India’s rich spiritual heritage has always drawn individuals from all walks of life seeking guidance, wisdom, and solace. Among the countless spiritual gurus who inspire and lead, seven have particularly distinguished themselves by attracting high-profile followers, including political leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business magnates like Mukesh Ambani, and celebrities such as Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez.
In this exploration, we delve into the lives and teachings of these seven spiritual gurus and uncover the reasons behind their widespread appeal. Discover how these spiritual leaders have shaped the journeys of their renowned followers, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary lives.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often credited Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, for shaping his values and leadership. Despite Swami Dayanand’s passing in 2015, his teachings continue to guide PM Modi. In February 2024, Modi honoured Swami Dayanand at an event commemorating his 200th birth anniversary, underscoring the enduring relevance of his teachings.
Swami Dayanand was born into an affluent and religious Brahmin family in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. His father was a civil engineer. From an early age, Swami Dayanand felt detached from the material world. At 19, he decided to leave home in search of God and the true meaning of life.
Guruji – Jacqueline Fernandez
Bollywood actress, Jacqueline Fernandez is a devotee of Guruji. She visits Guruji in Chattarpur, Delhi, and also spends time at the Shiv Mandir established by Guruji. Jacqueline’s devotion is evident as she often chants Guruji’s name and wears a bracelet to keep his blessings close.
Manara Chopra, cousin of Priyanka Chopra, is also a follower of Guruji. She proudly flaunted a Guru Ji bracelet, her lucky charm, at the Grand Finale of Bigg Boss 17. Guru Ji Chattarpur Wale, also known as Dugri Wale Guruji or Shukrana Guruji, is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. His real name is Nirmal Singhji Maharaj, and he was born on July 7, 1952, in Dugri village, Punjab. Guruji has garnered a following that includes celebrities such as Hema Malini, and the Kapoor family of Bollywood.
Maharaj Guru – B Praak
Renowned Indian singer and music composer B Praak finds profound inspiration and spiritual guidance in his Maharaj Guru. Their bond is characterized by mutual respect and mentorship, with B Praak often attributing his success in the music industry to his Guru’s teachings. In a heartfelt post, he expressed gratitude for the privilege of receiving blessings from his Maharaj Ji.
Neem Karoli Baba – Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli
Celebrity power couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are devoted followers of Neem Karoli Baba. Their spiritual journey took them to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Uttarakhand, where they shared moments of service and reflection on social media, embodying the saint’s teachings of compassion and humility.
Baba Neem Karoli, also known as Neeb Karori Baba, boasts a global following, including renowned celebrities. Revered by his followers as Maharaj Ji, he was deeply devoted to the Hindu deity Hanuman. Embracing the path of bhakti yoga, he emphasized the importance of selfless service (seva) as the highest expression of devotion to God. Born Lakshaman Narayan Sharma, he left his affluent Brahmin family at the age of 14 after marriage to pursue the life of a sadhu. Despite returning to his family at his father’s insistence, he eventually embarked on a spiritual journey in 1958, boarding a train and alighting at the village of ‘Neem Karoli’ due to travel without a ticket. Thus commenced his life as a wandering saint, culminating in the establishment of his ashram and the construction of a Hanuman Temple.
Sadhguru – Kangana Ranaut and Juhi Chawla
Bollywood stars Kangana Ranaut and Juhi Chawla share a deep connection with Sadhguru, renowned for his spiritual teachings and wisdom. The trio recently embarked on a spiritual journey in Varanasi, underscoring their shared commitment to Sadhguru’s philosophy. Juhi Chawla’s tweet capturing their time together reflects their strong bond and reverence for Sadhguru.
Rameshbhai Oza – Mukesh Ambani
Rameshbhai Oza, affectionately known as Bhaishri Maharaj, holds a position of great respect among the Ambani family, particularly Mukesh Ambani and his brother Anil. Oza’s counsel has been instrumental in resolving family disputes and guiding major decisions. Beyond the Ambanis, his wisdom and teachings have garnered a widespread following, reflecting his profound impact on society.
Ramesh Bhai Oza, born in 1957, hails from the quaint village of Devka in Gujarat. His educational journey commenced at ‘Tatvajyoti’, a Sanskrit school nestled in Rajola. However, driven by a fervent desire to delve deeper into scripture, he relocated to Mumbai to pursue his studies further. Despite his earnest dedication to his formal education, his true passion lay in the study of scriptures. Remarkably, at the tender age of 13, he delivered his inaugural discourse on the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. By the age of 18, he embarked on his first recital of the Shrimad Bhagavat Katha, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to spiritual enlightenment.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar – Sanjay Dutt
During his custody in Pune Jail, Dutt sought solace and wisdom from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, marking the inception of his affiliation with the Art of Living Foundation. Over the years, he actively participated in foundation events and collaborated with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the #DrugFreeIndia campaign in 2019. Dutt’s dedication to personal growth and societal betterment through the foundation is evident in his frequent social media endorsements.