The Essence of a Guru
Bharat, our sacred motherland, has always been blessed with enlightened seers and sages—beacons of wisdom who transcend time through the bliss of self-realization. While self-realization is a profound personal journey, guiding others towards it is an even greater act of compassion. Such a guiding force is revered as a Guru in Sanskrit, a term with no true equivalent in any other language.
The word Guru holds deep significance—GU signifies darkness, representing ignorance, while RU denotes the remover of darkness, the bestower of wisdom. A Guru is, therefore, the very embodiment of light, a source of divine wisdom that dispels ignorance beyond even the brilliance of a billion suns.
Throughout history, India has been the birthplace of many such enlightened souls—Jagadgurus like Sri Sankaracharya, Lord Buddha, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, and many more. These great masters, having attained the pinnacle of self-realization, did not keep their wisdom to themselves. Instead, they renounced worldly comforts to share their divine knowledge, uplifting countless souls on the path to truth and enlightenment.
Samartha Sadguru Sri SriSriHanumath Kali Vara Prasad Babuji Maharaj
Sri Babuji Maharaj
Sri Babuji Maharaj – A Divine Presence
Sri SriSriHanumath Kali Vara Prasad Babuji Maharaj is one such divine master, a Samartha Sadguru who has graced the world with his presence, wisdom, and boundless compassion. He is an ardent proponent of Rajayoga, a Rajarishi who, though not adopting the traditional Sannyasa Ashram, has transcended mortal limitations and attained supreme bliss (Nirvikalpa Samadhi) from a young age.
From his childhood, Sri Babuji’s spiritual journey was extraordinary. Engaged in deep meditation, severe penance, and extensive travel across India’s sacred sites, he received divine visions of Lord Sri Rama and constant guidance from Lord Hanuman. He spent months in meditation at holy places such as Srisailam, Tirumala, Sabarimala, Uttarakasi, and the interior Himalayas, absorbing the spiritual essence of each location.
Sri Babuji’s wisdom was not acquired through formal education but was an innate realization. Even as a child, he astounded learned scholars by engaging in profound spiritual discussions, effortlessly clarifying intricate philosophies. His divine mission was later shaped by the guidance of Sri Kandarpa Parasuramayya, a great sage who persuaded Sri Babuji to emerge from seclusion and dedicate his life to uplifting humanity.
As a young seeker, Sri Babuji embarked on an intense spiritual quest, traveling across India in deep meditation and penance. Lord Sri Rama was the first deity of his devotion, and he had divine visions (Sakshatkar) of the Lord on numerous occasions. In his solitary wanderings through forests and remote sanctuaries, he constantly felt the protective presence of Lord Hanuman. His spiritual journey took him to sacred sites such as Srisailam, Tirumala, Sabarimala, Uttarkashi, and the Himalayas, where he spent months in meditation, absorbing the spiritual essence of each holy place.
For much of his early life, Sri Babuji remained in near-total seclusion, known only to a few. His presence was elusive, appearing at divinely ordained times and places. Those who encountered him found themselves unable to meet his radiant gaze or touch his feet, overwhelmed by his divine aura. His spiritual focus was so intense that it even affected his speech—though today, he speaks with the thunderous voice of the Divine Mother.
Despite his lack of formal education, Sri Babuji’s spiritual wisdom was unparalleled. When he first attempted to write, he saw Sri Kali, the Divine Mother, in his slate—an indication of his divine calling. He astonished learned scholars by discussing and clarifying profound spiritual truths with effortless authority, leaving even the most erudite Pandits in awe of his experiential wisdom.
A pivotal moment in Sri Babuji’s journey came when he met Sri Kandarpa Parasuramayya, a great Rajayogi and sage. The two shared an extraordinary bond, with Sri Parasuramayya recognizing Sri Babuji as his only spiritual heir and divine gift. Even today, Sri Babuji speaks of him with profound reverence, calling him his father. Understanding Sri Babuji’s immense spiritual potential, Sri Parasuramayya, along with Dr. Lanka Seethagirirao and Mr. MavuletiChiranjeeviraju, lovingly persuaded him to step out of solitude for a higher purpose—the spiritual upliftment and liberation of countless souls.
It is through their unwavering efforts that devotees today are blessed with Sri Babuji’s divine guidance—a beacon of wisdom and compassion, lighting the path for all seekers of truth.
Sri Babuji Maharaj
Sri Babuji Maharaj – The Divine Guide
The Divine Mother Sri Kali and Sri Hanuman are the presiding deities of Sri Babuji Maharaj’s daily worship. Yet, the essence of his teachings and practice lies in the highest form of Advaita (non-dualism)—a profound realization of the oneness of all existence. This extraordinary blend of Saguna Bhakti (worship with form) and Nirguna Jnana (formless realization) finds a rare parallel only in the spiritual legacy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
What makes Sri Babuji even more remarkable is the harmonious coexistence of childlike innocence and the boundless wisdom of a Brahmajnani (knower of the Absolute). Those who knew him even at the young age of fifteen recall, with awe and reverence, how divine powers naturally manifested in him. Many witnessed miraculous healings, where Sri Babuji cured ailments deemed hopeless by medical experts. Others saw him resolve deeply entrenched family disputes and reconcile individuals consumed by hostility, transforming hatred into harmony.
Yet, despite these divine interventions, Sri Babuji humbly attributes everything to the grace of the Divine Mother. He often refers to himself as a mere instrument of Her boundless compassion, saying:
“The great and kind Mother has just chosen to put on this garb (pointing to himself) to carry out Her acts of mercy towards Her suffering children.”
Sri Babuji remains unwavering in his conviction that spiritual powers should never be misused for material gains. He considers them potential obstacles on the path to self-realization, advocating complete detachment from ego and worldly desires. His life is a living testament to selfless service, divine wisdom, and the purest expression of love and compassion.
Sri Babuji Maharaj
Sri Babuji Maharaj – The Eternal Guiding Light
Material pleasures pale in comparison to the supreme bliss of self-realization—the realization that one is not merely a mortal body, but the immortal, indivisible, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient Self. However, for a realized soul like Sri Babuji Maharaj, an even greater joy lies in guiding and inspiring others to attain this realization. A true Guru finds his fulfillment not in personal bliss alone, but in leading others toward spiritual awakening.
Unlike rigid dogmas, Sri Babuji’s teachings are rooted in simplicity and practicality. He urges people to recognize the rare privilege of human birth and use it to break free from the cycle of birth and death by leading a pure, righteous, and spiritual life. According to him, spirituality does not require renouncing one’s family, profession, or societal responsibilities. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of fulfilling all duties sincerely and selflessly, through righteous means, without causing harm to others.
Sri Babuji strongly warns against laziness, which he calls “death”, and advises everyone to dedicate even a few moments each day to prayer and meditation. He assures that prayer, when coupled with unwavering faith, bestows inner peace and purity. Devotion to the Guru’s lotus feet is the surest remedy for all suffering, leading the seeker to the ultimate goal of self-realization.
More about Babuji
Over time, Sri Babuji’s influence grew, and in 1972, the Sri Kali Gardens Ashram was established in Andhra Pradesh as a sacred center of spiritual learning. It became a beacon of divine wisdom, attracting seekers from across the world. Despite his reluctance toward publicity, Sri Babuji’s fame spread, and he traveled extensively to countries like the U.S., U.K., West Indies, and France, offering spiritual guidance and uplifting countless souls.
Even today, his presence is deeply felt in the lives of his devotees. His teachings emphasize selfless service, devotion, and the realization of one’s inner divinity, guiding seekers toward self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The Peetadhipathi of Sri Kali Gardens Ashram
Sri Babuji’s divine mission continues through Poojya Sri Yogini Sri Chandra Kali Prasada Mathaji, whom he personally nurtured and trained for this sacred role. From infancy, Sri Mathaji was under the loving care and spiritual tutelage of Sri Babuji. As a child, she displayed an innate spiritual wisdom, and Sri Babuji prophesied that she would one day guide seekers with her soul-stirring voice and divine discourses.
The word Guru holds deep significance—GU signifies darkness, representing ignorance, while RU denotes the remover of darkness, the bestower of wisdom. A Guru is, therefore, the very embodiment of light, a source of divine wisdom that dispels ignorance beyond even the brilliance of a billion suns.
With Sri Babuji’s blessings, she underwent rigorous spiritual training in Sanskrit, scriptures, and Vedantic teachings, accompanying him on his spiritual journeys. After Sri Babuji’s Maha Samadhi, she was anointed as the Ashramadhipathi (spiritual head) of Sri Kali Gardens Ashram, carrying forward the sacred mission of her Guru.
Today, Sri Mathaji’s presence is a living embodiment of Sri Babuji’s divine grace. Under her guidance, the Ashram continues to flourish as a center of spiritual enlightenment, service, and devotion, just as it did during Sri Babuji’s time.
Poojya Sri Yogini Sri Chandra Kali Prasada Mathaji
The Torchbearer of Sri Babuji’s Legacy
Around the year 1960, a beautiful baby girl sat playfully in the lap of Sri Babuji while he engaged in a profound spiritual discussion. The child, full of joy, gestured animatedly and mumbled as if eager to contribute to the discourse. Pressing her soft cheeks, Sri Babuji lovingly asked,
“What, my dear Chandu! Do you also wish to give a discourse?”
With a radiant smile, the baby enthusiastically replied, “Ha, Babuji!”
Caressing her head, Sri Babuji prophesied:
“You shall sing the sweet name of the Lord with your soul-stirring voice and deliver discourses to dispel the doubts of devotees and direct them towards divinity.”
That blessed child was Kumari Chandra Seshamamba, the only daughter of Smt. Raghavamma and Late Sri Mavuleti Chiranjeevi Raju, about whom reference has been made earlier. She was not just their daughter but a divine gift, bestowed upon them by Sri Babuji himself.
A Life Molded by Sri Babuji
From her earliest years, Sri Mathaji grew up in the divine presence of Sri Babuji, receiving not just parental affection but spiritual nourishment. Under his direct guidance, she was trained in Sanskrit and sacred scriptures, shaping her into a profound scholar and spiritual leader. She accompanied Sri Babuji on his travels, imbibing his wisdom and living in his divine aura.
Sri Babuji, with clear foresight, meticulously initiated, instructed, and inspired her in the highest realms of spiritual education, preparing her for a great mission. With this divine ordination, he proclaimed her as his spiritual successor and, after his Maha Samadhi, she was anointed as:
“Poojya Sri Yogini Sri Chandra Kali Prasada Mathaji” – the Peetadhipathi (Head) of Sri Kali Gardens Ashram.
The Living Presence of Sri Babuji
Today, in Sri Mathaji, we saw Sri Babuji himself. Her words carry his wisdom, her presence radiates his grace, and her guidance bestows his blessings. The ashram and its activities continue to flourish under her able leadership, maintaining the same spiritual grandeur and divine sanctity as during Sri Babuji’s time.
There is no doubt that Sri Mathaji will continue to carry the eternal torch of spiritual enlightenment, leading all seekers to the lotus feet of Sri Babuji and the Divine Mother.
