Swami Mast Bab: A Great Spiritual Saint From Kashmir

Swami Mast Bab: A Great Spiritual Saint From Kashmir 

Swami Mast Bab (also known as Mast Baba) was a highly respected Kashmiri saint and mystic, celebrated for his profound spiritual insights and unwavering devotion to God. He was a beloved figure in Kashmir, transcending religious divides and attracting followers from various faiths. Swami Mast Bab's life exemplified simplicity, humility, and a detachment from material desires. He devoted himself fully to spiritual practices and selfless service, highlighting the unity of all beings and the oneness of God. His teachings embodied the rich spiritual legacy of Kashmir, incorporating elements of Shaivism, Sufism, and universal love.

Swami Mast Ram Jee was born in 1931 in Budlada, Punjab, into a prosperous peasant family. His birth name was Sohan Lal. From a young age, Swami Jee was deeply contemplative about life and its worldly matters, often dedicating his time to chanting the name of the Lord. It seems that a sense of spirituality was woven into his life from the very beginning. At the age of 23, he married Smt. Hukum Devi. However, feeling disillusioned with worldly life, Swami Jee left his family, which included three young children, just six years into his marriage, in search of God. He traveled across India but ultimately found his spiritual home in Kashmir, where he surrendered himself to His Holiness Swami Nand Lal Ji Maharaj in Tikker, Kupwara district. After assessing his devotion, Swami Nand Lal Ji bestowed upon him the name Mast Ram. This marked the beginning of a profound Guru-Shishya relationship, and Mast Ram Jee devoted himself entirely to the teachings of his Guru Maharaj.

Swami Mast Ram Ji was deeply immersed in his sadhana, and even when children interrupted his meditation, he always wore a smile. Over time, he reached remarkable spiritual heights and became one of the shining jewels in the crown of his Guru Maharaj. After the Nirvana of his Guru Maharaj, he founded an Ashram in Badipora, located in Dist. Badgam, and another in Patoli, Jammu. Every Ashtami, Swami Jee conducts Yagna and organizes free langer for thousands of attendees. Following the migration from Kashmir, he opened his Ashram in Jammu to migrants until they could find alternative housing. Swami Jee's life is transparent, and he practices Samadrashti. His Ashram is filled with the sounds of bhajans and Kirtan, which serve as a path to salvation in this Kaliyuga. He has also established Ashrams in Delhi and Haridwar. The expansive Ashram in Haridwar welcomes everyone without any fees, and free food is provided to pilgrims. Fluent in Kashmiri, Swami Jee sings all Kashmiri bhajans with remarkable ease. His devotees are truly fortunate, as he never leaves them wanting or waiting when they seek his blessings.

He believes in karma and promotes peace. Swami Jee possesses many siddhis but does not engage in performing miracles unless it serves the needs of his devotees and humanity. It's difficult to describe his miracles; they must be witnessed to be believed. However, Swami Jee has cautiously shared some insights about potential events in the valley. He has made a significant contribution to Kashmiri literature with a collection titled Sahaj Kosam, which features the bhajans of renowned Kashmiri poets. This book is a valuable resource for Kashmiri literature and Bhakti culture, showcasing the life stories and poetry of 23 esteemed figures from the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Every Kashmiri devotee is invited by Swami Jee to take advantage of his time at Haridwar. The Ashram, situated 7 miles from Har Ki Pauri on the Haridwar-Rishikesh road, was established by him in memory of his Guru Maharaj Swami Nand Lal ji. To reach it, one can simply take an autorickshaw from Har Ki Pauri and get off near the samadhi of Kaulu Siddha. On the left, you will see the nameplate for Mastbab Ashram (Kashmir ware). His disciples benefit from Swami Jee's presence in Haridwar for their self-realization. He typically resides in the Ashram throughout the year.

Swami Mast Bab Ji attained nirvana on March 10, 2023, at his Patoli Ashram after a short illness. His cremation was held at the Bantalab Cremation ground, where a large number of devotees from various backgrounds participated in the funeral procession that began at his Patoli Ashram. May God grant him eternal peace.

(Writer:- Vivek Koul)