It was in the 1990s that Narayan Hari, after “divine intervention,” decided to resign from the police force and pursue spirituality. Within a few years, Hari, calling himself Bole Baba, had gained a large following and was known to be influential in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Unfortunately, this stampede led to a car crash in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday that left 121 people dead.
Hailing from Bahadur Nagari village in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, Hari’s journey reflects a blend of traditional values and modern spirituality. His followers are also diverse, including members of SC/ST, OBC communities and even Muslims.
early life
Hari, aka Bole Baba, spent his early childhood working with his father on the family farm. His educational journey began in Etah and he later joined the police as a young man. In a career spanning 18 years, he claims to have served in various capacities, including the intelligence unit. In the 1990s, he claims to have taken voluntary retirement from the police, a decision that would significantly change the direction of his life.
The spiritual transition
After his retirement, Hari embraced spirituality and adopted the name Sakar Vishwahari. He claimed to have undergone a profound transformation and had a divine encounter with God. At religious meetings he would often say that his true purpose in life was to serve humanity and impart spiritual wisdom. In contrast to the traditional image of a spiritual leader dressed in saffron robes, Bhole Baba is often seen wearing a white suit and shoes, maintaining his distinctive appearance.
Spiritual teachings
Hari’s disciples say his teachings focus on devotion to God and the welfare of humanity. He doesn’t solicit donations or offerings, which sets him apart from many other spiritual leaders. Instead, he stresses that his mission is driven by the calls of devotees who call on him to hold meetings, or satsangas. These events are held frequently at his monastery in Bahadur Nagar, Etah, and sometimes draw crowds that can number in the hundreds of thousands.
His reach extends beyond Uttar Pradesh to neighbouring states where he teaches principles of faith and spirituality. Hari also has a prominent presence on social media platforms, including a YouTube channel with 31,000 subscribers and a Facebook page.
Sevadar Army and Community Services
Bole Baba’s organizational structure includes a group of devotees known as the Sevadar Army. Dressed in black, these people manage various aspects of satsang events, such as arranging water, food, and transportation. One notable custom at his gatherings is the distribution of water, which devotees believe holds special spiritual meaning and can solve personal problems.
Controversy
Despite his spiritual fame, Bole Baba has faced several controversies. In May 2022, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he hosted a “satsang” in Farukhaabad that was attended by more than 50,000 people, far exceeding the attendance limit of 50 set by the district administration. The event created significant logistical problems, including the collapse of the city’s transport system and legal action against the organizers.
