Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Meet IIT graduate, who once worked at Tata company, became monk after...

The Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, has begun in Prayagraj, attracting over 45 crore devotees from across India and the world. Along with the spiritual fervor, many inspiring stories of transformation have come to light, showcasing the unique paths taken by individuals in search of deeper meaning.

One such story is that of Acharya Jaishankar Narayanan, an IIT-BHU graduate who left behind a promising career in engineering to embrace a life of spirituality. Narayanan graduated in 1992 and began working at Tata Steel. In 1993, he moved to the United States for professional opportunities. However, his encounter with Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a revered Vedanta teacher, changed his perspective on life.

Narayanan recalls the pivotal moment that set him on a new path: “I met Guru Ji for the first time, and after listening to his ‘pravachan,’ I became deeply interested in Vedanta.” Inspired by the teachings of Vedanta, he returned to India in 1995 and joined a Gurukulam to immerse himself in spiritual studies. Since then, for over 20 years, Narayanan has dedicated his life to teaching Vedanta and Sanskrit, sharing the wisdom he gained with others.

Reflecting on his journey, Narayanan shared that while cracking the IIT entrance exam felt like a major achievement at first, its significance diminished over time. “All achievements feel significant only for the moment. Eventually, they become normal, and you start working toward your next target,” he explained.

The Maha Kumbh has also brought other inspiring figures into the limelight. “Chai Wale Baba,” a former tea seller, has been providing free coaching to civil service aspirants for 40 years. Similarly, Rabri Baba and “IIT Baba,” an aerospace engineer turned monk, continue to inspire with their selfless dedication to serving others.

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, 2025, continuing its legacy of spirituality, transformation, and devotion.