Bhole Baba satsang
Hathras Stampede: Who is Bhole Baba
From Policeman to Spiritual Leader: The Rise of Bhole Baba
Suraj Pal Singh, known to his devotees as Bhole Baba, wasn't always a spiritual leader. Born in a farmer's family in Uttar Pradesh, he served as a head constable in the state police for over 18 years, even working with the Intelligence Unit.
A shift came in the late 1990s. Singh opted for early retirement and embraced a new life path. He changed his name to Narayan Sakar Hari and began holding satsangs, spiritual gatherings. He reportedly told his followers he felt called towards spirituality and world peace, motivating his decision to leave his police career.
Bhole Baba's influence has grown significantly. He now draws lakhs of devotees from across North India, including government officials, politicians, and people from various backgrounds – western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Notably, his following extends beyond religious lines, attracting devotees from the SC/ST, OBC communities, and even the Muslim community, according to a police source.
Unlike many godmen, Bhole Baba avoids the stereotypical saffron attire and maintains a low social media presence. He appears at satsangs dressed simply, often in a white suit and shoes or a kurta-pyjama with a white cap. He's frequently accompanied by his wife at these events. Reports suggest he leads a comfortable life at his ashram in Kasganj.
The Enigma of Bhole Baba: From UP Police to Spiritual Guru
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Suraj Pal Singh, the man behind the moniker Bhole Baba, presents a curious case. Once a head constable with the Uttar Pradesh Police, clocking over 18 years on the force, his life took a sharp turn in the late 1990s. Opting for voluntary retirement, Singh shed his former identity and embraced the spiritual realm, transforming into Narayan Sakar Hari. This metamorphosis was accompanied by the launch of regular satsangs, where he reportedly spoke of a newfound calling towards spirituality and a yearning for global peace.
Bhole Baba's rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. His influence now extends across several North Indian cities, drawing in lakhs of devotees. Notably, his following transcends religious and social boundaries. A police source reveals a diverse mix of supporters, including government officials, politicians, and members of the SC/ST, OBC communities, and even the Muslim community. This inclusivity stands in stark contrast to many godmen who cultivate a more exclusive image.
Bhole Baba's visual presentation further distinguishes him from his peers. Unlike the stereotypical saffron robes often associated with Indian spiritual leaders, he presents a more understated image. His attire at satsangs typically consists of a white suit and shoes, or a simple kurta-pyjama paired with a white cap. This lack of ostentation extends to his social media presence, which is reported to be minimal.
However, reports suggest a life of relative comfort at his ashram in Kasganj's Patiyali area. He's often seen accompanied by his wife at these gatherings. While the details surrounding his financial situation remain unclear, the apparent affluence raises questions about the potential source of funds.
Bhole Baba's story sparks curiosity. His ability to attract such a large and diverse following, coupled with his unconventional approach, warrants further investigation. Understanding the nature of his appeal and the source of his influence could shed light on the evolving landscape of faith and spirituality in contemporary India.
Bhole Baba- a former police officer who turned into a self styled godman
A former police official in Uttar Pradesh, the self styled godman ‘Bhole Baba’ has a clout and followers in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan as well as Madhya Pradesh.
Originally called Suraj Pal Singh alias Bhole Baba hails from Bahadur village in the Patiali tehsil of Etah district. He claims to be a former employee of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) however there is no evidence of the same.
He allegedly left his government job 26 years ago to begin delivering religious sermons. Today, he has millions of followers across India, including in western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
The godman claimed to live in a hut in his village and travelled across Uttar Pradesh to preach.
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Unlike most self-styled godmen, Narayan Hari is seen wearing a white suit and tie or a simple kurta pyjama accompanied by his wife Prem Bati. He also claims he does not keep any money offered to him by followers at his satsangs and distributes it among his followers.
He also has a security team named "Narayani Sena" that consists of men and women guards who escort him from his ashram to the satsang locations.
Notably, unlike many modern religious figures, Bhole Baba stays away from social media and does not have any official accounts on any platform. His followers claim that his influence is substantial at the grassroots level.
Bhole Baba's programs are organised every Tuesday in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, drawing thousands of attendees. During these gatherings, volunteers ensure the necessary arrangements for devotees, including food and drinks.
Bhole Baba gained attention for continuing to draw large crowds despite restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though the self-styled godman is known to keep his distance from the media, he has been embroiled in several controversies. In 2022, he held a similar satsang in UP's Farrukhabad even as cases of Covid's Delta variant were on the rise. While the district administration only permitted 50 people to attend the event over 50,000 people reached the site to attend the programme. The large crowd led to the significant traffic snarls in the area.