Sombari Baba’s Sacred Ashrams and Legacy
Sombari Baba’s Ashrams
A Time of Reverence for Sadhus
In earlier times, sadhus were shown immense respect and love by society. Although the faith in saints was often blind, it frequently proved to be beneficial. Today, blind faith can sometimes lead to deception, and thus, interaction with saints requires discernment.
Sombari Baba was revered without inquiry into his birthplace, caste, or religion. Devotees simply followed his divine words and teachings. He followed a life of intense devotion, worshipping Lord Shiva, meditating daily, and living as a renunciate.
Sombari Baba’s Primary Ashrams
Sombari Baba had two primary places of spiritual residence:
Padampuri (Winters)
Kakrighat (Summers)
He would also rest for brief periods in Khairna, Kainchi, and sometimes at the Bareilly Road kuti in Haldwani. His devotees, both old and young, often sought his darshan, drawn by the powerful spiritual aura around him.
Kakrighat: The Sage’s Summer Retreat
Spiritual Gateway of Kumaon
Kakrighat, nestled by the Kosi River, has long been a spiritual haven. Great sages performed intense sadhana here. Located near Almora, the area is adorned with nature and divine vibrations.
A Seat of Silence and Power
At Kakrighat, Sombari Baba sat beneath a large banyan tree, with no structure, no temple—just sand and rocks. He made this humble spot his spiritual abode. Here, saints have also taken jeev samadhi, a sacred act of conscious bodily departure.
Divine Vibrations of the Land
Five Sacred Trees and Serene Energy
As described by Shri Badri Sah, Kakrighat features the sacred panch pallava: banyan, peepul, gular, aank, and dhaank. The confluence of Kosi and Salmadhi rivers nearby enhances the spiritual potency of the area.
A short distance away is a jeevit samadhi of three saints. The area is graced by peaceful animals and birds, resonating with divine vibrations. A jyoti lamp, symbolizing Ma Durga, is kept eternally lit, radiating purity and protection.
Dhuni and Temple Simplicity
In 1914, a small hut without a roof stood beneath one of the banyan trees. A dhuni (sacred fire) burned continuously, and a small temple stood beside it. Even the local flora and fauna—monkeys, cows, and migratory birds—seemed to bask in the peaceful aura of the spot.
Padampuri: The Winter Haven
While not elaborated in detail here, Padampuri remains one of the most frequented and sacred places where Baba stayed. His presence turned the rugged, snow-laden landscape into a spiritual sanctuary.
His deep connection with nature, minimalistic lifestyle, and boundless compassion made these ashrams more than just spiritual dwellings—they became beacons of divine presence.
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.
