Sombari Baba: A Revered Saint from the Himalayan region

Early Life of Sombari Baba Maharajji in Pind Dadan Khan

Childhood Spiritual Inclinations

Sombari Baba Maharajji, one of the most revered Himalayan siddhas, was born in the mid-1800s in the spiritual cradle of Pind Dadan Khan, a town situated on the banks of the Jhelum River. This region, steeped in ancient Vedic and spiritual history, shaped the early consciousness of young Baba. From a very young age, he showed a natural inclination toward spirituality, shunning worldly pleasures and exhibiting deep compassion and detachment. He spent hours in solitude, deeply contemplative, often immersed in prayers and bhajans.

Stories from his early childhood recount him sitting near temples and listening to the discourses of wandering saints with rapt attention. Unlike other children, he avoided games and instead sought the company of sadhus and fakirs. This divine predisposition indicated his future path toward renunciation and spiritual realization.

Encounter of Sombari Baba Maharajji with Saints and Early Renunciation

The transformative moment in his early life came when he encountered a Muslim saint near the Raavi River. During a journey on foot in extreme summer heat, young Sombari Baba came across the saint who invited him to dig at a certain spot where a treasure was buried. When Baba declined, stating he had no desire for worldly wealth, the saint, impressed by his detachment, took him under his guidance. This marked the beginning of Sombari Baba's spiritual training and his eventual departure from worldly life.

The saint’s mysterious insight and blessing ignited a flame in the young seeker that could not be extinguished. Soon after, he renounced all familial ties and wandered into the wilderness, immersing himself fully into sadhana (spiritual practice). This phase of early renunciation would become the bedrock for his later spiritual mastery.

The Journey of a Saint Sombari Baba Maharajji

The Police Service and Turning Point

In one of the lesser-known chapters of his life, Sombari Baba briefly served in the police force. His discipline and moral integrity were evident even in this role. However, a life-changing incident occurred when he was reported absent from duty while spending time in satsang with saints. Despite being officially excused, Sombari Baba felt morally compelled to resign, stating that his heart no longer belonged to worldly duties.

This event marked a significant spiritual shift, solidifying his commitment to the path of divine pursuit. The realization that even his physical presence at work was overshadowed by his inner spiritual calling further detached him from worldly service and deepened his resolve.

Initiation by His Guru on the Banks of Raavi

It was by the sacred river Raavi that Sombari Baba received his formal spiritual initiation from the saint he had met earlier. The Guru imparted secret spiritual instructions and mantras, leading Sombari Baba into deeper states of tapasya (austerities) and dhyana (meditation).

The serene and potent environment of the riverbank became the sacred ground for his inner transformation. Over time, his fame grew quietly through word of mouth as villagers and pilgrims began to speak of the mystic in saffron who radiated divine grace.

In these years, he adopted an extremely austere lifestyle, owning only the bare necessities: a loincloth, a kamandalu (water pot), and a chillum. He would remain absorbed in divine consciousness, often seen sitting under trees or in small forest huts.

Thus began the extraordinary journey of Sombari Baba Maharajji—a journey that would eventually touch thousands of lives through silence, presence, and the powerful vibrations of unconditional grace.

Ashrams of Peace: Sombari Baba’s Sacred Abodes

The Spiritual Significance of Sacred Spaces

Sombari Baba Maharajji, a revered saint of the Kumaon region, lived a life of deep renunciation and spiritual intensity. His choice of remote, natural settings for his ashrams reflected his deep connection with nature and his desire to live undisturbed by the distractions of the world. His ashrams were not merely physical spaces but vibrant centers of spiritual energy and transformation.

Kakrighat: The Tranquil Tapasthali

Natural Beauty and Divine Vibration

Located by the banks of the Kosi River, Kakrighat is enveloped in serene beauty and dense forests. This peaceful setting was ideal for the meditative life Sombari Baba led. Swami Vivekananda also experienced a profound spiritual vision here, affirming its powerful vibrations.

Spiritual Activities

Baba spent his summers in Kakrighat, performing intense spiritual practices. The place resonated with peace, and seekers often reported experiencing calm and clarity in his presence. Baba's presence still lingers, offering grace to all who visit.

Padampuri: The Winter Abode of Grace

Harsh Conditions, Warm Blessings

Nestled in a deep valley surrounded by forests, Padampuri was Baba's winter retreat. Despite the freezing cold and lack of sunlight, the ashram remained a warm haven of spiritual strength and discipline. Baba's cave still stands as a silent witness to his tapasya.

Unending Bhandaras

A hallmark of Padampuri was the continuous offering of food to devotees. Baba ensured no one left the ashram hungry, exemplifying the spirit of seva. These bhandaras became spiritual feasts, feeding not just bodies but souls.

Khairna and Other Locations

Spiritual Radiance Across the Region

In addition to Kakrighat and Padampuri, Sombari Baba frequented Khairna and other spots in the region. Each site is imbued with the saint’s unique presence and continues to attract devotees.

A Life Without Boundaries

Though he avoided attachment to any single place, wherever Baba went, the space became sanctified. His mobile lifestyle taught detachment and the universality of divine grace.

Legacy and Pilgrimage

Sombari Baba Maharajji’s ashrams are more than historical locations; they are living centers of spiritual practice. Today, pilgrims continue to visit these spots to seek solace, blessings, and a connection to the divine.

These sacred spaces echo with the footsteps of a great siddha, inviting every seeker to walk the path of simplicity, devotion, and inner awakening.

Disclaimer: The author is trying to bring together different stories of Sombari Baba Ji by reading various books and articles about him and talking to various devotees. If you wish to contribute to the article or correct any facts, please email to manager@nkbmeditation.org.