustive. If you still need more clarification, you are welcome.

31. on 20 Sep 2009 at 9:49 am 31.vacaspati said …

    Disciples of Babaji who are conversant with Tamil Movie Superstar Ranjnikant will be interested to know that Star Vijay TV will telecast a four episode feature of his journey to Babaji’s cave. The time is 2200h/10pm IST from Monday to Thursday- RannIndia is the sponsor of this program titled’ Nadanthathu enna’ (What happened)21 September to 24 September 2009.

32. on 21 Sep 2009 at 2:19 am 32.Vinay said …

    Thank you so much Gautam and Anupam……

33. on 21 Sep 2009 at 5:47 pm 33.Successprabu said …

    Dear Mr.

    Gautam Dhar/Anupam Dhar

    I am really feel fortunate to add comments, I would like to speak with you, may I have your contact number, please….wonderful and descriptive account of your visit to Dunagiri and to Babaji’s cave…..
    Like to join with you in your next trip……. don’t have words to express….Kindly give me your contact number……

    With Regards
    Prabhu

34. on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:08 pm 34.narayan said …

    Hi dear,

    I am planning to visit babaji cave sometime next month. Have you heard of a babaji’s small cave. I also heard that the bigger cave which you visited is connected to the smaller cave. If you any info on this please let me know.

    jai gurudeva

    narayan

35. on 22 Sep 2009 at 1:09 am 35.Nagu said …

    Hi, i am planning my trip in january 2010 although its not the ideal time to visit. if thats what destiny then it may happen. anyone intrested to join me please leave a note. and others ofcourse can leave there suggestions and experience from the past which would be much appreciated. regards

36. on 22 Sep 2009 at 4:49 am 36.Successprabhu said …

    Jaigurudev

    Mr Narayan is from Art Of Living family itseem, me too…..Jaigurudev… Mr Narayan and Mr Nagu we all together will plan for this yatra.. kindly leave your contact in private mail. Thank You…

    Jai Guru Dev
    Prabhu

37. on 22 Sep 2009 at 11:11 am 37.Bala said …

    Dear Anupam / Gautam Dhar,

    I must thank you both for giving such descriptive notes about your trip to Mahavatar Babaji’s ashram. I also gather Rajinikant is an frequent visitor to the cave and spents hours together meditating. I was told from the CAVE picture you have shown, there is one more smaller cave and only experienced trekkers and yogi dare to explore that and one finds absolute peace and bliss once they are there.

    My wife and both my sons are ardent followers of SAHAJ YOGA for the last 16 years and they would love to connected with your relative, who is also an Sahaj Yogi.

    If given an oppurtunity i wish to be there and experience the vibration, meditation offers as i have been yearning to experience this divine feelings.

    Baba bless us all !

38. on 23 Sep 2009 at 1:09 am 38.Nagu said …

    Many thanks Mr.prabu and Mr.Narayan my email is nagarajan299@gmail.com
    look forward to hear from you
    regards

39. on 23 Sep 2009 at 1:21 am 39.Nagu said …

    i think the small cave what people talk about is in paharpani. i have also heard about this but would certainly take up thoughts and suggestion from others. this paharpani is around 70 km from nanital. regards

40. on 23 Sep 2009 at 6:06 am 40.gagan dogra said …

    Hi! What a wonderful experience!!! reading your account i felt as if i have trekked to the cave.
    May GOD and GURU bless you.
    regards
    dr. gagan dogra

41. on 23 Sep 2009 at 11:38 am 41.shanmugapriyan said …

    you are blessed person..
    you must had wonderful experience

42. on 23 Sep 2009 at 11:56 am 42.Gautam said …

    Everyone, thanks for your kind comments. I don’t have anything else to add about the trip than what I could explain already in the article

    I also saw the pics of Rajnikanth visiting the underground gufa. Although I have read about the Hidden Gufa in Paharpani, I’m not sure if that’s the same one as that is not that frequently visited by people and usually stays hidden per my knowledge.

    Peace to all!

43. on 23 Sep 2009 at 5:59 pm 43.Successprabu said …

    Jai Guru Dev

    Greetings to all Kindly watch today’s program around 10 PM in Vijay TV (Tamil)

    Disciples of Babaji who are conversant with Tamil Movie Superstar Ranjnikant will be interested to know that Star Vijay TV will telecasting the final episode feature of his journey to Babaji’s cave. The time is 2200h/10pm IST.

    RannIndia is the sponsor of this program titled’ Nadanthathu enna’ (What happened)

    I am watching the Episode for the past three days, quite interesting, more knowledge….

    Bless You…
    Jai Guru Dev
    Prabhu

44. on 23 Sep 2009 at 11:47 pm 44.Sudharsan said …

    hi

    the vijay TV episode on Babaji caves is quite informative and very interesting. The crew has taken a lot of risks and braved landslides to cover the same and even Junior Vikatan crew has also joined the Vijay TV crew

    Cheers

45. on 24 Sep 2009 at 7:48 pm 45.balasubramanian said …

    Hi Great souls,

    After viewing the episodes in Vijay TV, today i browsed internet to know more about Dronagiri mountain and fortunately landed on this page of Mr Gautam and others dialogue.

    I am a sincere seeker of truth amidst my turbulent family life for the past 30 years. Now I am aged 50 and decided to spend rest of my life for the ultimate goal. As part of this, I would like to have companions to travel around Himalayas to get fast spiritual advancement with the grace of realised saints and sages in himalayas. I hope Maha avtar Babaji will guide in this holy search.

    Thanks to Mr.Gautam and others who presented their dialogue here.

46. on 24 Sep 2009 at 9:49 pm 46.Raghu Ram said …

    i wish to go babaji temple . how to go there . i mean any bodies go from chennai or some guidance are available their . so kindly give me a reply

47. on 24 Sep 2009 at 9:53 pm 47.Successprabu said …

    Jai Guru Dev

    Dear Mr Raghu Ram how are you doing, good to hear that you are interested to go to Babaji Cave..at Himalaya. Kindly let me know your mail ID will discuss in separate for the same…I am Prabhu from Coimbatore I also had a plan to go there…

    Thank You
    Prabhu

48. on 25 Sep 2009 at 7:55 am 48.SHIVA KUMAR said …

    thanks for sharing your valuable experience.

49. on 01 Oct 2009 at 12:02 am 49.Ashwini said …

    Divine…………Simply Devine

50. on 02 Oct 2009 at 12:15 am 50.Udaya said …

    Good exploaration. Babaji is till reincarnating sidharindia website has more details

51. on 04 Oct 2009 at 11:19 pm 51.Vasudevan Letchumanan said …

    Dear Gautam Dhar,

    Your Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave Spiritual Journey is simply great!
    I am looking forward to experience a similar spiritual journey to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave very soon.
    I am planning to join a Himalaya Tour in the first week of December.

    I have read ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’. I am a Malaysian. And have very little knowledge of Himalaya places.
    Eventhough,your article gave me an idea how to prepare mentally and phisically before begin the journey.Your personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections gave me a new insight.

    Thanks for your informative and descriptive spiritual journal, friend.

52. on 05 Oct 2009 at 8:01 am 52.Gautam said …

    I wish you all the best Vasudevan in your journey to the Himalayas!

53. on 05 Oct 2009 at 8:59 am 53.P.Kunalan said …

    Thanks for the valuable experience which you shared with us.
    Best regards & blessed future journeys from all Gurus & Mahans.

    Thank you.

    from Malaysia.

54. on 05 Oct 2009 at 9:52 pm 54.Piyush Kumar said …

    Dear Gautam,

    I am reading with much interest the various comments, questions and responses relating to Dunagiri. Since I have now lived there for five years and am familiar with the cave as well as kriya, I would be happy to assist people with information if required. People may write to me at: Piyush@dunagiri.com

    Some information about reaching there, weather, vicinity is also given on our website http://www.dunagiri.com.

    With best wishes,

    Piyush.

55. on 09 Oct 2009 at 12:21 pm 55.Dr Milon Mitra said …

    vacaspati pranam,
    In reference to your letter of 08 Sept 2009, I was reminded of the voiceless voice, a divine source for growth of our consciousness. This is the source to which we can taps to discriminate real from unreal. This initiates the process of Neti, Neti (not this, not this) and then one day suddenly direct perception dawns and we turn our face fully towards God in surrender to His divine command. Till then we will keep on staring blankly at the strange lonely path.

56. on 11 Oct 2009 at 3:53 am 56.vacaspati said …

    Dear Dr Mitra,
    you are intrigued by the end point, where reality draws away from relativity, which shows how advanced you are and how close to the realm of possibilities, to the Law of Miracles, you are placed and poised sir! The Guru will guide you, and who else?
    The voiceless voice is both manifest and unmanifest. Masters like Babaji and all great sages past and present are in this ‘business’ of ferrying souls across this ocean of samskara, who then send positive energy in the atmosphere and we are are in receipt of the same, only those who are inclined or preordained to receive them are awakened to these subtle energies and placed on the path to self realisation. What triggers this inner awakening, and why we get turned on by one master and not another, are linkages provided to us by our soul seed as it migrated across many bodies across the millenia of our soul existence. Actually this modern world with its many wondrous amenities has made us drift so much from reality that we can scarce believe that every happening including these words being written is preordained. The animals that cross your path, the pets that you have, the parents you are born into, the companions you have and your partners you lead your life with, your children, just about every thing has been gift wrapped for you, and is a culmination of thoughts, yearnings and yielding to soul imaginations across the yugas.
    Babaji if his blessing be invoked can hasten the process by his benefaction, to this realisation. You may wonder what is to be realised, i have just written these lines, you have read them, now have you internalised them? These words remain propositions till your inner eye is awakened, with the blessings of the Divine Master, the Deathless Guru, you can in the womb of his cave, have that magical soul transforming moment, when these words and propositions transcend relativity to become meaning, which you have so rightly put as the culmination of the search process of Neti-Neti!
    There are no words that express how deeply we are in debt to Deathless Guru the Mahavtar, and other great exponents of the Truth. The shadows of Maya, the perils of sensory organs, and the rooted nature of our soul to the embodiment are very very difficult for some one to break free! This is the gift of the guru, to give us that energy to leap free, to break the bonds of the body, and to spread our wings beyond the senses, which is all part of the eight fold path of internalisation as spelt out in Yoga. The Highest Yoga of Kaivalya can only take us to the doorstep of samadhi, and from this doorstep, it is the infinity of grace that embraces us beyond.
    I am firm, that once a sthithaprajna, and then a yogi, with anugraha of the Master, that moment of transformation from the gross to the subtle, from body to soul, is but a matter of divine indulgence. May the Masters be with you as you seek this transformation. Kaivalya to samadhi, from Nirvikalpa to sabikalpa, and finally to Sahaja samadhi, and in that sahaja/easy pose, there in that truth you will find you have arrived. May this be a blessing of the Mahavtar.
    vacaspati

57. on 11 Oct 2009 at 6:00 am 57.P.Vijayakumar said …

    A very beautiful and wonderous account of spiritual experience inddeed.
    Thankful to you for sharing this.
    Views and comments of several persons like Vacaspat are very inspiring..

58. on 11 Oct 2009 at 7:26 pm 58.Jayaprakash R L said …

    I am learning more about Babaji since couple of days and reading this blog has increased my jeal to visit the cave soon.

    I am PA State, USA. I am from Bangalore/Chennai. I would love to go next summer. If anyone is making plans from USA (or anywhere in India), please do write to me (jayaprakash.rl@gmail.com).

    I am so glad to hear from several seekers’ account.

    Jai Guru Dev!
    May all be blessed with Baba’s grace,
    Jayaprakash

59. on 11 Oct 2009 at 7:29 pm 59.Jayaprakash R L said …

    Thanks Gautham for this wonderful blog!

60. on 12 Oct 2009 at 2:28 pm 60.Gautam Dhar said …

    Dear Vacaspati:

    Your comments ring with nothing, but the truth. Thanks for keeping this thread alive with your kind words.
    -Gautam

61. on 13 Oct 2009 at 10:37 am 61.R.saravanan said …

    Hi it is very very interesting to read about the babaji cave and i really thank you for the detailed information given by you regarding the cave is super i hope i will try my luck to the cake very soon

    regards

    R.Saravanan

62. on 15 Oct 2009 at 3:44 pm 62.Jayaprakash R L said …

    Looks like there are 3 places related to Babaji.

    1. Small and tough terrain-ed cave which Rajnikanth visits often.
    2. Large cave which Gautham visited
    3. Ashram of Babaji.

    is this correct information?

63. on 16 Oct 2009 at 3:28 am 63.Selva said …

    Hi Gautam,

    This is Selva from Coimbatore. Thank you very much for the really inspiring write-up. I would like to get that heavenly experience at least once in my lifetime. I have heard that people who would like to enter the small cave (which Rajnikanth entered) should have got Kriya Yoga Deeksha. Is it so? Please do mail me (selva_solo@yahoo.com).

    With regards,

    Selva

64. on 16 Oct 2009 at 7:08 am 64.Nagu said …

    well, there are few babaji caves, one in dwarhat (ranikhet) were goutham visited, one visited by super star.
    one in paharpani forest, one just behind tungnath temple. and gowrisankar peedam in badrinath which many have said you will feel the eternal bliss when entering the cave.however, it cant be visited without the babji’s ashirwad.this place is well protected and surrounded by mountains.

65. on 20 Oct 2009 at 9:00 am 65.suren reddy said …

    HI ,

    I am suren reddy age 22 from tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. studying B.tech 3rd year.

    i am addicted to spiritual things. Almost , I am making my self a mental case. ven not able to concentrate on my education. Always i am feeling like going to himalayaas and meat Mr. Mahavathaar Babaji. I dont know why I am feeling like this. the thought of spiritual things discouraging me in my education.

    I dont know , whom to tell and whom to explain. Really , I am fed up with these nasty and useless spiritual things. I hate them most but not able forget abpout these all.

    I am reading

    Dear brother, Goutham dhar,

    You have visited Babaji, can u plz tell him to give me some energy to control myself. really i am helpless and hopeless.

    I wanna see him once,

    can u tell me, anything …….dat would help me….to further….,

    But i want to continue my education and wanna give up spiritual things include babaji.

    Yours

    sincerely,

    Suren reddy.p

66. on 27 Oct 2009 at 12:29 am 66.selvaraj said …

    please tell me how to go babaji cave.

67. on 27 Oct 2009 at 2:07 pm 67.Anjimetiy Balaji NagaRaj said …

    Dear Gautam, I am already introduced to you by posting my comments in Mahavtar Babaji – Ageless Sage, today only I am fortunate enough to go through this site, I should say you are doing a wonderful service to Babaji and his disciples, my heartfelt wishes to you. Regarding the Dog which was guiding you in Himalayas was sent by Babaji itself. I would like to share my experience; I went to Saduragiri and Sadasiva Konai both are in hill top there also we were guided by dogs. It has come with us from foothill to top and stayed with us and brought us back. This happens every time we go there. Remember Babaji will come to help us in any form so we should be alert. The following is the statement of Babaji which is extracted from Book The Voice of Babaji.

    Dhayanam
    Aum Babaji Namaha!
    I’m thine, O Lord & Master Babaji,
    Thine to follow to the end,
    Thou art mine, O Babaji, my saviour,
    Guide & Helper, Lover, friend!
    Aum Tat Sat Aum.
    V.T.N.

    To go beyond the limitations of the physical senses and sense organs is Prithyaharam.
    To focus the mind on God is Tharanai. Insecently to think of God like a stream of oil is Dhayanam.
    See the hidden light in the midst of a war be ready to listen and accept his commands. In the midst of the crowd try to understand the slightest gesture. In the midst of the wordly dust and din of this earth listen to his soft voice.
    In a quite place sitting in a comfortable asanam watch hearts bursting and blossoming. Do not stop there. In silence without attachment watch. Do not follow them; do not chase them, do not crush them simply be a witness

68. on 27 Oct 2009 at 5:13 pm 68.AJIT M PANSE said …

    It’s a life time experience which one will have only if he/she is destined to get it &/ also if BABAJI WILLS IT.

69. on 28 Oct 2009 at 3:02 am 69.Ramu said …

    Dear Balaji,

    Your explanation is great, In tiruvannamalai I came across a person who mentioned to have seen Babaji and other mystics and he is doing lot of siddhis including flying etc I am astonished to see but he is not revealing who he is !!!

    sidharindia site has details on him …

    Regards
    Ramu

70. on 29 Oct 2009 at 12:03 pm 70.Gautam Dhar said …

    Ramu: Are you referring to the Guruji mentioned on http://sidharindia.com or someone else? I don’t have any knowledge on him, so kindly tell more.

71. on 30 Oct 2009 at 12:52 am 71.shilpa said …

    hello gautamji,

    please can you guide us in reaching babaji,s cave
    can you give a more detailed description of ur journey…like how u travelled and what stuff u carried along with you n more……

    do you know anymore sites on babaji….

    regards,
    shilpa

72. on 30 Oct 2009 at 12:54 am 72.shilpa said …

    dear gautamji,

    how did you come to kinow about babaji…pls can u tell us

    thanks,
    shilpa

73. on 30 Oct 2009 at 10:33 am 73.Ganesh said …

    Hi Gautam, I made my visit to Babaji cave after the invite from him..here is the link to my snaps!
    http://picasaweb.google.co.in/Gannuboy/MahavatarBabajiCaves

    I am from Chennai, I went to Rishikesh and stayed there for 3 days and thought came in and started to Kathgodam from Rishikesh and then Ranikhet, Dwarahat and Dunagiri hills. I found a guide at the YSS ashram and thus reached the Babaji cave.

    Regards
    Ganesh
    gannuboy@gmail.com

74. on 30 Oct 2009 at 10:47 am 74.Gautam said …

    HI Ganesh:

    Thank you for sharing your photos with all of us. Photos 28 (orb) and 33 (light) are truly mystic. It also appears that your journey was made in much more propitious circumstances and in beautiful himalayan weather. At least you did not have to face the wrath of rain god like my Father and I did

    For the benefit of all of us, could you please describe where the small cave lies?

    Peace,
    Gautam

75. on 30 Oct 2009 at 11:23 am 75.Jayaprakash said …

    From the timings of the photographs, it looks like the time taken to reach the ’small’ cave from the ‘normal’ cave is just 20 mins! Rajnikanth visits this small cave!

76. on 30 Oct 2009 at 11:45 am 76.Gautam said …

    I agree, but I’m curious about the location. Is it upwards on way towards Pandukholi – which is the top of the hill, also known as hollow mountain (it is said that the majority of Babaji’s gufa is underground and inaccessible).

77. on 30 Oct 2009 at 6:53 pm 77.Ganesh said …

    Dear Gautam,

    Well Said, I understand you would have had a tough time in reaching the caves, your blog was useful. However I was able to correlate the places you had mentioned after I reached there like haldwani, almora etc.

    I strongly believe my journey to the cave is happened as per Babaji wish..I have not planned anything…I booked my tickets a day before start of my journey..my parents were afraid that I am travelling all alone to rishikesh and from there i didnt tell them I am going to babaji cave, after reaching there I had called up them. Babaji was with me all the way during my travel and completed visit to the cave in a day. I shall write shortly on my blog.

    Ok, now about the small cave its only 5 mins from the big cave, u have to step down from the big cave and then on the top right u can see the small cave. This can be identified while returning to the path u had come in a small diversion will be there one leading to ground and one leading upwards and there u can see a short path leading to the cave.

    About the photos, I was totally stunned..you are true..when the photo was clicked there were no light and later wen we saw we realised..

    I would say this visit was because of grace of the god..

    Namashivaya!
    Regards
    Ganesh

78. on 31 Oct 2009 at 12:26 pm 78.Selva said …

    Hi Ganesh,

    Thank you for sharing these great photos. While entering the small cave, you seem to go down deep. Is it so? Is the cave too narrow to be very difficult to enter? Inside the cave, there seems to be enough space. Pls tell us in detail. My interest to visit Babaji’s cave is even more triggered after looking at the photos of small cave. Hope to see that holy place at least once in my lifetime if Babaji wishes so. Looking forward to read your write-up in your blog soon.

    With regards,

    Selva

79. on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:01 pm 79.ujjwal said …

    babaji is a mahavtar (a god) who is coming on earth for save to us.

80. on 03 Nov 2009 at 8:46 am 80.sheik said …

    Recently one tamil magazine published an article about this cave.
    I was induced. i planed to visit this cave immediately. I searched many articles about this cave in google. your experience is only useful among i searched items. I immediately went there. But, i failed to find out and i returned.

    Can i get your email id or phone no. to get direct experience to visit once again

81. on 03 Nov 2009 at 9:00 am 81.Gautam said …

    Sheik, what do you mean by you “immediately went there and failed to find
    out”. Did you visit Doonagiri area and could not find the cave?
    -Gautam

82. on 03 Nov 2009 at 11:24 am 82.Selva said …

    Hi Sheik,

    May I know the name of that Tamil magazine? Am so keen to know… Pls reply…

83. on 03 Nov 2009 at 12:01 pm 83.DEENA said …

    Thank you for that inspirational insight of Babajis cave.One day my family and I will make that trip .

84. on 03 Nov 2009 at 10:04 pm 84.sheik said …

    Dear Selva,

    The tamil magazine : Junior vikatan
    The baba cave related article published on: 23rd sep, 27th sep. 30th sep and 4th oct.
    The title of article: Manthira kugail Ragasiya Rajini.

    But their prescribed route to baba cave is very much longer one.

85. on 04 Nov 2009 at 10:05 am 85.Selva said …

    Hi Sheik,

    Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Will try to get those issues of Junior Vikatan and go thro the article. You wont believe, 5 years ago, Ananda Vikatan had published Rajni’s journey to the small cave with photos and the article was so elaborate that it continued for 6 weeks. I collected all the 6 articles, but to my bad luck, I misplaced those pages and I am still breaking my head to recollect where I kept them sooooo safe….

86. on 04 Nov 2009 at 9:59 pm 86.Ganesh said …

    This is my blog babajicave.wordpress.com

87. on 05 Nov 2009 at 4:15 am 87.Selva said …

    Hi Ganesh,

    Very informative write-up and lively presentation that made me feel as if I was there all the way through… You are really blessed!

    With regards,

    Selva

88. on 06 Nov 2009 at 3:26 am 88.Sudharsan said …

    Hi Ganesh

    i have gone through your blog bajajicave.wordpress.com

    it is wonderful. really amazed to know that Babaji has guided you throughout the tour through some form or other

    Cheers

89. on 07 Nov 2009 at 3:45 am 89.Selva said …

    Hi Sheik,

    Tried to get previous issues of Junior Vikatan, but I couldn’t. Missed out an interesting article

90. on 08 Nov 2009 at 6:37 am 90.anand bahl said …

    hello there my friend
    i just went thru ur experience at Babaji’s cave n cannot even imagine how divine and amazing ur experience would have been
    i would really appreciate if i could talk to u more in this regard as our family has been worshiping babaji since my childhood
    it would be nice to talk to you soon
    pls can u mail me on my mail add
    lookin forward

91. on 08 Nov 2009 at 11:32 am 91.Anand said …

    Hi thank you for the information, while reading the Autobiography of yogi devine boiok, I was planning a trip towards the babaji’s cave, after reading your article, I have determined to make the trip with few of my friends and family members. thanks a lot for the info

92. on 08 Nov 2009 at 2:33 pm 92.Gautam said …

    Thanks for sharing your experiences, and inspirational thoughts everyone. I’m glad this write-up is reaching more and more sincere devotees

93. on 12 Nov 2009 at 4:57 am 93.Hitendra said …

    Bahut achchha laga. joshi ji se milne ka vistrit varnan aur achchha hota. apne bare me bataiye aur. kab phir jana hoga Kukuchhina?

94. on 19 Nov 2009 at 3:57 am 94.SUKUMAR said …

    HAI GOUTAM IT IS A VERY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE I TOO WANT TO GO TO CAVES.I READ THE AUTO BIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI SEVERAL TIMES.REALLY I WAS EXCITED WHILE READING THE BOOK

95. on 21 Nov 2009 at 8:42 am 95.Radhika said …

    Hello Gautam,

    I just began to read your whole journey n it instantly reminded me of my unforgettable journey to TARKESHWAR, in pauri garhwal , two years ago……even now i fall short of words when i think of that amazing place vibrating with a mystical aura n where i felt a deep presence of the mystic sages, swami Ram n babaji [Swamijis gurudev]
    I will read the whole post…….and would like to thank u for sharing your experience…..God Bless !!

    JaiSriKrishna,

    Best Regards,
    ~radhika.

96. on 23 Nov 2009 at 1:52 am 96.Govind Phadke said …

    A very fascinating account. I came to know about Mahavatar Baabaji only recently. I am interested in knowing more. Thanks for sharing your experience.

97. on 23 Nov 2009 at 4:59 am 97.ANJIMETIY BALAJI NAGARAJ said …

    Ms.Radika, i would like to know more about Swami Rama related to Tarkeshwar, can u suggest me from where i can find it.

98. on 24 Nov 2009 at 9:42 am 98.Gautam said …

    Dear Balaji:
    You may read about the great Himalayan Master aka Bhole aka Swami Ram at the following link:
    http://swamij.com/swami-rama.htm

    The following books will give you a tremendous insight on the Himalayan tradition of ageless masters:

    Living with the Himalayan Masters
    Walking with a Himalayan Master
    At the Eleventh Hour

99. on 28 Nov 2009 at 5:43 am 99.Anjimetiy Balaji NagaRaj said …

    Dear Gautam, thanks for the link, I have already read Living with the Himalayan Masters and At the Eleventh Hour. I am working in Suriname and I won’t get the books u suggested, so I have ordered Walking with the Himalayan Masters. God bless.

100. on 07 Dec 2009 at 6:03 am 100.HARI PRAJAPATI said …

     ALL the best……………………!

101. on 09 Dec 2009 at 5:56 pm 101.vacaspati said …

     Dear sri John
     I think your mail is an opinion misplaced on fact and judgment. This website by sri Gautam is about Babaji’s cave, a journey first undertaken by Lahiri Mahasaya, and as told to us by renditions of his sons as well as in Autobiography of a Yogi.
     The Himalayas have more masters than there are mounts, as it has from its timeless origins been a sanctuary for Seekers and their secret lives. Swami Rama is one such master, and he comes from a different tradition, apart from the YSS which has staked the claim to Babaji as their Guru.
     This website is not a YSS sponsored link, but perhaps to retain its focus it has stuck to its original intent, and this is why we have all been enriched by persons like sri Ganesh, who undertook a journey to the caves and sent us a link to his blog.
     Sri Suren Reddy has private angst and his seeking have no answers on this website, which is a guide on the physical plane to Babaji’s cave in the Kumaon, near Ranikhet.
     Your comparison of charlatans with cosmic seekers is uncalled for. What you seek, if it is the Truth, the first step is to let go…All the best.

102. on 10 Dec 2009 at 10:01 am 102.sangeeta said …

     hello..
     it is so nice to c the pic of the whole trek..
     and especially the photos of cave.. great!
     i would like to get more information abt it as i would visit uttarkhand in april.
     i am not habbitual for internet so dont know how to contact u.
     my email id ambikesangeeta@yahoo.com
     i am from pune, heard abt babaji through Swami Ramas book and from scince attracted towards babaji. i keep on surfing to get more information abt him, but not getting the way.
     will u help me Mr Gutam.
     it will be good if u mail me on the above id

     regards
     sangeeta

103. on 10 Dec 2009 at 1:59 pm 103.DEENA PILLAQY said …

     Salutations to all.Babaji is a great master, and we should follow his teachings ,whether thru Self Realization Fellowship teachings, or any other teachings of other Saints, that Master Babaji has taught.I find that in most religions we have this great divide, were mud slinging is the order of the day.We are made from one mould and one Divine father/Mother.Our one united goal is to get back on the bus,were the Guru is the Bus Driver and Conductor,and get driven to our united, soul searching purpose, and that is union with the Divine, in this life time. We will have many pretenders to Babaji,but why worry,the truth shall prevail, the only question and finger pointing should be at our selves for not following the path of GOD REALIZATION in this life.THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

     IF ONLY WE ALL COULD HAVE THIS GREAT EXPIERENCE LIKE YOU HAD GAUTAM .

104. on 11 Dec 2009 at 3:48 am 104.sangeeta said …

     NOTE:

     I would like to make a request that this web-site is only meant for informational, learning and entertainment purposes. Please do not post inflammatory comments or start any controversies, or slander any fellow people on this site. Such comments shall be DELETED and users will be BLOCKED. If you wish to engage in defamation and inflammatory topics, then you are at the wrong web-site.

     Please, let’s keep the bliss alive and share the treasure of Sages through this Article

     HELLO.
     THE ABOVE MESAGE CAME IN MY MAIL BOX. YOU HAVE NOT MENTIONED NAME FOR WHOM U HAVE POINTED OUT, DID I ASK ANYTHING WRONG OR WROTE SOMETHING WRONG. I DIDNT UNSTAND WHY I GOT THIS MGS. IF IT WAS REALLY FOR ME THEN I AM VERY SORRY TO WRITE COMMENT.

     REGARDS
     SANGEETA

105. on 11 Dec 2009 at 4:00 am 105.Sudharsan said …

     hello Gautam

     i too got this messag
     I would like to make a request that this web-site is only meant for informational, learning and entertainment purposes. Please do not post inflammatory comments or start any controversies, or slander any fellow people on this site. Such comments shall be DELETED and users will be BLOCKED. If you wish to engage in defamation and inflammatory topics, then you are at the wrong web-site.

     Please clarify

106. on 11 Dec 2009 at 5:51 am 106.Anjimetiy Balaji NagaRaj said …

     Dear all, what Gautamji mentioned is for the person who is not really conveying the experience they had from Babaji, that’s why he didn’t mentioned any person name I think, so please don’t raise any more questions like this, if you think you made any mistake please correct it. As he said this web site is purely for Mahaavatar. Everyday first thing in the morning I use to open this site and see any message of Babaji. I feel this web site is precious for me.

107. on 11 Dec 2009 at 8:12 am 107.Gautam said …

     All seekers: The messages I had received were already blocked by my site server. I wanted to post this so others like him could read and understand that the purpose of this article is not to challenge or argue about anything. I’m thankful for all the blessed and knowledgeful souls to be posting comments on this site, so please continue that.
     Om Shivam.

108. on 11 Dec 2009 at 11:26 am 108.DEENA PILLAQY said …

     I WOULD LIKE TO SENCERELY APOLOGISE TO ALL IF I OFFENDED ANYONE , IT WAS NOT MY ATTENTION TO DO SO.

     JAI BABAJI

109. on 11 Dec 2009 at 11:47 am 109.Gautam said …

     Guys, please do not post any apologies. It was a one-off incident and does not concern anyone who’s posted a comment on this article. Let’s bring back the Himalayan serenity back and leave this behind.

110. on 11 Dec 2009 at 6:10 pm 110.vacaspati said …

     Ekam Sat Viproh Bahuda vadanti, meaning the truth is one and the wise know that it flows from many directions, is a vedic incantation that makes a case for inclusive seeking, and the belief that your god and my god could be one and definitely mean the same thing.
     Paramhansa Ramakrishna used to say often to seekers that they must persist with one path, much like he did to attain the truth-state of bliss, after which all paths are recognized. He used the idiom of well digging, did in one place, deep enough and you will strike water.
     There are many Babaji lores in the Himalayas. Mahaavtar goes by names of Shiv Baba, Muni/Mouni Baba, Balak Baba(youthful appearance) and simply as Babaji. Where Swami Rama talks of his parama guru, that Himalayan Master is Tibetan, whose haunts are the valley of flowers and the glaciers, gangotri and yamunotri. Further Swami Rama does not mention his paramaguru ever venturing outside the Himalayas, whereas Babaji has been seen by Yogi Ramaiah in Tiruvannamalai, in South India, and known to frequent the Kumbh Mela, and Magh Mela at Benares and at Sangam.
     The guru you seek is only the first step. He will know and inform you if you are his disciple, or if genuine master, will guide you to your true guru. In our syncretic culture, the Truth is never so large that it cannot be tailor made for individuals, and yet never so small that one person alone can claim inheritance over it.
     Sri Ramana Maharishi was the first person Yogi Ramaiah approached, who was a master, and he informed Yogi that his master was a deathless one who would soon approach him, who was Mahaavtar. Like wise, Narendranath approached many gurus, before he came to Ramakrishna, who told him that he was waiting for him to come home all these years and made him Vivekananda!
     I was amused to see the dissensions in postings here, and such heated arguments are the wont of scholars. Let me tell you, a seeker does not indulge in semantics, does not fall prey to dry theories and ornate constructions about the truth. The Truth is very personal as an experience, hence sages have christened it ‘Pratyaksha’ or direct. Meditate on the Master, and if you are sincere and intense, I am sure he will seek you out! May the Masters be with you, bless you, and may you awaken to the Force within.

111. on 11 Dec 2009 at 6:17 pm 111.Gautam said …

     Dear Vacaspati, thanks for rekindling the discussion. I’m glad to see we’re back on track

112. on 12 Dec 2009 at 5:10 am 112.Anjimetiy Balaji NagaRaj said …

     Dear Vacaspathi, what a stunning piece of writing, I would like to hear more from you. Can you please tell where Yogi Ramaiah had the darshan of Babaji at Tiruannamalai. From which source I can get more information about Yogiyar what you mentioned.

113. on 12 Dec 2009 at 8:59 am 113.vacaspati said …

     There is a book by Marshall Govindan on Babaji and the Eighteen Siddhas in manner of deathless tradition that existed in Kumari Kandam, the portion of Tamil country that lies south west of Kerala under the sea. The Siddha tradition acknowledged the greatness of the human mortal frame, and how to convert this mortal coil into relative immortality and even greater heights of physical nature existed known as ‘Asta Maha Siddhis’.
     It is quite interesting to compare the esoteric writing of these Siddhas with Adi Sankara’s commentary on Yoga Sutra by Patanjali, which he acknowledges he has compiled with the grace of Nandi along with Soundarya Lahiri which is the master work of tantra.
     The moot force, is the power of thought, and so taming thought is the construct of Yoga, and Siddha tradition went beyond the here and now, to not only tame thought, but also with the energy channels within, to tame the physical body.
     The books of YSS and the disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya are silent about the origins of Babaji, while M Govindan quotes Yogi Ramaiah, and identifies the temple ashram at Parangipettai, in Chidambaram district as the birthplace of the Mahaavtar. According to the Siddha tradition, deathless masters are common, and one of them, Agastiya had initiated Babaji into this tradition in the sacred spot of Kadirgama in Sri Lanka.
     All I can submit is that these stories are hair raising, and not only Indian writers, but western scholars have written commentaries on Siddhas, and many of them have accepted that Patanjali, Thirumoolar, Nandi, Agastya and others are very similar, and perhaps belong to one poet-mystic tradition.
     Sankara himself wrote in his bhasya on Yoga Sutra that he had experienced some of the siddhis.
     I have given you this background, only because, in Sankara and Ramana’s understanding, these powers, including deathlessness must not detract from the primary goal of realising the ‘Self’ through yoga or Kriya yoga or any such selected technique. Babaji’s many actions, like materialising a palace, or appearing at two places, or resurrecting life, or moving in leaps from mountain to mountain, are incidentally clear powers defined by the siddhas and also mentioned in Yoga Sutra.
     I have come away from this search however enticing it appears to a seeker, about origins. I would like to be like a boul singer, or a pilgrim, content if I can sip a mouthful of the sacred waters without bothering about its source. Once you know, in Knowing, all veils are rendered apart, and in the blazing truth of the Self, you will yourself realise why Paramahansaji himself chose not to comment on the Mahavtar’s origins. The Deathless Master will show you the path, Sir, and stir the snake within you and may the thousand petaled lotus bloom from your search. May the Master be with you.

114. on 13 Dec 2009 at 9:46 am 114.Anjimeti Balaji Nagaraj said …

     Dear Vacaspati, very kind of you. What you said is true, time has to ripe. I pray to Babaji that noble heart like you should gain more knowledge and help others, let Babaji be with you for ever.

115. on 15 Dec 2009 at 9:12 am 115.DHILEEPAN said …

     hi frnz, a programme came on zee tamil tv channel on 12th dec 6pm regarding mahavatar babaji and rajinikanth…can you send me the video link or can you share the views on that programme if anyone has seen…

116. on 22 Dec 2009 at 10:31 pm 116.Balakrishnan said …

     Very nice photo my friend. We did go there on 02/12/2009 (on Babaji birthday). Really fascinating.
     I did capture some of the photo. Looking forward to go there again. Really a wonderful experience.

     Regards,
     Bala
     Malaysia

117. on 24 Dec 2009 at 11:03 pm 117.N said …

     Wonderful site and wonderful to hear what some of you have experienced. I hope to visit Sri Babaji’s place in Himilayas soon. Btw, Parangipettai (birth place of Sri Babaji) is in Cuddalore District. Parangipettai is about 7-8 Kms from Cuddalore. There is a Temple there dedicated to Sri Babaji.

118. on 24 Dec 2009 at 11:04 pm 118.N said …

     Can someone post PDF copies of Junior Vikatan article on this blog or on your site?

119. on 26 Dec 2009 at 6:05 pm 119.srikanth.t said …

     sir i am realy greatfull to u for providing details of babaji. thank you.

120. on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:36 am 120.Rajeev said …

     Gautam,

     Great to hear your experiences. It really motivates us to visit the Sacred Cave atleast once.

     I share a story which is on similar lines as your’s. I had the good fortunate of visiting Ranikhet and Haidakhan Temple way back in 2005 when I was doing my Engineering Third year.

     I Missed going to the Babaji’s Cave then because of untoward incidents. May be, He wants me to wait for some more time.

     I am now stuck in the United States and sorely miss the serenity back home.

     I just read this article of your’s yesterday and it really peps me up to visit the Cave as soon as possible.

     Can I have your email address so that I communicate with you for any additional information. Mine is 369rajeev@gmail.com. Looking forward to your mail.

     Here is the video posted on youtube of my experiences.
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkUbQRcyUXk

121. on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:44 am 121.Rajeev said …

     @JayaPrakash..

     This is Rajeev. I just read your comment as I was scrolling up. I am in Maryland, USA right now and like you have said, reading this article only motivates you to visit the place.

     I am basically from Vizag and My Parents stay in Chennai right now!

     By god’s grace if every thing goes according to plan, we can plan a trip to visit Babaji’s Cave next summer(2010- May, Jun, Jul). Please do let me know what your plans are and lets stay in touch and plan accordingly.

     My id is 369rajeev@gmail.com. Looking forward to your reply

122. on 02 Jan 2010 at 6:54 am 122.Amit said …

     Hi this is Amit from Ambernath Thane(dist),Mumbai.. From day after which i was introduced myself to babaji , i mean after getting information about the power and the love of babaji i was really impressed due to which i us meditate in the name of om and babaji

     u wont believe !!!!!!!!!!!

     The day before my BEE engineering fe exam, i was having an eye check and due to some of the work i was unable finish off my portion properly , i just studied 2 chap unfortunately i was having no worry i mean i had not a pinch of tension at all and 90 percent of the paper was from that 2 chapters only .

     Believe me its great to be a shishya of babaji i stopped mostly bab things which i was use to do before

     now a days i feel every person to be a relative of mine.

     Keep faith in BABAJI ……..

     Thanks for reading my comment. Bye have a nice day.

123. on 02 Jan 2010 at 6:56 am 123.Amit said …

     amit.gegram@gmail.com

124. on 02 Jan 2010 at 10:35 am 124.Ganesh said …

     Hi Gautam, grace of the babaji, with his blessings I made to the inside of the babaji cave on the year end! snaps are here for you!
     http://picasaweb.google.com/Gannuboy/MahavatarBabajiCavesDec31st2009#
     Regards
     Ganesh

125. on 02 Jan 2010 at 10:56 am 125.Gautam said …

     Thanks for the pictures Ganesh! Energy circles clearly visible in pics 17 and 18. Peace be upon you brother!

126. on 04 Jan 2010 at 7:02 am 126.Selva said …

     Hi Ganesh,

     Congrats for making it happen. The pictures are really nice and inspiring. God bless you.

127. on 15 Jan 2010 at 5:27 pm 127.Sapna said …

     Energy circles are known to originate in pictures if photography is done in secluded areas like caves and the effects are more vivid in presence of water vapors (rain, humidity etc) ..

128. on 19 Jan 2010 at 1:42 pm 128.REKHA said …

     I have gone thro the article. I have a desire to visit Babaji’s
     cave. I am staying in Mumbai. Can you guide me simple way by train & bus To Dwarahat and babaji’s cave.
     contact person who can guide once we reach there.

     Approximate expence to stay for 10 days

     I will be grateful to u
     God Bless you

     Rekha

129. on 20 Jan 2010 at 9:55 am 129.Gautam said …

     Hi Rekha, please go through the previous comments that speak in detail about how to embark on the Journey from Delhi onwards.

130. on 20 Jan 2010 at 9:38 pm 130.Satish said …

     Hi there
     Is there anyone from Mumbai who wants to visit Babaji Cave in Oct.10?
     Maybe we can form a group and visit the cave together from Mumbai as it would be more economical.

131. on 21 Jan 2010 at 1:36 pm 131.REKHA said …

     Yes. Mr. Satish I wld like to visit. can u send proposed
     programme 7 expected expenses. at present i am out of country. expected back in August first week. My email address is
     rekhaahir@rediffmail.com.
     I am a member of YSS of India. mostly attend satsang at
     wadala centre.
     will wait for your mail ths

132. on 21 Jan 2010 at 7:08 pm 132.Satish said …

     Hi Rekha

     I have just sent you an email.
     For all readers, I found a package tours to Babaji Caves arranged by Ananda Pilgrimages, plick visit http://www.anandapilgrimages.org/pilgrimages/babajis-cave/index-roi.html
     The package starts from Rs. 14,000 per person for double occupancy including train.
     Gautam and all those who have visited Babaji Caves – please advise if this cost is reasonable considering that it includes travel by 2-tier air-conditioned Ranikhet Express, bus, accommodation in 3-star Woodsvilla Resort in Ranikhet with high Himalaya views and breakfast and dinner.
     If you find a better deal, please post your comments.

133. on 21 Jan 2010 at 9:39 pm 133.Ganesh said …

     Hi Satish,

     That’s costly deal according to me, I came from chennai and was in haridwar, rishikesh, kausani totally 8 days and it took only 7k which excludes my flight charges from chennai to delhi and vice versa which was 8k.

     I paid 3k seperately for car from ranikhet to the caves which was from mrng 7 a.m to night 10p.m

     Since they are staying in ranikhet for 2 days and in start hotel they charge that much I believe.

     You can keep one day for the caves, starting 8 a.m..if u r member of YSS then no need to worry abt the stay u can stay at the YSS ashram only.

134. on 21 Jan 2010 at 11:09 pm 134.Piyush Kumar said …

     Hi Satish, I believe the charges are reasonable, considering the effort they would put in planning, coordinating and guiding the trip itself.

     For those of you looking for an option, may i suggest staying at Dunagiri Nature Retreat that overlooks the cave itself. We can easily organize your visit to the cave, which is close to walking distance from us. Each room has a private sitting/meditation area. Organic veg. food, peaceful vibrations, personal care. If interested, please visit the website http://www.dunagiri.com for more details. Being followers of Babaji ourselves, it will be our pleasure to provide assistance to fellow travellers on the path. Independent review of our retreat can also be seen at: http://www.traveltocare.com/v3s6d241e4054f6m1/hotels/dunagiri_retreat/dunagiri_nature_retreat.aspx

     Apologize if this ends up sounding like an ad for the retreat, but i do genuinely believe kriyabaans and other pilgrims would benefit by knowing of this option.

135. on 22 Jan 2010 at 12:37 am 135.Satish said …

     Thanks to Ganesh & Piyush for their feedback. Ganesh, I think travelling to & fro Babaji cave in one day would be too tiring. You need at least an extra day to recharge and feel the area. Piyush, could you please indicate costing for similar trip as offered by arranged by Ananda Pilgrimages. The other option would be to meet at Kathgodam and booking a taxi for the group would prove more economical. What do you reckon, guys?

136. on 22 Jan 2010 at 5:08 am 136.Rajeev said …

     @Satish,

     I don’t think material comforts should be taken into consideration when you are going to have the Darshan of Mahavatar Babaji.

     In my opinion, second class AC, 3 star Hote,l these are immaterial when talking about the sublime darshan of Babaji. Enquiring about the costs is good enough , but these details should not be given importance, if your focus is on Mahavatar Babaji.

     My advice to you would be to take a route deviod of all this high figh arrangements and follow a simple way. I am pretty sure you will have a great darshan, done this way.

     Rajeev

137. on 23 Jan 2010 at 1:42 am 137.Satish said …

     I don’t care about material comforts but do feel that one should spend at least two days in that region to recharge and spiritually connect to the area and the immortal souls unless you are in a hurry to leave. Visiting temples, enjoying the natural surroundings in the himalayas, doing meditation, etc. would enhance our spiritual aspirations and also calm our mind. Maybe one would not feel to leave this heaven after all!

138. on 27 Jan 2010 at 7:03 pm 138.Satish said …

     Hi Guys

     If you want to connect with Babaji spiritually, click the following link
     http://vitalcoaching.com/babaji.htm

139. on 31 Jan 2010 at 10:34 am 139.natarajan said …

     a great reading!
     it continues almost every day for me!
     We are happy to learn that Babaji is from Parangipet. TN.

     Om Arunachaleshwaraya namaha.

140. on 02 Feb 2010 at 2:49 am 140.Nagu said …

     Hi Gautam, finally it has happened, according to my original plans i made it with my friends to babaji cave and ofcourse various other remote places in Himalayas although it was bitter cold we had all of our arrangements planned well over 6 months and our necessary gadgets provided invaluable support and comfort.
     those places are filled with energy circles which i managed to capture in my video camera and at some points we were able to locate with infra red sensors were the energy circles are coming from they seem to frequently changing spots. especially in babaji cave more energy circles were found outside the caves at some points. i have done 4 hours worth of exotic vidoes and 15000 pictures. we are organising them all and shall post them soon and shall let you know of our experience. there are lots of do’s and dont’s.
     thanks to Gautam.

141. on 04 Feb 2010 at 3:02 am 141.Nagu said …

     hi Gautam,
     i have created a blog and started to give those information for people who wants to travel i shall add photos and video soon. more than happy to provide any information for those planning to travel.
     http://www.divyodaya.wordpress.com

     regards

142. on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:15 am 142.Usha said …

     Hi All

     We four of us ( from Singapore) are planning to have a darshan of Babaji’s caves this coming April/ May 2010. Please let us know if you are interested. My email id is manasvini65@gmail.com.

143. on 05 Feb 2010 at 7:41 pm 143.Satish said …

     Hi Nagu

     You have conducted an excellent research on Babaji cave and energy circles and is an eye opener for all of us. Can you please post your personal experiences on the energy circles and the do’s and dont’s.
     I believe that an energy circle is a positive and healing energy simiar to reiki and these energies are of divine Babaji and other souls existing in interdimension who do the work of solution on Earth. This may sound odd and strange, but one day when the actual energy field of consciousness is being examined by scientists, it may start to make sense.
     Visiting Babaji’s cave is a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for all us to connect to the divine souls and experience positive changes in our lives.
     Om Kriya Babaji Namah Aum

144. on 06 Feb 2010 at 12:40 am 144.Nagu said …

     Hi satish,
     i have created web blog and have started to write those experience i took 5 of my net friends i have explained to them all about what we are expected to do in those trips. and to avoid any disappointment in case if they had any expectation i published series of newsletters regularly. i am a person who always try to get a nearest explanation on science for any divine experience although as you know science cannot explain everything in nature. this i have started long time and have compiled few volumes of books. time constraints. i had personal experience in those areas as i am a kriyaban. i was merely exploring peoples experience in on their own context. and was quiet inspired by vacaspati writings that were truly sensational. so i decided to explore with my scientific an spiritual intuition. it was a 7 day trip i must say every single day was a divine experience we only slept 4 hours a day i was worried about others but all were in good spirits and fresh minds due to new experience with some deep unexplained phenomeneon but felt within our senses. i told all those folks that they have to bear with me for being slow for reasons of alitutde issues (i am a medic myself so clearly educated them before travel) and told them i would wana take a deep look at things like using infra-red sensors and videophotography which i have to spend time and carry heavy gadgets but ofcourse well paid off with tons of picture and superb video which i shall publish later i have to get consent from others due to privacy issues. those video equipment demonstrated energy circle especially in the forest surrounding dunagiri.(but please dont take chance they are dangerous wilderness and we saw trails of animals killed by wild beast) energy circles sometimes comes from the trees themself i noticed on the main road group of small shops just before josi tea shop in kukuchina has abundant circles. like wise i have blogged them all. few more exploration needed it was bitter cold although i am ok i didnt wana risk other team membes so i decided to go in may 2010 to complete my work.i shall post them once my work is all done.
     my sincere thanks to all who has wrote in this site and special thanks to gautham and vacaspati
     pranam
     http:www.divyodaya.wordpress.com

145. on 06 Feb 2010 at 8:02 am 145.vacaspati said …

     The hills are full of vibrant energy, the reasons are not just the presence of many great souls in past and present, but also the presence of the Deathless Master in the cave as His Blessings.
     If you are a little aware of tradition, in 1671 AD Sri Raghavendra was entombed live, in a Jeevanta Brindavana, and the great master promised his disciples that his blessings would be available for another 700 years. So the benedictory power is the blessing that creates a portal in that spot of the universe, some thing like a wish fulfilling tree, where the cosmic energy is available and palpable to ordinary mortals. The camera lenses are capturing only light particles, orbs of energy, but there is something that you as a human being with your sensorium can feel, only your faith is such that you need to see something out of the ordinary to believe.
     Just as this temple of Raghavendra at Mantralayam, is the cave of Babaji. The ease with which one can lapse into a mental state of self abnegation is one i have recounted earlier on this website. What i want to stress here is that while energy circles are no doubt a thrilling experience visually, seekers must not miss in their eagerness at photo/video graphy the real sense of overwhelming cosmic vibration that purifies your mind and body, and the peace of being at the cave actually lasts for a few days without effort, as a lingering blessing.
     Babaji called Mahasaya to this cave, and since we are following the footsteps of Mahasaya in reaching out to the Master Mahaavtar, for us this cave is a heritage which we must seek and preserve with sacred spirit and sanctity.
     Sri Nagi and his friends have not commented on their intense personal experiences, so it would be incorrect to bother them with any query about their experiences at the cave over and above their fascinating photo shoot. May their seeking find fulfillment and expression!
     I wish to also inform that if one stays back in the cave or allow for some dark corners then too one can see light- particles floating. So it is not just a camera, you yourself can perceive the energy.
     These experiences are recounted with original candour by Yoganandaji in his seminal Autobiography of a Yogi.
     There is cosmic energy, and while science scoffs at paranormal experiences, accounts of masters and journey men like yours truly, put us at odds with science.
     Light now can be slowed, and so relativity is now getting modified to explain natural phenomena by way of string theory or some other new axiom. My experiences and excuses for science is that it is trying to explain that which is external and merely sensed, as in external phenomena. And trying to do that is as difficult as trying to hold a candle to your ‘SELF’. Babaji has illumined the nature of natural phenomena by telling his followers to keep moving (Dera danda uthoi) and to keep doing kriya(meditation). Each breath is a boon, when exiting and entry are equal, the mind is quelled. In that amanasya, the light of the truth is so abundant, that Gandhiji described it, Arjuna described it, and as did others who were blessed to see it, as so dazzling that our sun pales into insignificance.
     The blessings are unceasing, like the ticking seconds, arrive with warmth and effervent joy. Allow them to caress our souls and bless our bodies. Invoke the Mahaavtar! All the best.

146. on 06 Feb 2010 at 10:48 am 146.Nagu said …

     Dear Gautam,
     would you be kind enough to let me have your contact details or let me reply to vacaspati’s comment on your website.
     regards

147. on 06 Feb 2010 at 7:47 pm 147.Satish said …

     Hi Readers

     The following website gives a good insight on 18 kriya postures taught by Babaji

     http://18kriyapostures.blogspot.com/2009/01/introduction.html

148. on 07 Feb 2010 at 7:16 am 148.Sharad said …

     Hi Gautam Dhar,

     Very informative and interesting trip of yours to BabaJi’s Cave. Please send me your phone No. by email as I would like to talk to you. I just visited Shirdi and have read about Baba Nagraj for years. I am is USA so I would like to call and talk to YOU.

     Om sai ram
     Sharad Bhai

149. on 07 Feb 2010 at 7:17 am 149.Sharad said …

     Exellent

150. on 07 Feb 2010 at 7:30 am 150.Nagu said …

     Hi Sri Vacaspati, Gautam
     I write with respect.I found your arduous comment impulsive and felt it is quiet imperative that i clearly put my point of view across to those who may have misjudged my original post. I am able to identify your personal anguish in your post on my diligence but the reason behind my photography was not for personal gain but to share the experience with others, who are unable to make such a trip for various personal reasons. I entirely agree with your statement that one should not miss in the eagerness the real sense of overwhelming cosmic vibrations. However it is incorrect of you to expect everyone to experience the cosmic vibration in the same way. Also it is selfish of you to say that people who are unable to make the journey do not deserve the experience
     If energy circles can easily be perceived by sitting in a dark room, then we all at some point should have witnessed this phenomena. The energy circles are rare and a blessing, the camera only hopes to capture and recreate these precious phenomena to those that cannot witness it in person. If Yoganandaji had not disclosed about Babaji in this Autobiography of a Yogi, then we may have never known of the legendary avatar. All publicity is not bad publicity.
     People are right in saying that energy circles are not to be carried away with, however the energy circles are part of the soul cleansing experience. The blog is not to disclose personal information, as the title itself says that certain experiences are “personal”. Whilst i want to share my experiences for informatory purposes, if i were to disclose my personal account of my feelings and perceptions, which not everyone who goes there may feel; i would generate a vast crowd to these holy hills, who all will seek these preceptions. While some may attain great attunity in this soul cleanser, some may return empty handed and that will breed disappointment. We all have to understand that knowledge can be passed on to all, but not all will percieve the information in the same manner. Some have attained a stage, where they may easily comprehend all this information but not everyone who reads this blog will be at that stage; overload of knowledge to prove an opinion will only breed contempt and confusion.

151. on 07 Feb 2010 at 8:37 pm 151.Satish said …

     I agree with Nagu. What Nagu’s done is very unique and not yet attempted by anyone. We should be grateful to him for spending valuable time to provide us with insights which would be very useful to everyone trying to explore this area.
     We would like to see your extraordinary clips and photos (when available) and also your comments.
     Like I have stated before, exploring Babaji cave is a lifetime opportunity to experience communion with the souls of Mahavtar.
     It’s a pilgrimage to experience heaven and bring positive changes to our mind, body and spirit.
     Nagu can post his experiences with a disclaimer if people think they are too personal to post.
     We all have different views so it is extirely on us if we can digest the provided information or not.

152. on 07 Feb 2010 at 10:55 pm 152.Nagu said …

     Dear satish,
     kindly check my web blog for any information.

     http://divyodaya.wordpress.com/mahavatar-babaji/

     i shall post video clipings later and also add more photos to this site.

153. on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:13 pm 153.natarajan said …

     WHAT COMMENTS CAN I SUBMIT BUT TO…

     give deatils of where to find images and beautiful songs by devotees -thanks to you tube.

     click below links to see Babaji’s various pictures. om Nama Shivaya…

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgdbxnqXj00&feature=related

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w02fzNLB6_s&feature=related

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSKRNrjXk2k&feature=related

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udu0T4SariY&feature=related

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txse1jafGHM&feature=related

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0p0PQb_ekE&feature=related

154. on 14 Feb 2010 at 12:07 am 154.natarajan said …

     how many manifestations how many disciples and how many followers. simply great.

     most masters old and new have had connections with Babaji.

     Paramahamsa Nityanandha is another master!
     Look at the connection from Thiruvannamali to Himalayas.

     how small are we to keep herring more more at every step we take in life.

     ‘Each sincere step taken …will make the Divine to take 10 steps towards you’! – heard it somewhere.

     Its Darshan time here in Bangalore with SRI SRI , Jaggi Vasudev in Astha channel on Shivrathri and now Matha Amruthananamayi’s presence on the 18th Feb.

     http://www.ombabaji.org.uk/

155. on 18 Feb 2010 at 9:25 am 155.Devendra said …

     Hi Gautam, Can u help me with details to get to Almora or nearby places by train from Maharashtra. Please Check if u can get fares for them also. I am livin in Kolhapur which is at 5hrs distance from Pune. Email me the details on my ID. I want to see Babaji,s cave in this lifetime! Hoping so!!!

156. on 25 Feb 2010 at 2:12 pm 156.Hema said …

     Gautamji

     You are blessed by Babaji to visit his abode. You are fortunate to have reached the spiritual maturity. Thanks for the article, I can at least read and enjoy, and see the places in my mind.

     I have read Autobiography of a yogi and intensely sought Babaji to show me a guru; and soon after it so happened that one of my staff member who is a spanish woman told me about the Kriya.org. When I checked the website, the initiation was to be held the following week, which I attended and became a disciple. I am practicing meditation, but still have to go a long way.

     You have not mentioned any women visiting the caves. If Babaji wishes that I visit his abode, I will travel to see that place.

     Thanks again for the article; please do not post this on your website.

     Hema

157. on 27 Feb 2010 at 5:49 pm 157.Ghanshyam Pant said …

     I can help to reach Babaji’s Cave …!!

158. on 27 Feb 2010 at 9:21 pm 158.Success said …

     Greetings…

     Hi Hema I believe you dint see this link, this January we Visited Babaji Cave with his blessing, In our team total 6 members inside of that two of them are women. Kindly check this Blogs…for more info…Keep Smiling

     http://divyodaya.wordpress.com/mahavatar-babaji/

     Jai Guru Dev

159. on 02 Mar 2010 at 1:06 am 159.Jonathan said …

     The post is interesting and concerned place has certainly shared my attention, however, I’m more impressed by the “Babaji”. I’ve heard and read a lot regarding the sages and saints who had informed the normal humans about spiritualism and salvation that’s why many of our countrymen have been to India to observe what we’ve been hearing, reading and knowing since decades.

     I certainly can’t comment over this post because neither I’ve visited the place nor I’m aware of the history but I’ve traveled to India and place where most of the natives have devoted themselves to meditation and other forms of spiritualism. My first trip to India was arranged by Zapbooking ( http://zapbooking.com/ ) and I had a wonderful trip that was fulfilling and gratifying as well, however, I missed Himalayas.

     My friends out here recommended the emerald green Himalayan region but due to some reasons I dropped the plan, however, I’ll make sure that in my next trip I must went to this place.

     Do forgive me if I’m only talking about myself and my trip but this post actually educated me about true beliefs that Indian people share with others.

     On the whole the post is nicely written and highly informative.

     Thanks and Regards
     Jonathan

160. on 09 Mar 2010 at 3:13 am 160.Thiaga said …

     Dear Gautam & Anupam Dhar

     I have just finished reading your visit to BABAJI’S Cave. It is very nice and informative article. I thank you both for giving this successful experience to all of us. It is a great service to the mankind. I have really enjoyed in reading and felt that I am also visiting and seeing BABAJI’S Cave. I am reading about BABAJI at the moment.

     Thanks again. Best wishes to both of you. Good Luck.

     Thiaga, 09/03/2010

161. on 09 Mar 2010 at 8:25 am 161.dinesh said …

     HE WILL LISTEN YOU
     HE SEES YOU
     HE CARES YOU

     I LOVE BABAJI

Any Comments..?