The story of Baba Keenaram Sthal - Who is India's Aghori baba Abbot today

Aghoracharya Baba Kinaram was born on Aghor Chaturdashi in 1601 A.D. in the village of Ramgarh, located in the Chandauli district near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His birth brought immense joy to his parents,Shree Akbar Singh and Mansa Devi, as they celebrated the arrival of a child believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Remarkably, Baba Keenaram did not cry until three days after his birth, awakening only with the blessings of Goddess Hinglaj Mata, the chief deity of Aghora.Mansa Devi.

Baba Keenaram

A Spiritual Journey Begins

Baba Kinaram's spiritual journey commenced in the Lyari district of  Pakistan, where, he was guided by Hinglaj Mata and under the mentorship of Baba Kaluram, he embraced the tenets of Aghor. 

Hinglaj Mata

On the fourth day after his birth, three monks embodying Lord Sadashiva visited him and whispered blessings in his ear, prompting him to cry for the first time. This event is celebrated as the beginning of the Lolark Shashti festival in Hindu tradition.

Enlightenment in Varanasi

Establishing himself in Varanasi, a city revered as Lord Shiva's abode, Baba Keenaram dedicated his life to serving others and imparting ancient wisdom. He authored several significant texts, including the Ramgita, Viveksar, Ramrasal, and Unmuniram, with the Viveksar noted for its deep exploration of Aghoric philosophy.

Baba Kinaram

During his spiritual pursuits, Baba Keenaram met Baba Shiva Das, a Grihast Saint who became convinced of Keenaram's divine nature. In a moment of surrender, Baba Shiva Das entrusted his belongings to Keenaram while bathing in the Ganges. Witnessing a miraculous event where the river's waters rose and calmed upon Keenaram's approach, he recognized the extraordinary qualities that marked Keenaram as a reincarnation of Lord Shiva.

A Life of Service and Founding an Aghor Seat

Baba Keenaram lived an extraordinary 170 years and founded the Baba Keenaram Sthal, where his body was interred alongside Goddess Hinglaj after his passing.

Baba Kinaram Sthal

His legacy continues through the current Mahant of Baba Keenaram Sthal, Baba Siddharth Gautam Ram, who is considered the 11th reincarnation of Keenaram.

Siddharth Gautam Ram

In Varanasi, Baba Keenaram established the Baba Keenaram Aghor Ashram, also known as Krim Kund Asthal, following a divine encounter with Bhagwan Dattatreya. The Aarti of Baba Keenaram ji takes place during the festive Lolark Khasti Parva, drawing devotees from across India to honor the teachings and legacy of this revered saint. The Krim-Kund Sthal, where a statue of Dutt Mahaprabhu stands, commemorates the significant meeting between Baba Keenaram and Bhagwan Dattatreya.

The Krim-Kund Sthal represents the convergence of various spiritual traditions, including Shavism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. It symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of these beliefs, reflecting the unity of diverse spiritual thought streams. Baba Kinaram's life and teachings continue to inspire followers, ensuring that his spirit of service and devotion remains alive in the hearts of many.

Baba Siddharth Gautam Ram: The Current Abbot of Baba Keenaram Sthal

The Current Abbot of Baba Keenaram Sthal

Since 1978, Baba Siddharth Gautam Ram has served as the esteemed abbot of Baba Keenaram Sthal, a significant spiritual center in Varanasi. Devotees believe that he is the reincarnation of Baba Keenaram, the revered founder of the Aghor tradition.

With inputs from agencies
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