Who is Haidakhan Babaji

Shri Haidakhan Babaji appeared publicly in northern India in 1970 near the village of Haidakhan in the foothills of the Himalayas and taught until 1984. Many devotees recognize Babaji as a divine manifestation whose purpose was to guide humanity toward a life rooted in spiritual truth and service. Babaji did not present himself as the founder of a new religion. Instead, he emphasized the restoration of Sanatana Dharma — the eternal spiritual principles that underlie all religions.  He taught that all sincere spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same truth.

As Babaji explained:
“All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity and Love.”

The Core Teaching

Babaji’s message was remarkably simple and direct. He taught that spiritual life is not separate from daily life but is expressed through the way we live, work, and serve others. These principles form the spiritual foundation of the Haidakhandi tradition and guide the life of Pohoiki Ashram.

The foundation of his teaching rests on three principles:

Truth

Living honestly and courageously in alignment with what is right.

Simplicity

Reducing unnecessary complexity and returning to a life that is natural and sincere.

Love

Serving others and recognizing the divine presence in all beings.

Work Is Worship

One of Babaji’s central teachings is that spiritual realization comes through action performed in the spirit of service. This practice is known as karma yoga. Rather than withdrawing from the world, Babaji encouraged his devotees to work actively for the benefit of others while maintaining remembrance of God. Through service to the land, the community, and those in need, ordinary activity becomes a path of spiritual growth.

Babaji often reminded devotees that:
“Work is Worship.”

The Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya

Babaji encouraged the repetition of the ancient Sanskrit mantra: Om Namah Shivaya ॐ नमः शिवाय

This mantra is traditionally translated as: “I bow to the divine within.” Babaji taught that repeating the divine name helps quiet the mind and keeps the heart centered in spiritual awareness. Devotees are encouraged to repeat the mantra during prayer, meditation, and even while performing daily work.

A Life of Prayer and Service

During Babaji’s time in Haidakhan, the daily rhythm of life followed a simple spiritual pattern:

Morning began with aarti (devotional chanting).

The day was devoted to karma yoga, working together in service.

Evening concluded with aarti and prayer. 

This rhythm continues today in ashrams globally throughout the Haidakhandi tradition.

Pohoiki Ashram follows the same structure, integrating prayer, service, and community into daily life.

The Haidakhandi Samaj

The Haidakhandi Samaj is the organization established to preserve Babaji’s teachings and maintain the primary ashrams connected with his work. Its main centers are located in the Himalayan region of northern India, including the Haidakhan and Chilliyanaula ashrams. Through temples, devotional gatherings, and charitable activities, the Samaj continues to share Babaji’s message and support communities throughout India and around the world. More information can be found at:

https://haidakhandisamaj.in/ 

Our Connection at Pohoiki Ashram

Pohoiki Ashram honors this lineage and seeks to live Babaji’s teachings through daily practice. Our life here follows the same essential principles:

• daily aarti at sunrise and sunset

• karma yoga through service to the land

• repetition of the divine name

• community rooted in truth, simplicity, and love

The work of building and caring for this ashram is itself part of the spiritual path.

A Living Tradition

Babaji’s message continues to inspire spiritual communities around the world. At its heart, the teaching is simple:

Live truthfully.

Serve selflessly.

Remember the divine.

In this way, every action of life becomes part of the path.