Ex-Cop, Intel Officer & Farmer: Bhole Baba Donned Many Hats Till 'Divine Encounter' Changed His Life

It was the 1990s when Narayan Hari decided to retire from the police force and tread the path of spirituality after “divine intervention”. Within a few years, Hari — having christened himself Bhole Baba — earned a massive following and was known for his influence across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Unfortunately, it was this outpouring of devotees that triggered a stampede in UP’s Hathras on Tuesday in which 121 people died.

Hailing from Bahadur Nagari village in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, Hari’s journey reflects a blend of traditional values and contemporary spirituality. The diversity is seen in his followers too, who come from SC/ST, OBC communities, and even Muslims.

Early Life

Hari, aka Bhole Baba, spent his early years working on his family’s farm alongside his father. His educational journey began in Etah and later, as a young man, he joined the police force. In a career spanning 18 years, he claims to have served in various capacities, including in the Intelligence Unit. In the 1990s, he claimed that he opted for voluntary retirement from the police force, a decision that marked a significant shift in his life’s direction.

Transition to Spirituality

Following his retirement, Hari embraced spirituality, adopting the name Sakar Vishwahari. He underwent a profound transformation, claiming to have had a divine encounter with God. He is often heard saying at religious meetings that the true purpose of his life was to serve humanity and impart spiritual wisdom. Contrary to the traditional image of spiritual leaders dressed in saffron, Bhole Baba is often seen in a white suit and shoes, maintaining a distinctive appearance.

Spiritual Teachings

His disciples say Hari’s teachings focus on devotion to God and the welfare of humanity. He does not solicit donations or offerings, a stance that differentiates him from many other spiritual leaders. Instead, he emphasises that his mission is driven by the call of his devotees who invite him to hold gatherings and satsangs. These events, often held in his ashram located in Bahadur Nagar, Etah, attract large crowds, sometimes numbering in lakhs.

His outreach extends beyond Uttar Pradesh to neighbouring states, where he teaches the principles of devotion and spirituality. Hari has a notable presence on social media platforms too, including a YouTube channel with 31,000 subscribers and a Facebook page.

Sevadar Army and Community Services

Bhole Baba’s organisational structure includes a dedicated group of followers, known as the Sevadar Army. These individuals, dressed in black clothes, manage various aspects of the satsang events, including arrangements for water, food, and traffic control. One notable practice at his gatherings is the distribution of water, which devotees believe holds special spiritual significance and can solve personal problems.

Controversies

Despite his spiritual prominence, Bhole Baba has faced several controversies. In May 2022, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, he organised a ‘satsang’ in Farrukhabad, which saw attendance of over 50,000 people — far exceeding the district administration’s limit of 50 attendees. The event led to significant logistical issues, including a collapse of the city’s traffic system and legal action against the organisers.

Hari and his group have also been accused of land grabbing. Allegations suggest that they illegally occupied five to seven bighas of land in Karsui village, Kanpur. However, the controversies have had no effect on his influence as large crowds flock to him to attend his programmes.

After Hathras, Hari’s next major programme was planned in Agra from July 4-11 at Nagla Kesari on Gwalior Road.