Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Discover Secret of My Pilgrimage in 2022

Writer: Karen Maria Dabrowska (London UK)

Rishikesh Day Tour makes the dream of visiting Mahavatar Babaji Cave come true Have you ever dreamt of visiting Mahavatar Babaji Cave where the immortal yogi revived the technique of Kriya Yoga started around 5000 years ago and introduced to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda author of Autobiography of a Yogi?

Dream no more. Uttarakhand-based Rishikesh Day Tour, specialists in spiritual tourism, have a variety of tours to the cave atop a hill amidst lush, green pine forests. I chose the tour which started from New Delhi with a 370km pleasant drive to Ranikhet Hill Station in the Kuimaon Hills.

Forest Healing Center

On route was the first Forest Healing Centre in India which covers around 13 acres and offers a unique meditation practice based on immersing oneself in the silence and ambience of the forest.

There was also a visit to the 8 th century Jhula Devi temple dedicated to the goddess Druga protector of the people of the valley and famous for its cluster of thousands of elegantly designed bells. Legend tells us that whoever ties a bell to the temple wall is granted his or her wish.

Leopards and tigers inhabit the dense pine forests and Maniran my guide told me it is quite usual to see a leopard at night by the side of the road. Tigers hardly ever make an appearance as they are deep inside the forest. In Dwarahat on the way to the cave are 55 ancient temples: the Badrinath Group of temples.

Joshi Guest House

Joshi’s Guest House is the one and only budget place to stay close to the cave. It is an unassuming building, beautifully decorated with lots of flowering pot plants. The rooms and cabins can only be reached by climbing some not very safe steps flanked by plants and shrubs.

Joshi welcomed guests from a bench outside the general store with a cup of tea. Life is slow in the mountains. Nobody hurries. It is hard to imagine that a bus will ever stop at the bus stop. “Take what you want from the store, “ Joshi said with a welcoming smile and no worries about payment which I made of course.

For me this was the real India, the cow by the roadside, the village woman tending her vegetable garden, the cool mountain air, the peace. My small cabin had three beds, a mirror and plenty of phone charging plugs. No WhatsApp. The toilet and bathroom were outside with two buckets for the shower and hot water from a zip on the wall.

Night came slowly transforming the day into a seemingly surreal world. There were three lights on the hill outside my cabin. The same configuration of lights I saw in my room when I was reading about Babaji in Autobiography of a Yogi. Babaji was here, welcoming me. A very polite young man with whom I conversed with the assistance of google translate brought me dinner: rice, vegetables and chapatis.

Then it was time to retreat into the large meditation room with pictures of Yogananda and his masters. During my meditation I felt they were there sitting with me. The 2km trek to the cave began the next morning at sunrise. The plan was to reach the cave and spend some time there alone before the devotees started arriving in large numbers.

Maniram parked the car at the end of a dirt road and we began the trek. He was happy to just be carrying two bottles of mineral water and some chocolate biscuits. When leading longer treks he was given heavy packs but still managed to out pace the young Europeans.

The Mahavatar Babaji cave is 2000 meters above sea level and the walk at this altitude was difficult to start with. The stunning nature with a million shades of green, gently meandering streams and welcome seats along the way soon made me forget about the initial discomfort.

Self Realization Fellowship

Just before the cave was a meditation hall adorned, like all Self Realization Fellowship mediation halls, with a photo of Yogananda his masters, some mats on the floor and some welcome chairs at the back. I have yet to master the technique of sitting cross legged on the floor and meditating.

A few minutes walk from the meditation hall the cave appeared all of a sudden. It was a lot smaller than I imagined. Or maybe the pictures made it look bigger. I climbed inside and sit looking out at the world. Times stood still. It was just me looking out onto the world from the inside of the cave.

Devotees and tourists started arriving after about half an hour and it felt as if it was time to leave. The downhill walk was a lot quicker and easier than the walk up the slight incline to the cave.

Maniram’s friend who lived in a house off a path at beginning of the trek offered me a cup of tea and a peach which he picked from a tree in his garden. I had as much curiosity value for these people as they had for me.

Joshi welcomed me back to the guest house where I stocked up on mineral water and slept for three hours. Another simple but delicious dinner of rice, vegetables and chapatis was served. The moon with its powerful energy told me of world’s far beyond this earth.

“Babaji tests you sometimes.” Joshi said when I told him about the altitude sickness. He didn’t venture an opinion about whether or not I passed the test.

Some other Info

Mahavatar Babaji Cave Location

• Place: Located on the Dronagiri (Dunagiri) Mountains in Dwarahat, Uttarakhand, India.
• Nearby Town: The closest town is Dwarahat Town, just 25 km away from Babaji cave in the are of the Dwarahat Range of Uttarakhand.
• Nearby Village: Kukuchina Village is just 3 km from Babaji cave and approximately 25 km from Dwarahat Town.
• Mahavatar Babaji Cave Altitude:  The elevation of around 2,100 meters above sea level.

Significance and Importance

• Spiritual Importance: The Mahavatar Babaji Cave is birth place of Kriya Yoga is linked to Mahavatar Babaji
• Historical Context: The cave gained worldwide recognition through the book “Autobiography of a Yogi” written by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Trekking Trail to Mahavatar Babaji Cave

• Starting Point:  Normally the trek starts from Kukuchina Village but you can go more further in vehicle  if offroad is clear form water and boulders.
• Trek Distance: The trail is an easy 2 km uphill walk, manageable for all age groups.
• Trekking Time: It usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour  but depending on individual physical fitness.

Best Time for Mahavatar Babaji Cave

• Ideal Season: The best months to plan a visit from  April to June and September to November. However, the cave is accessible year-round, even during the monsoon season.
  In February, you may experience light snowfall around the cave area, you may stuck for a day there.

Visiting Tips for Elderly Visitors

• Preparation: The trek suits for those who are physically fit. You consider that  the altitude of over 2100 meters above the sea level, devotees with respiratory issues should avoid visiting during the winter months.
• Amenities: There are limited facilities available. It’s advisable to carry water, snacks, and hire a local guide or request your driver to accompany you.

Nearby Attractions

• Dunagiri Temple: A centuries old  temple of Goddess Durga, just located about 5 km before Babaji’s Cave. The temple lies on the top of the hill and requires moderate physical strength to climb up, offering stunning spiritual panoramic views.
• Kukuchina Village: Kukuchina is small village at the end of the road, the area of Kukuccina offer scenic landscapes, lush gardens, and are especially beautiful during the plum season, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful stay.

How to Reach Mahavatar Babaji Cave

There are two main routes to reach the sacred Mahavatar Babaji Cave:

Option 1: From Delhi to Mahavatar Babaji Cave

• Starting Point:   Start  your journey from Delhi. Distance from Delhi : Drive approximately 370 km to reach Ranikhet via a fully motorable road and overnight.
• Next Leg: The following day, drive another 35 km from Ranikhet to Dwarahat on a motorable road and Final Stretch: From Dwarahat, proceed 25 km to Kukuchina Village via a motorable road.
• Trek to the Babaji  Cave: After Kukuchina, drive off-road for about 2 km, then trek 2 km uphill on a moderate trail to reach the Mahavatar Babaji Cave.

Option 2: From Rishikesh to Mahavatar Babaji Cave

• Starting Point: Start your journey from Rishikesh town.  Drive approximately 275 km via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnprayag. Stay overnight in Dwarahat, located 25 km before the Mahavatar Babaji Cave.
• Next Morning from Dwarahat, travel 25 km by motorable road to  Kukuchina Village.
• Trek to the Cave: Drive off-road for around 2 km, followed by a moderate 2 km trek to arrive at the Mahavatar Babaji Cave.

Suggested Read: Mahavatar Babaji Cave Himalayas: Two Routes to Divine Discovery

Insight: Babaji Cave, Himalayas

The Mahavatar Babaji Cave holds very much spiritual significance among spiritual seekers. It  is the very place where Kriya Yogi Guru Lahiri Mahasaya met with Mahavatar Babaji during the autumn season.

The cave is located in the remote Kumaon Himalayas, the cave is approximately 62 km from famous  Ranikhet Hill Station and about 60 km from Kausani Hill Station ( Switzerland of India ).

The cave sits inside the remote hills, inside lush green pine forests.  The Babaji Cave offers a picturesque and divine feeling  far away from bustling  human settlements.

The cave allows only a limited number of people inside at any given time, shoes must be removed before entering, and visitors are expected to maintain complete silence.

Suggested Read: Best Time to visit Babaji Cave in India 

Relationship Between Kriya Yoga & Babaji

• The teachings and  techniques of Kriya Yoga calls countless spiritual seekers and pilgrims to the Mahavatar Babaji Cave in India. Its deep spiritual significance and divine energy offer the higher states of consciousness.
• The importance of the Babaji Cave in the  Chapter 34 of “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda and Chapter 33 of “Only Love” by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
• These texts take you in profound insights into the mystical presence of Mahavatar Babaji inside the cave.
• Mahavatar Babaji’s age transcends human understanding.  He is an eternal and immortal Kriya Yoga Guru,  beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Suggested Read – Kasar Devi Meditation cave – GPS 8 center by NASA

Mahavatar Babaji Cave Photos

Mahavatar Babaji Mudra

• Apana Mudra is often used,  hand gesture techniques to practice  in Kriya Yoga. It refers  direct the flow of prana (life energy)  between the physical and trans-physical elements.
• Regular practice of this mudra to purify, and inner harmony which was taught by Mahavatar Babaji.

Mahavatar Babaji Cave Location

• The Mahavatar Babaji Cave is  in Kukuchina Village, near Dwarahat inside  the Dunagiri pine forest mountains of Uttarakhand, India. The cave lies approximately 25 kilometers by road from Dwarahat Town.

Connection with Badrinath Temple

An ancient traditional of India beliefs that Mahavatar Babaji is living  in the Himalayan region with his divine presence from immortal time.

Sri Badrinath Ji Temple holds a special place. Built in the 10th century A.D. by the great spiritual master Adi Guru Shankaracharya deeply associated with Mahavatar Babaji.

Suggested Read- Haidakhan Baba Ashram: A Revelation In The Himalayas

Mahavatar Babaji Lineage

Mahavatar Babaji is  a holy mystic yogi who has been living  since immortal times. He is who revived the ancient science and technique of Kriya Yoga, which is originated around 5,000 years ago during the Mahabharata period.

This Kriya Yoga knowledge was later introduced to the Western world by Paramahansa Yogananda through his world-famous book, “Autobiography of a Yogi.”
Today, the Mahavatar Babaji Cave of initiation of  Kriya Yoga’s, remains a holy pilgrimage site for Kriya Yogis.

Babaji Meeting with Lahiri Mahasaya

Lahiri Mahasaya was born on September 30, 1828, in the village of Ghurni, Bengal, India. He was walking through the Himalayan foothills near Dwarahat, close to Ranikhet, in the area of  Dunagiri, Uttarakhand. At the age of thirty-three, he experienced a divine encounter with his Guru, Mahavatar Babaji.  

Cave Distance Chart from Various Cities

• Babaji Cave from Ranikhet: Approx. 62 km by road.
• Dwarahat to Babaji Cave: Approx. 25 km by road plus 2 km trekking path.
• Kukuchina to Babaji Cave: Approx. 5 km total (2 km off-road drive + 2 km moderate trek).
• Kausani to Babaji Cave: Approx. 40 km by road.
• Ranikhet to Dunagiri Distance: Approx. 57 km by road.
• Nearest Railway Station to Babaji Cave: Kathgodam Railway Station.
• Ranikhet to Kainchi Dham Distance: Approx. 40 km by road.

Kukuchina Village near Cave

Why Kukuchina Village is famous?

Kukuchina Village is a tiny  hamlet lies  in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand near Babaji cave. It has an important place in the epic Mahabharata,  where the Pandavas took refuge during their 14-year exile known as “Agyatvas.”

The peaceful  atmosphere of Kukuchina was perfect hiding spot for the Pandavas, and today, is a landmark gateway for pilgrims traveling to  Mahavatar Babaji Cave.

What to See Near Mahavatar Babaji Cave

1. Dunagiri Temple  lies  on the way  to the Babaji Cave, it is an ancient shrine of Goddess Durga. You feel here a powerful spiritual experience.

2. Dwarahat Town: Just 25 km before the Babaji Cave, Dwarahat is  home to around 40 ancient temples of  Katyuri and Gupta dynasty.

3. Ranikhet Hill Station: popular hill station,  serene landscapes and panoramic snow-clad Himalayan views, it  is a perfect key stop for those admiring  natural beauty and tranquility.

4. Kausani Hill Station: locally known as  “Switzerland of India,” is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas and its association with Mahatma Gandhi.

5. Baijnath Temple: outskirt of  Kausani, the Shiva Temple complex, is  ancient stone shrines is showcasing architecture and rich history of the region.

6. Bageshwar: lies on the confluence of the Gomti and Saryu rivers, Bageshwar,  the Bagnath Temple is famous as  Lord Shiva.

7. Almora: is traditional architecture, vibrant local markets, and the famous Kasar Devi Temple and Nanda Devi Temple.

8. Jageshwar Temples:  inside the dense Deodar forests, Jageshwar is home of 140 ancient Shiva temples, it is one of the most spiritually powerful sites in Uttarakhand.

9. Khairna Village: famous among  offbeat travelers, Khairna Village offers  perfect for a quiet getaway.

10. Pandukholi (Pandavkholi Caves) These mystical caves were sheltere the Pandavas during their exile. Accessible by a trek from Kukuchina.

Kukuchina

Conclusion

Mahavatar Babaji Cave is spiritually very engaging and enlightening, you get experience at this holy site for yourself. It is located  in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.  This holy cave is known as the birthplace of Kriya Yoga.  The cave attracts continuously  various yogis, spiritual seekers, and yoga enthusiasts .  So come and explore Babaji cave with us in India.

FAQ: Mahavatar Babaji Cave and Teachings

Q. What does Babaji mean?
A. Mahavatar Babaji refers to a revered immortal yogi and guru of Kriya Yoga,  Lahiri Mahasaya called him “Mahavatar,” meaning “great avatar” — a divine manifestation of Krishna

Q. Is Mahavatar Babaji Shiva?
A. Many devotees of Kriya Yoga  in south India believe that Mahavatar Babaji is a manifestation of Shiva in human form. 

Q. Where is the Mahavatar Babaji Ashram in the Himalayas?
A. The Mahavatar Babaji Ashram is  Mahavatar Babaji Cave, located near Kukuchina village in the Dwarahat Range, Uttarakhand, India.

Q. Who is Mahavatar Babaji?
A. Mahavatar Babaji is  an immortal yogi and a manifestation of Shiva of Krishna

Q. How can one meet Mahavatar Babaji?
A. It requires spiritual purity, devotion, and the guidance of a Guru.
Q. Is Mahavatar Babaji real?
A. The reality of Mahavatar Babaji is a matter of faith and spiritual experience. 

Q. Where is Mahavatar Babaji Cave located?
A. Mahavatar Babaji Cave is near Kukuchina Village in the Dwarahat Range of Uttarakhand, India.

Q. How can one see Mahavatar Babaji?
A. It is said that divine grace and the guidance of a true Guru are essential to experiencing a vision of Mahavatar Babaji. 

Q. Is there an original photo of Mahavatar Babaji?
A. No authentic original photo of Mahavatar Babaji exists.
Q. Mahavatar Babaji Ashram and Cave Photos
A. While there is no official Ashram in the traditional sense, Mahavatar Babaji Cave.