The Life and Miracles of Sombari Baba
Early Days of Sombari Baba Maharajji
Birth and Background
Sombari Baba Maharajji, revered as a divine saint of the Kumaon region, was born in the town of Pind Dadan Khan, in present-day Pakistan, around 1824 or 1825. The town, historically rich and spiritually potent, rests on the banks of the river Jhelum. "Pind" means village, and "Dadan Khan" refers to the Muslim saint who had lived there. The area was well-known for the Khewra Salt Mines, Katas Raj temples, and ancient sites of spiritual and historic relevance.
As a child, Baba exhibited signs of deep spiritual inclination. From an early age, he sought the company of sadhus, engaged in contemplation, and had an inner detachment from material life.
The Spiritual Geography of Pind Dadan Khan
Pind Dadan Khan was enveloped in sacred geography. It is believed that the Katas Lake, located nearby, formed from the tears of Lord Shiva when he was grieving the loss of his consort Sati. The region also witnessed ancient spiritual traditions of Hinduism, Sufism, and Buddhism, making it fertile ground for the birth of a realized soul.
A Lesson in Detachment – The Stick Incident
One pivotal experience came during his childhood. As a young boy, Baba took shelter in a cave during rainfall, using a stick for walking. A stranger demanded he leave the cave and struck him with his own stick. Baba realized then that possessions can become liabilities, and he abandoned the stick, choosing never to carry one again—a symbolic renunciation.
His Spiritual Initiation
The Meeting with His Guru
On the scorching sands of the Raavi River, young Sombari Baba met a Muslim fakir. As they walked together, the saint pointed to a spot and said there was a treasure buried there. Baba declined to dig, reflecting his detachment from material wealth. This act deeply impressed the saint, who later accepted Baba as a disciple.
Training Under His Guru
Under the tutelage of his Guru, Baba underwent rigorous spiritual practice. This training shaped his ascetic life, devotion to Shiva and Annapurna Devi, and his renowned discipline. He emerged with a mission to serve humanity, heal the sick, and feed the hungry.
A Policeman Turned Saint
The Turning Point
Before his renunciation, Baba worked briefly in the police force. However, his heart remained with saints and spiritual seekers. One day, he absented himself to visit holy men. That very day, several absentees were dismissed, yet Baba remained employed.
Feeling that his continued service was unearned, he resigned voluntarily. This marked a turning point—a conscious decision to walk away from the world of authority and duty, toward seva (service) and sadhana (spiritual practice).
Wandering Ascetic
Post-renunciation, Sombari Baba Maharajji became a wandering ascetic. He carried minimal belongings—just a loincloth, deerskin mat, fire tongs, and chillum. He traveled through Uttarakhand, from Kakrighat to Padampuri, blessing villages, yet always staying away from crowds.
He avoided building an ashram or gathering followers, preferring solitude, simplicity, and silent spiritual practice.
His Unique Way of Living
Living in Silence and Simplicity
Baba's lifestyle was marked by strict discipline. He took baths in icy rivers, even in winter. He lived in dense forests, far from civilization. He never allowed women inside his ashrams, not out of disrespect, but to preserve the sanctity of his spiritual solitude. Yet, he often sent prasad (blessed food) to women passing nearby, honoring the Divine Feminine.
Sombari: The One Who Feeds on Mondays
He earned the name "Sombari Baba" because he fed devotees every Monday (Somvar). On these days, people gathered from miles around to partake in his prasad, often simple khichdi or puris. Despite cooking in small pots, the food never ran out—a true miracle.
He revered Shiva and Annapurna, the gods of renunciation and nourishment, combining these two paradoxical aspects in his lifestyle.
The Miracles of Sombari Baba Maharajji
Feeding the Multitude with Simple Food
One of Baba’s most well-known miracles was feeding hundreds of people from a single pot. The pot never seemed to empty. Even when supplies ran low, Baba’s grace multiplied the food.
Frying Puris in Water
A legendary incident tells of Baba frying puris in water instead of oil during a bhandara. Devotees watched in awe as crispy puris came out of boiling water—proof of divine will overpowering physical laws.
Healing the Hopeless
Curing Tuberculosis with Blessings
Lala Radheshyam, suffering from tuberculosis, came to Baba. Without medicine, Baba gave him cold milk to drink during winter. Miraculously, his condition improved rapidly—a testament to the healing energy of saints.
Lifting Grief and Restoring Faith
Devotees mourning the loss of loved ones would visit Baba. With a glance, a word, or even silence, he lifted their sorrows. Many left his presence with renewed faith and a lighter heart.
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.
