Marhshall Govindan claims to have received this information through his own guru, Yogi Ramaiah, who in turn claimed to have met and learned from Babaji himself. We will go in details about each claim.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Govindan
However, it’s important to note that:
- No independent verification: There’s no independent historical evidence to support Govindan’s claim about Babaji’s birth name or the details surrounding it.
- Controversial figure: Govindan himself is a somewhat controversial figure within the Kriya Yoga community, with some questioning the authenticity of his claims and lineage.
- Late appearance: This information about Babaji’s birth name surfaced relatively late compared to earlier accounts, raising questions about its origin and accuracy.
While Govindan’s book provides a detailed and fascinating account of Babaji’s life, it’s crucial to approach it with critical thinking and consider the lack of independent verification. I was watching a Video today and they even given a date for Shri Nagarajan’s (Note the spelling) birth about 203BCE, Perangipetti , Tamil Nadu and to my surprise even the date as on 30th November. The father of the child is Village Priest (Even the Bramhin and Varnasrama Dharma and Manu and his theory has yet to take shape, and this started happening only around 100BC. Thanfully he didnt mention any Verna). Even today South of India the varnashrama dharma into 4 fold is not that entrenched as the way it did north of India.
Govindan writes:
- Nagaraja was born in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
- His birthplace is specifically mentioned as the district of Tirunelveli or the village of Katirgama (Katiragama is South of Sri Lanka and this is the place Lord Muruga supposed to have wed Ma. Valli. I had opportunity to visit Katirgama ) (Needless to say I had Tirrunalvelli Halva as well)
However, it’s essential to note that:
There is no consensus on Babaji’s historical existence or birth details among scholars and historians. Different accounts and traditions provide varying information about Babaji’s life and origins.
Some sources suggesting Babaji’s connection to Tamil Nadu include:
- “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda (1946)
- “Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition” by M. Govindan (1991)
- “The Yoga of Siddha Boganathar” by T.N. Ganapathy (2003)
Would you like more information on Mahavatar Babaji’s teachings or Kriya Yoga philosophy?
Additional Sources:
- “The Kriya Yoga Teachings of Babaji” by Marshall Govindan (2011)
- “Babaji’s Kriya Yoga: Deepening Your Practice” by Marshall Govindan (2006)
- “The Siva Samhita” translated by S.C. Vasu (1914)
It’s also worth noting that even within Govindan’s account, the name “Nagaraj” is open to interpretation. It could be a literal birth name, or it could hold symbolic meaning related to Kundalini energy, often depicted as a serpent.
Before M. Govindan’s book “Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition” in 1991, there is no known published mention of Mahavatar Babaji being named “Nagaraj” at birth.
This further emphasizes the importance of approaching Govindan’s claims with a degree of caution and critical thinking. While his book offers valuable insights and expands on the lore surrounding Babaji, it’s crucial to remember that it relies heavily on personal accounts and interpretations that lack independent verification.
The absence of any prior mention of “Nagaraj” raises questions about the origin and accuracy of this information. It’s possible that:
- Govindan received this information through his lineage: Perhaps this detail was passed down orally within his specific Kriya Yoga lineage and wasn’t widely known before.
- It’s a symbolic name: As mentioned earlier, “Nagaraj” could hold symbolic meaning related to Kundalini energy or spiritual attainment, rather than being a literal birth name.
- It’s a later addition to the Babaji narrative: It’s possible that this detail was introduced later, perhaps to enhance the mystique surrounding Babaji or to align him with specific traditions.
Ultimately, the true origin and meaning of the name “Nagaraj” in relation to Mahavatar Babaji remains unclear. It’s up to each individual to decide how much weight to give to Govindan’s account and whether to accept it as part of Babaji’s story. (I myself have may funny stories to tell about a extremely confused individual from Deogarh and his stories at latter part of my life. Once when were in Varanasi at Varahi Ghat, this individual consumed Bhangh and did nach gana and called everyone that I fed him the Bhang and his Kundalini got awakened)