Biography of Khaptad Baba: from a medical doctor to great ascetic saint

Introduction

Khaptad Baba, also known as Swami Satchidananda, was a renowned spiritual master and ascetic who spent more than 50 years of his life meditating in the remote forests of western Nepal. Known for his profound intellect and simple lifestyle, he inspired others by devoting himself to spirituality, peace of mind, and religious practice. The ascetic, who mainly lives in solitude in the cold hilly forest of the Khaptad region in the far western region of Nepal, is famous as “Khaptad Baba.” Today, he is remembered as one of Nepal’s most influential spiritual figures. In honor of this great ascetic saint, dedicating this page to him, we are trying to write The biography of Khaptad Baba.

Quick Facts:

• Birth: 10 February, 1980, Kashmir, India
• Death: 9 May, 1996 ( Lifespan: 116 years)
• Popular Title: Khaptad Baba, Khaptad Swami
• Spiritual title: Shree 1008 Bramhavid Paramhansa Swami Sachchidananda Saraswati (Swami Satchidananda Saraswati)
• Residence: Khaptad National Park, Far-Western, Nepal (Most time)
• Field: Medical professional, Spiritual teacher, ascetic saint, Religious thinker and writer, Theologian
• Philosophy: Meditation, Non-violence, Simplicity, Harmony with Nature

Even though Khaptad Baba is a famous saint, not enough and reliable information about his life’s facts has yet been revealed so that some facts may be missing on this page. Almost all the saints do not like to tell about their past history, and many things remain in the womb of mystery; this is a common reality. We have tried to write this “Biography of Khaptad Baba’ by including the facts made public through various sources about Khaptad Baba. Please let us know if anything is missing or error here; we are always ready to correct it.

Early Life

Khaptad Baba’s childhood journey begins in India. As mentioned in various sources, he was born on 10 February 1880 in the Nehru family of Kashmir, India. Since he was probably born and brought up in an educated and religious family, even then, he had the opportunity to acquire higher education. The idea of ​​making education and life spiritual also developed in him. And he decided to lead a peaceful and mature human life.

Education

It is said that Khaptad Baba first studied at Tropical Medical College, Kolkata, and then completed an MBBS as a surgeon from the UK. At that time, the doctor who passed MBBS was considered a specialist doctor. After completing his education, Baba served as a doctor in various places in India, Including Kashmir. During his stay in Kashi, he studied Eastern spiritual philosophy for a long time.

Baba was also interested in Ayurvedic philosophy from a young age because he seems to have served people with Ayurvedic herbs as much as possible throughout his life. During his studies, he reached the regions near the Himalayas in search of spiritual truth and knowledge, where he wandered for many years, meeting other sages, meditating, and learning about various spiritual practices.

Spiritual Awakening and Entering to Nepal

It is supposed that Khaptad Baba entered Nepal around 1930 when he was 50. He has achieved worldly detachment before entering the Himalayan region of Nepal. The mysterious story of his renunciation of the medical profession is like this: Once, in the course of his medical profession, he was desperately trying to save the life of a child. But no matter how much he tried, the child was close to death.

Meanwhile, a hermit arrived at the place and treated the child by feeding him mountain herbs; after some time, the child recovered. Seeing this, Khaptad Baba was fed up with his knowledge and decided to leave his profession as a doctor and go on a tour of the Himalayan region. He understood whatever precious things in Himalayan herbs are not in allopathic medical science.

Tour of various Himalayan regions of Nepal and Khaptad’s final destination

Before entering Nepal, Khaptad Baba, who set out in search of the ultimate truth, became a saint under the discipleship of revered Gurudev Shree 1008 Swami Gyanashramji, who had an ashram on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in India.
Although Khaptad Baba came to Nepal in 1930, it seems to have started living in Khaptad only in 1940. Before that, he visited many mountainous and religious places in Nepal. He reached different parts of Nepal, from Ilam to Swargadwari. Apart from that, he seems to have lived in Dolakha District for about two years, then Chandannath Jumla, Kalinchok, Mushikot, and other places, including Kathmandu, for some time.

According to one story, 4/5 saints entered Nepal after visiting Kailash Mansaraber along with Khaptad Baba. The rest of them started living in urban religious places, including the Kathmandu Pashupati area of ​​Nepal, seeking an easy lifestyle, but Khaptad Baba was fed up with city life.
That’s why So he crossed the forest and headed towards the deserted hill of Khaptad. Because Baba saw unmatchable health within nature and eternal peace within the spirit, he found a suitable uninhabited forest and cold Himalayan area of ​​Khaptad at an altitude of about 3000 meters.

In Khaptad’s untouched nature, he sought a pure spiritual contemplation and self-realization environment. He also inspired his followers to seek inner peace away from the distractions of modern life.

Spiritual Life in the Khaptad Region

We read how Khaptad Baba was disillusioned with worldly pursuits and spent nearly 50 years doing penance in the secluded forest of Khaptad, Nepal. Now, we will explore how his ascetic life in the forest was spent during these five decades, what he gained and lost, and how he became a famous saint in Nepal.

Severe asceticism in Jungle

Khaptad Baba was fed up with worldly activities and decided to live a solitary life in Khaptad forest for spiritual transformation, but let’s imagine how difficult his decision was.

When Baba reached Khaptad, that place was more deserted than it is now because that situation was over 80 years ago. At that time, the population of Nepal was much less than it is now. Khapdat was not declared as a national guard, nor was there an army security barrack as it is now, nor any inn (ashram) for accommodation and food. Even tourists like now had not reached Khaptad. It was freezing because it was a snowfall area there for many months. Wild wild animals such as bears and leopards were found everywhere.
But even in such difficult circumstances, the question of why Baba decided to do penance in Khaptad forest confirms that Baba is a real penance saint.

Even though it was devoid of people, Khaptad still had natural beauty. A secluded place without human intervention was more natural than it is now. Some naturally formed divine figures and pillars are still there and have been recognized as shrines. Many pilgrims and tourists have started going to the place now. Nowadays, fairs are also held during festivals.

However, in a harsh, deserted place like Khaptad, where Baba spent his life with penance, meditation, and teaching, there was no human settlement nearby before, and there is not even now. Within the ​​87 square kilometres of that area, there was only forest except for the Hot of Baba, but only since 1980 has a camp of the Nepali army been established to protect the national defence.

But even though there were no otherworldly comforts in that forest, Baba found a pure and calm environment for spiritual contemplation and self-realization in the untouched nature of Khaptad. Separated from the heat and worries of the world, he got an environment to concentrate his mind on devotion to God. He found a peaceful forest full of pure Himalayan herbs, which enabled him to live a long life of 116 years.

Accommodation arrangements

When Khaptad Baba initially reached that place, there was no accommodation arrangement. It is clear how much strength is in the spiritual practice when one sees how Baba spent his days without shelter in such a cold place where it snows.
In the beginning, there was an ordinary cave where Baba lived. Later, the local people built a small stone hut, but it was not a safe place. After that, Mr. Ramjung Bahadur Singh of Bajhang district built a small house for Baba. According to what was mentioned on the Khaptadswami website, Mr. Shingh instructed Foreman Jite Khadka to arrange to send all the food and vegetables Khaptad Baba collected from Daru village of Bajhang district.

After that, some simple temples and trails, including Triveni Ghat near Baba’s abode, were built. Devotees started to come to perform rituals, and fairs were also held during annual festivals.

Surprised the world seeing Baba’s penance: Visited Baba by King to Rich

People were shocked to see a Baba sitting in a lonely forest doing penance like this. A saint, as explained in the texts of the Hindu scriptures, people started to visit Khaptad to meet the recluse saints.
With time, Khaptad Baba’s power and austerities were praised everywhere. People understood meeting him and receiving his blessings as a remarkable achievement. That’s why people from the local district used to go to meet him. Apart from this, kings, ministers, high-ranking administrative persons, and wealthy business people also started going there by helicopter. But Baba’s vision was mysterious in itself. Some could talk and meet well, while some would have returned from outside as Baba was engrossed in meditation.

Baba’s contribution to herbal treatment services

Khaptad Baba had experience and knowledge about various herbs. That is why he used to provide medical treatment to people. At that time, there was a lack of hospital services in the remote areas of western Nepal, so people from the local district used to come to Baba for treatment if they suffered from any significant disease. Apart from the herbs, some patients were also cured by Baba’s blessings. This practice was gradually increasing.

Philosophy and Teachings

Khaptad Baba spent much of his life in meditation and contemplation. But Baba has also written many books based on religious philosophy. His books hide the harmony of Eastern knowledge and Western science. Baba’s written philosophies are unmatched jewels of the Nepali religious world. He knew many languages ​​, including Nepali, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, and Bengali. Khaptad Baba’s teachings focused on simplicity, self-discipline, and seeking inner truth. He believed that the answers to life’s questions lie within and taught people to live in harmony with nature. He said that if you are fed up with processed foods and allopathy, you should try to know your body, mind, and soul and also learn about the healing properties of yoga and nature.

His sermons revealed the essence of the world. Khaptad Swami believed that Khaptad was the most suitable place on earth to practice yoga and meditation, so he gained power and wisdom there, which is a place of mythical significance.

Swamijee explained that religion is also science. He also argued that modern science without religion can become like a blind horse. Khaptad Baba’s philosophy includes the following facts:

• Meditation: Khaptad Baba emphasized the practice of meditation to control the mind and cultivate a peaceful, focused state.
• Self-Discipline: He advocated a disciplined life, advising people to avoid material attachments and desires, which he believed led to suffering.
• Nature and Spirituality: Living in the pristine Khaptad region, he highlighted the importance of connecting with nature, finding inspiration, and healing from it.
• Non-Violence and Compassion: Khaptad Baba encouraged a compassionate approach to all living beings, emphasizing love, kindness, and respect for others.

His more than one and a half dozen books, including Religion, Science, Thought Science, and Me and My Duty, have been published. Many other handwritten works of his that could not be published are also in the temples built in different places of Khaptad Baba. His most-sold book is Yog Bigyan (Science of Yoga).

Some of his compositions (Books) are as follows:

• Dharma Vigyan (Theology)
• Bichar Bigyan (Science of Thought)
• Ma ra Mero Kartabya (Me and my duties)
• Nari Dharma ra Purush Dharma (Women’s religion and men’s religion)
• Atma Gyan (self-knowledge)
• Yog Bigyan (Science of Yoga)
• Vedanta Bigyan (Vedanta Science)
• Swastha Bigyan (Health Sciences)
• Aarogya Bigyan (Healing Sciences)
• Essentials of Vedanta (In English)
• Science Of Thought (In English)

Major Contributions and Legacy

Khaptad Baba’s influence spread widely throughout Nepal, inspiring both political leaders and commoners to embrace spiritual values. His impact was so profound that the government of Nepal designated the Khaptad region as a national park, preserving its natural beauty as a tribute to his legacy. Today, Khaptad Baba is remembered for his contributions to promoting peace, mindfulness, and spirituality among Nepalese and foreign devotees alike.

Khaptad Baba’s influence spread widely throughout Nepal, inspiring both political leaders and ordinary people to embrace spiritual values. His influence was so profound that the government of Nepal designated the Khaptad region as a national park, perhaps as a tribute to his legacy by preserving its natural beauty.

Khaptad Baba is revered as the most respected and learned ascetic and ascetic saint of the modern religious era of Nepal. A true ascetic like him would become a subject for Nepal to be proud of. Therefore, today, Khaptad Baba is remembered with respect for his contribution to promoting peace, contemplation, and spirituality in Nepal and foreign devotees.

Legacy of Khaptad Sacred Forest

Khaptad was a forest with only a few ponds. But today, fate is connected with Khaptad Baba. Religious consciousness has increased in the Khaptad region, while in the Far West, everyone can be recognized based on the legacy of the great saint. Therefore, because of Baba, Khaptad recognized a place where the light of purity, truth, and knowledge shines. A national park was declared there. Army barracks were established. Everything is the result of Baba’s gift and attraction.

Today, due to Baba, Khaptad’s respect, reputation, and popularity have increased. People know Khaptad nationally and internationally because of Baba. Otherwise, that place would have remained in the identity of a typical forest. Today, Khaptad has attracted the world by becoming a famous tourist destination in every aspect of religious, geographical, and natural philosophy. Visiting Khaptad is considered lucky not only for the natives but also for the foreign tourists. However, if the government approves some hotel lodges, no one can stop Khaptad from becoming an international pilgrimage site because the place is naturally excellent.

Personal Life

Khaptad Swami never disclosed his past identity as other Yogis did, and he finally wanted to get ‘Nirvana’ in peace and seclusion. But he never wanted to remember his past and be back in his life. So, there is not much information about his past life before coming to Nepal.

Khaptad Baba led a celibate life with complete detachment from worldly affairs. He dedicated his life entirely to his spiritual path and meditation. As a result, Baba did not marry or have any children. Instead, he considered humanity his family, radiating love and compassion to everyone in his presence.

For over fifty years, Khaptad Baba lived a life of simplicity in the forests and hills of Khaptad National Park, situated in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal. He maintained a strict discipline, observing celibacy, vegetarianism, and non-violence, and followed a daily regimen of meditation and study. Despite the region’s inaccessibility, many people, from scholars and politicians to ordinary devotees, visited him to seek his blessings and guidance.

Khaptad Baba was not only a religious scholar, ascetic, saint, and thinker of Nepal but also a great religious man of this age; the divine incarnation of spiritual legend Khaptad Baba passed away on Jeth Krishna Saptami day of Vikram Samvat 2053/01/27 (AD 1996/05/09) at the age of 116.

The Khaptad Pilgrimage

Many people make pilgrimages to Khaptad Baba’s meditation sites in Khaptad National Park to experience the serenity and mysticism of the place where he meditated for so many years. The park is home to beautiful meadows, forests, and views of the Himalayas, attracting both nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

Reaching Khaptad: There are various ways to reach Khaptad Baba’s Tirth Khaptad National Park area. From Nepalgunj or Dhangadhi to Dipayal by plane or bus, you must travel 6 hours from Siliguri market to the park entrance and 7-8 hours on foot to the park headquarters. Other options include the Achham or Bajhang route, which requires less walking.

Summary

Khaptad Baba’s life is a living example of simplicity, peace, and austerity-based spirituality. Khaptad Baba showed the story of the mythological sage’s practice and austerity mentioned in the Hindu scriptures by directly applying it to his own life. His life dedicated to spiritualism has left a significant and lasting impression on Nepali society. In today’s world, which is full of selfishness and grief, the glory of the philosophy and legacy of a saint like Khaptad Baba has become even higher, which will provide real happiness, peace, and prosperity to human society.

‘The biography of Khaptad Baba,’ prepared by including various facts obtained with as much effort as possible, is dedicated to Baba’s honour and tribute.
Thank you very much to all readers who spend their precious time reading.