Shyama charan Lahiri was born to Bengali Brahmin parents Gourmohan and Muktakeshi Lahiri on 30 September 1828, in the village of Ghurni in the district of Nadia, West Bengal, India. Lahiri Mahasaya earned this title due to his significant contributions to the revival and propagation of Kriya Yoga , an ancient spiritual practice aimed at achieving self-realization and communion with the divine. Lahiri Mahasaya, also known as “Lahiri Yogiraj” or simply “Yogiraj,” is a revered figure in Indian spiritual traditions. The title “Yogiraj” means “King of Yogis,” highlighting his mastery of yoga and spiritual teachings.  As a householder yogi, he showed that profound spiritual attainment could be achieved while living a worldly life.

Banarasi yogi

In Autobiography of a Yogi  by Paramahansa Yogananda, Lahiri Mahasaya’s identity as the “Banarasi Yogi” is celebrated, emphasizing his role in reviving Kriya Yoga in modern times.

Why is Lahiri Mahasaya Called the Banarasi Yogi?

Lahiri Mahasaya is often called the “Banarasi Yogi” because of his association with this spiritual hub and his profound contributions to yoga and spirituality while living there.

• Residence in Varanasi or Banaras :

Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya lived and worked in Varanasi for most of his life. He was a government accountant by profession and lived the life of a householder while simultaneously teaching and practicing Kriya Yoga.

• Spiritual Activities:

In Varanasi, Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahashaya initiated thousands of disciples into Kriya Yoga and guided them on the path of self-realization. His life demonstrated that spiritual attainment was not confined to renunciates or ascetics but was also accessible to those living ordinary, worldly lives.

• Association with the City:

Varanasi, known for its spiritual and yogic traditions, became the epicenter of Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings. His modest home in the city is considered a sacred site by his followers. 

Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya’s Initiation into Kriya Yoga by Mahavatar Babaji

The legendary meeting between Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya and Mahavatar Babaji is one of the most profound events in the history of Kriya Yoga. This sacred encounter, as described in “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda, took place in 1861 in the Himalayan foothills near Ranikhet, India.

The Divine Call

At the time, Shyama Charan Lahiri (later known as Lahiri Mahasaya) was working as a government accountant in British India. One day, he was unexpectedly transferred to Ranikhet, a remote Himalayan region. While exploring the area, he heard a mystical call of his name and followed the voice deep into the mountains.

Meeting Mahavatar Babaji

Lahiri Mahasaya encountered a radiant yogi—Mahavatar Babaji, an immortal master who is said to have guided the lineage of Kriya Yoga for centuries. Babaji revealed that Lahiri Mahashaya had been his disciple in a previous life and that it was time to revive his lost spiritual mission.

Initiation into Kriya Yoga

Mahavatar Babaji led Lahiri Mahasaya to a secluded cave, where a golden asana (seat) had been mystically prepared for him. Babaji then initiated him into the ancient and secret science of Kriya Yoga, revealing that this technique had been practiced by enlightened masters for ages.

Lahiri Mahasaya entered deep states of Samadhi (divine absorption) under Babaji’s guidance, experiencing the oneness of all creation. After several days, Babaji instructed him to return to the world and teach Kriya Yoga to sincere seekers, allowing householders and common people to access this once-hidden spiritual science.

Before Lahiri Mahasaya, Kriya Yoga was only available to renunciates and ascetics. His initiation brought this sacred technique to the world, making it accessible to sincere seekers, regardless of their social status.

Why Yogiraj shyama charan lahiri is famous?

Shyama Charan Lahiri, widely known as Yogiraj or Lahiri Mahasaya, is famous for his pivotal role in reviving and spreading the ancient yogic practice of Kriya Yoga in the modern era. His life and teachings have had a profound and lasting impact on the world of spirituality. Below are the key reasons for his fame:

• Revival of Kriya Yoga

Lahiri Mahasaya is credited with reintroducing the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, a systematic method of meditation and pranayama aimed at spiritual enlightenment. He received initiation into Kriya Yoga directly from Mahavatar Babaji  in 1861, who instructed him to share this practice with humanity. He simplified the teachings so they could be practiced by both householders and renunciates.

• Harmonizing Material and Spiritual Life

Lahiri Mahasaya lived as a householder yogi, balancing his spiritual practices with a regular life as a family man and government accountant. He demonstrated that spiritual realization could be achieved without renouncing worldly responsibilities, inspiring countless ordinary people to pursue spiritual growth.

• Universal Teachings

His teachings transcended barriers of caste, creed, and religion, making Kriya Yoga accessible to anyone sincerely seeking spiritual progress. He emphasized direct experience of the divine through meditation rather than reliance on rituals or dogma.

• Influence on Prominent Disciples

Lahiri Mahasaya initiated and guided numerous disciples, many of whom became highly influential spiritual figures, including:

Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who later mentored Paramahansa Yogananda.

Panchanan Bhattacharya, who helped disseminate his teachings. Many unnamed householders and renunciates who carried forward his teachings.

• Legacy Through Paramahansa Yogananda

Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings reached a global audience through Paramahansa Yogananda , his spiritual grandson (through Sri Yukteswar). Yogananda’s  Autobiography of a Yogi brought Lahiri Mahasaya’s life and teachings to prominence, immortalizing him as a central figure in modern yoga and spirituality.

• Recognition as a Realized Master

Lahiri Mahasaya is regarded as a self-realized yogi and guru of the highest order. Many of his disciples experienced miraculous events and profound spiritual states in his presence, which added to his reputation. He is often depicted as a symbol of serenity, humility, and spiritual wisdom.

• His Simplicity and Humility

Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya lived in simplicity, avoiding fame or public displays of his spiritual power. His humility and accessibility endeared him to his disciples and made his teachings resonate deeply with people from all walks of life.

Different lineages of kriya yoga yogis

Kriya Yoga, as revived by Mahavatar Babaji and propagated through Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya, has given rise to several lineages of spiritual teachers and practitioners. These lineages, while maintaining the core principles of Kriya Yoga, often emphasize different approaches or interpretations based on the teachings of their respective gurus.

• Major Lineages of Kriya Yoga
• Lahiri Mahasaya Lineage:
• Lahiri Mahasaya initiated thousands of disciples, creating a direct lineage of teachers and practitioners.
• Key disciples include:
• Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri: Known for his profound spiritual wisdom and scientific approach to Kriya Yoga.
• Kebalananda Giri: Swami Kebalananda Giri was a highly respected yogi and a direct disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, the great Kriya Yoga master. He is mentioned in “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda as one of Lahiri Mahasaya’s advanced disciples.
• Panchanan Bhattacharya: Founded the Arya Mission Institution to spread Kriya Yoga.
• Pranabananda Giri: Continued to teach Kriya Yoga to householders.
• Swami Sri Yukteswar Lineage:
• Sri Yukteswar carried forward Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings, emphasizing the integration of spirituality and science.
• Notable disciples of Swami Sri Yukteswar:
• Paramahansa Yogananda: Brought Kriya Yoga to the West and authored Autobiography of a Yogi.
• Satyananda Giri (1896–1971) was an Indian yogi and a direct disciple of Sri Yukteswar Giri. He was part of the Kriya Yoga lineage and played a significant role in spreading this spiritual practice in India. After dedicating years to the practice and teaching of Kriya Yoga, Swami Satyananda Giri established Sevayatan Satsang Mission in Jhargram, West Bengal, as a spiritual and educational center.
• Hariharananda Giri and the Kriya Yoga International organizations: Focus on spreading Kriya Yoga globally.

Other Lineages from Lahiri Mahasaya’s Disciples:

• Shibendu Lahiri: Shibendu Lahiri is a contemporary Kriya Yoga teacher and the great-grandson of Lahiri Mahasaya, the 19th-century yogi who revived and popularized Kriya Yoga. He travels internationally, teaching Kriya Yoga as a means of self-awareness, inner transformation, and spiritual awakening
• Yukteswar Giri’s other disciples: Individual disciples like Swami Bhavananda spread the teachings regionally.

In essence, Shyama Charan Lahiri is famous for making the profound truths of Kriya Yoga universally available and demonstrating that enlightenment is possible for everyone, regardless of their life circumstances. His life is a beacon of inspiration for spiritual seekers worldwide.

Disciples of Yogiraj Shyama charan Lahiri Mahashaya, including Swami Sri Yukteswar and indirectly Paramahansa Yogananda, referred to him with great reverence, often using titles like Yogiraj to honor his spiritual stature.