4 ashrams/temples|saint
Baba Lokenath Brahmachari was a revered Hindu yogi, mystic, and spiritual master. After decades of rigorous spiritual practice in the Himalayas, he established an ashram in Barodi, Narayanganj (in present-day Bangladesh). His teachings were simple and universal, and he dedicated his life to the spiritual and material well-being of people across all castes and creeds.
Baba Lokenath Brahmachari was born on the auspicious day of Janmashtami in 1730 in the village of Kachua (or Chakla, as per varying records) in the present-day North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. His parents were Ramnarayan Ghoshal and Kamala Devi, and he was their fourth son. It was his father's deep spiritual conviction and ultimate desire to dedicate one of his sons to the path of renunciation. Fulfilling this vow, at the tender age of 11, Lokenath left his home alongside his respected guru, Bhagwan Ganguly, and his close friend Benimadhav.
They first traveled to the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, where they spent several years practicing extreme austerities, fasting, and deep meditation. Later, they moved to Varanasi (Kashi) and eventually to the high, freezing altitudes of the Himalayas to master Ashtanga Yoga. According to traditional accounts, Baba Lokenath lived an intense ascetic life for nearly 90 years, traveling extensively on foot.
After attaining supreme enlightenment, he descended from the mountains. Around 1866, he arrived in the village of Baradi, located in the Narayanganj district of present-day Bangladesh. Under the patronage of the local Nag Zamindar family, he established his permanent ashram. Baba Lokenath did not believe in caste boundaries or religious divisions; his doors were open to everyone—from wealthy merchants to the poorest farmers. He lived an exceptionally simple life and emphasized the paths of Karma (action) and Bhakti (devotion). His most reassuring and universally known promise to humanity remains: "Whenever you are in danger, whether in war, forest, or water, remember me. I shall save you." He attained Mahasamadhi at his Baradi ashram in June 1890.
Baba Lokenath Brahmachari was a revered saint and yogi whose life and words continue to guide countless individuals today. His teachings were never confined to any specific religion, caste, or creed; rather, they were entirely dedicated to the welfare of all humanity and the natural world. Below are some of his most invaluable teachings and social philosophies:
1. Universal Love and Divinity in All Beings
Baba Lokenath deeply believed that the Supreme Lord resides within every living being.
He taught that showing love and compassion to every creature in nature, including animals and birds, is the essence of true religion.
According to him, the true foundation of spirituality is treating everyone in this vast universe with kindness and empathy, without harboring hatred or contempt for anyone.
2. Service to Humanity (Daridra Narayan Seva)
He considered serving the helpless, marginalized, and poor people of society as a direct service to God.
To emphasize the true value of charity, he often said, "Whatever you give into the hands of the poor and helpless, I will receive it; I will accept it."
He constantly encouraged his followers to stand by people selflessly and actively work to alleviate the sorrows of society.
3. Truth and Purity
According to Baba Lokenath, "There is nothing as pure as the truth." He considered unwavering truthfulness to be the greatest stepping stone to spiritual and worldly progress.
He recognized that arrogance and anger bring about a person's downfall. Warning against this, he advised, "Be proud, but do not be a fool; be angry, but do not be blinded by anger."
4. Detachment and Self-Realization
He taught that excessive attachment to money and material wealth ultimately brings suffering. Highlighting this practical reality, he said, "One has to suffer while earning money, protecting it, and spending it."
Instead of chasing worldly illusions, he placed the highest importance on reducing material attachments, attaining self-knowledge, and recognizing one's inner soul.
5. The Ultimate Promise of Protection
His greatest gift to his devotees was his eternal, reassuring promise: "Whenever you are in danger—whether in war, in the forest, or on the water—remember me. I shall save you."
His core message was that if anyone calls upon the Divine with absolute devotion and faith, they will never be left alone, and they will be rescued from the most difficult of situations.
1. Rescue of Devotees in a Terrible Storm: This is perhaps the most famous legend. Once, a few of Baba's devotees were caught in a severe storm in the middle of a river, facing certain death. Remembering his ultimate promise of protection, they called out to him in their time of danger. It is said that despite being physically present at the Baradi ashram, Baba Lokenath miraculously appeared in person on that very boat, took the helm, and safely guided everyone to the shore.
2. Miraculous Asceticism in the Himalayan Snow: According to legend, Baba Lokenath meditated for years in the bone-chilling cold of the Himalayas without wearing any winter clothing. The intensity of his "Yogagni" (Inner Heat) was so immensely powerful that the solid, frozen ice around his meditation spot would completely melt away.
3. Simultaneous Presence in Multiple Locations (Bilocation): Many devotees have claimed that while Baba Lokenath was seated at the Baradi ashram, he simultaneously appeared before his endangered devotees in distant cities to rescue them. Although this is entirely impossible in our known logical systems, in the spiritual realm, it is considered a very high-level "Siddhi" (spiritual attainment).
4. A Long Lifespan of 160 Years: Born in 1730 and attaining Mahaprayan in 1890—according to this calculation, he lived to be 160 years old. This stands as the greatest and most living proof of his lifelong Brahmacharya (celibacy), Pranayama, and rigorous Yoga practices.
“Whenever you are in danger, whether in war, forest, or water, remember me. I shall save you.”
Rakher Upobash 2026 begins on Tuesday, 16 Kartik 1433 by the panjika (3 November) and ends on Tuesday, 30 Kartik (17 November): five fasts on the Tuesdays and Saturdays of Kartik’s last fortnight, as listed by the Barodi Lokenath ashram, with sunset times at Barodi, Narayanganj and when to arrive.
Read articleরাখের উপবাস ২০২৬ শুরু ১৬ কার্তিক ১৪৩৩, মঙ্গলবার (৩ নভেম্বর), শেষ ৩০ কার্তিক, মঙ্গলবার (১৭ নভেম্বর)। বারদী আশ্রমের তালিকা অনুযায়ী কার্তিকের শেষ পনেরো দিনের পাঁচটি মঙ্গল ও শনিবার, নারায়ণগঞ্জে সূর্যাস্তের সময়, আর কখন পৌঁছাবেন।
Read articleরাখের উপবাস পালনের নিয়ম ধাপে ধাপে: আগের দিনের সংযম, উপবাসের দিন, উপকরণের তালিকা, সূর্যাস্তে ঘিয়ের প্রদীপ জ্বালানো, নীরব প্রার্থনা, উপবাস ভাঙা আর বাবা লোকনাথের প্রণাম মন্ত্র অর্থসহ। কোনটা আশ্রমের রীতি, কোনটা লোকাচার, তাও আলাদা করে বলা।
Read articleBirth Place
Chakla, Deganga, Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. Werite in bengali
Lifespan
1730 – 1890
Parents
Ramnarayan Ghoshal and Kamala Devi
Tradition
Hindu
Primary Occasion
Sree Sree Baba Loknath Mahaprayan Day
Sacred Flower
Blue water lily।
Sacred Color
White
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