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20 Famous Spiritual Gurus in India

*Originally published by Beatrice W on November 2023 and Updated by Vanessa R in February 2024

Religion and spirituality are sometimes confused, yet they signify quite distinct things. A community or group usually shares a particular set of organized beliefs and behaviors that make up religion.

Spirituality involves finding serenity and meaning in life and is more of an individual discipline. It also has to do with how one forms views about what life is all about and how to connect with other people.

Many ancient religions and practices that strongly emphasize a person’s spiritual growth have their origins in India. The majority of Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc., place a strong emphasis on elevating one’s spiritual consciousness. Indian Gurus, or spiritual leaders, assist people in achieving this level of contentment in life.

Below is a list of some famous spiritual gurus active today and in recent history.

1. Osho

Rajneesh (Osho) by Sjakkelien Vollebregt –

Osho, as he became known later in his life was born on 11th December 1931 as Chandra Mohan Jain. He was also known as Acharya Rajneesh and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Osho passed away on 19th January 1990 as a result of heart failure but his commune insists, he died because “living in the body had become a hell”.

He became a full-time guru in 1966 and quit his job at the University of Jabalpur. He was not a believer in any single religion and had a unique take on spirituality. Osho claimed that each human was a divine being and that god was present in everything that exists.

As a guru, he taught a form of meditation called dynamic meditation and advocated that his followers live fully but without attachment. He also claimed that Sexual activity is a normal aspect of life and need not be shunned in order to pursue spiritual fulfillment. This take was highly controversial and got him the label 鈥榮ex guru鈥�.

2. Gyanvatsal Swami

Gyanvatsal Swami is a spiritual guru, motivational speaker, and social reformer from Akshardham. His guru name is Pramukhswami Maharaj and he uses spiritualism to motivate his followers.

He consistently encourages his listeners to uphold the Dharma since, in his opinion, ethics are one of the most important qualities in a person.

According to Swami, a significant component of spirituality is morality. He has discussed a variety of common problems, including stress management, depression, and even more contemporary subjects like how to be a good employer or employee.

3. Mata Amritanandamayi

M膩t膩 Amrit膩nandamay墨 Dev墨 by Unknown Author –

Recognized as Amma by her devoted and loving followers, Mata is known for giving unconditional love. This is expressed mostly through her motherly and affectionate hugs. In fact, it is said she has hugged over 33 million people!

According to Mata (Amma), three things are necessary to achieve absolute bliss; knowledge, action, and devotion. She feels her purpose on earth is to help people and to serve her Lord Krishna. She, therefore, encourages all people more so her followers to help mankind in any way they can.

4. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Jaggi Vasudev by Isha Foundation –

Sadhguru was born in 1957 and other than being a spiritual guru, he is the founder of the Isha Foundation, an author, and a public speaker. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy and Karma: A Yogi’s Guide to Crafting Your Destiny.

Sadhguru is particularly famous with younger generations mostly due to his charming personality and charisma. He is famous for advocating for the protection of the environment against climate change.

He is an accomplished yoga teacher who can and will convince those who have never been interested in yoga or spiritual practices. He’s been questioned by a number of famous individuals, and he always has an appropriate and evocative answer.

5. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The Maharishi during a 1979 visit to Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa by Keithbob –

Mahesh Prasad Varma is the birth name of former spiritual and yoga guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The names Maharishi, which means 鈥榞reat seer鈥�, and Yogi were given to him as an adult. Mahesh is famous for popularizing Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Transcendental Meditation is a yoga and meditation technique where one shuts their eyes for 20 or so minutes while mentally repeating hymns. The technique is highly effective and helped many people relax deeply reducing or eradicating their stresses.

The technique is highly recommended by psychologists as a form of therapy for mental health. It is reported that Yogi was a guru for the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and other celebrities.

6. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by Firoze Edassery –

Born in 1956, Ravi Shankar is a spiritual and yoga guru from India. Ravi also goes by the names Sri Sri, Guru Ji, and/or Gurudev. He was Mahesh Yogi鈥檚 apprentice in the 1970s. However, he split from Yogi鈥檚 Transcendental Meditation (TM) and founded the Art of Living foundation.

According to Sri Sri, spirituality is the only means of enhancing the core principles that make life more fulfilling. It is essential to love everyone, regardless of their specific race, religion, or ethnicity, as well as other intelligent beings like animals.

7. BK Shivani

BK Shivani and Suresh Oberoi appearing on the television program Awakening with Brahma Kumaris in Bangkok by Pawaskar Vinayak –

Shivani Verma, popularly known as BK Shivani is one of the most famous spiritual leaders in India. She is a teacher and follower of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement of India.

The Brahma Kumaris (Daughters of Brahma) movement was founded in the 1930s by Lekhraj Kripalani. It teaches a type of meditation that emphasizes identity as souls rather than as physical beings. They hold that God is the origin of all goodness and that all souls are intrinsically good.

Shivani is one of the most popular teachers and leaders not only in the movement but in India as well. This is because of her captivating and powerful seminars and motivational classes. BK believes that material pleasure isn鈥檛 enough. This has led her to search for answers to the more profound questions in life.

8. Bhakti Charu Swami

Bhakti Charu Swami was an Indian spiritual leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Swami was also a devoted follower of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who founded ISKCON.

Before his untimely death at age 74 in 2020 due to Covid-19, he started the ‘Veda Foundation and Cow Sanctuary’ in Florida. His mission was to promote Vedic culture and wisdom in the West.

9. Devkinandan Thakur

Thakur is an Indian spiritual guru and narrator renowned across the globe for his enchanting preaching and music. Born in 1978, Devkinandan Thakur took a keen interest in spirituality from a young age.

He is a great orator of the Bhagavad Gita and the Rama Katha and has been preaching their teachings since 2001. While his Sankirtans are attended by a huge audience of devotees who feel as though they are encircled by Lord Krishna himself, his Bhajan talks provide joy to all souls.

He has a massive following with devotees able to access live sessions for his preaching as well as recorded online versions. This is possible through his YouTube channel: Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji

10. Kamlesh D. Patel Ji

Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji) by Heartfulness Photos –

Kamlesh D. Patel is an Indian spiritual leader born on 28th September 1956 in Gujarat. His followers recognize him as Daaji.

Kamlesh is the fourth guru in the line of R膩ja yoga masters in the Sahaj Marg system of spiritual practice. He is a published author and has written two books on meditation and spirituality and conducts regular workshops to teach and enlighten his followers.

The two said books are Designing Destiny and The Heartfulness Way which he co-authored with Joshua Pollock in 2018. In 2018, The Heartfulness Way was in the top 10 best-selling non-fiction books.

11. Jagatguru Tatvadarshi Saint 鈥淪ant Rampal Ji Maharaj鈥�

Rampal Singh Jatain is the religious leader of the religious domination referred to as Kabir Panth. He was born in 1951 and in 1994 he was chosen by Swami Ramdevanand to be his successor. His followers refer to him as Rampal and claim that he is the incarnation of Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystical poet.

Rampal preaches against going to temples, getting a dowry, worshiping idols, giving gratuities, being untouchable, adultery, and “vulgar singing and dancing.” He strongly opposes eating meat, smoking, and drinking alcohol since, in his opinion, doing so results in grave sin and severe suffering in the afterlife.

As of 2018, Rampal is a convicted murderer after being found guilty of the death of an Arya Samaj follower. The death occurred in 2006 following a violent confrontation between the two groups.

12. Gurinder Singh

Baba Gurinder Singh by Kuvampuri –

Gurinder Singh Dhillon is the spiritual head of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). He succeeded Maharaj Charan Singh, his uncle, in 1991. The RSSB reportedly has over 20 million followers around the world.

He is extremely charismatic, brilliantly intelligent, and funny. He enjoys having a good time, listening to music, discussing politics, philosophy, and economics, as well as viewing movies. On set days, typically on the weekends, large crowds come to hear him speak.

13. Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj

Sri Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj is a writer, spiritual saint, guru, and religious speaker. He is a guru to thousands and has inspired millions around the world.

After spending time teaching while getting involved in social work, he came to the realization that he could help more as an instrument of social reform instead of merely being a medium of reform. He got to display his orating skills and slowly became a popular orator.

Avdheshanand has faith and respect for all religions. He firmly believes that all world religions share the fundamental messages of love, peace, and fraternity. However, because of various climatic, cultural, ethnic, and regional conditions and compulsions, the approaches and means for obtaining God may change. However, realizing God is the ultimate objective.

14. Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda by Thomas Harrison –

Narendranath Datta is the birth name of Swami Vivekananda who was born on 12th June 1863 and passed away on 4th July 1902. He was a Hindu monk, spiritual guru, religious teacher, author, philosopher, and disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Vivekananda is popular for the significant role he played in the introduction of Yoga and Vedanta to the western world. He was particularly impressed at the 1893 Parliament of Religions where he made the 鈥榩erfect speech.鈥� It started, “Sisters and brothers of America…,”.

Vivekananda saw truth, purity, and unselfishness as qualities that bolstered the intellect and connected morality to mental control. He urged his followers to practice shraddha (faith) and to be holy.

15. Paramahansa Yogananda

Mukunda Lal Ghosh is the birth name of Paramahansa Yogananda, a Hindu monk, yoga teacher and instructor, and renowned spiritual guru. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual figures in recent history.

This guru, originally from India, immigrated to the United States where he spent more than thirty years teaching and engaging in spiritual pursuits. He was given the American title of “Father of Yoga.”

His goal in founding the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) was to spread knowledge of the traditional spiritual practices of India, such as yoga. The Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) continues to spread his teachings today, not just in India but also in other nations throughout the world.

16. Swami Vachananand Guru

Shwaasaguru Sri Vachananand Swamiji at Ganges by Shwaasaguru Sri Vachananand Swamiji –

One of the youngest gurus on this list, Vachananand was born in 1983. He is a yogi, social activist, and philanthropist from Karnataka India. He established the nonprofit Shwaasa, which provides yoga courses in India and other countries.

Swami took up sannyasa at a very young age. His birth is considered a miracle as he was born after a devout married couple prayed for a male successor for their family. Mystical Ascetic, Sri MaralaShankara Shivayogi initiated Vachananand鈥檚 mother while he was in the womb. Vachananand, the messenger of wellness in the world and the custodian of promises, was thus born.

17. Mother Meera Ji

Mother Meera by Unknown Author –

Kamala Reddy is the official name of Mother Meera who was born on 26th December 1960. According to her believers and followers, she is the embodiment of the Divine Mother. The divine mother/mother goddess is the personified deity of motherhood, fertility, creation, and destruction, or the earth goddess.

At the age of six, she purportedly had her first samdhi, or total spiritual absorption, lasting the entire day. Thousands of people from various religions come to Mother Meera’s darshan, which she performs in complete solitude. She performs a rite during her darshan in which she touches someone’s head before gazing into their eyes.

A famous quote from Meera goes: “One common mistake is to think that one reality is the reality. You must always be prepared to leave one reality for a greater one.”

18. Satpal Maharaj

Shri Satpal Maharaj Delivering His Speech at 66th United Nations General Assembly held in New York by Himanshu.engin –

Satpal Maharaj is a spiritual guru, and master as well as an Indian politician. He is currently serving as the PWD, tourism, cultural and irrigation minister in the cabinet of the Government of Uttarakhand.

He has implemented numerous strategies to improve society, including imparting spiritual wisdom. Satpal is also credited with the establishment of Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti, a socio-spiritual organization.

19. Swami Sukhabodhananda

Swami Sukhabodhananda is a spiritual guru from Bangalore, India. He is a renowned spiritual leader who was the lone Hindu representative at the 2005 World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

Born on 25th April 1955, he was initiated into Sanyas by Swami Gayananda at age 28. SwamiJi founded the Prasanna Trust organization in 1982. His Trust provides artificial limbs and supports a number of social programs, including a girls’ orphanage. He instructs his followers to recite and repeat the five mantras.

20. Swami Dayananda Saraswati

Born on 15th August 1930, Saraswati is a renowned traditional guru of the Advaita Vedanta. He is also the founder of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam and AIM For Seva.

Narendra Modi, the current and 14th Prime Minister is one of the many prominent followers and students of Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET) was formed by Swami Dayananda in 2003.

Top 20 Yoga Retreats and Ashrams to Find Your Zen in India

1. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

, , via Wikimedia Commons

This large ashram complex located right along the Ganges river in Rishikesh has become one of the most renowned spiritual centres in India, with over 1,000 rooms and extensive facilities. It focuses on yoga, meditation, spiritual discourse, culture, and service on both social and ecological fronts. You can immerse yourself in daily rituals, classes from world-class teachers, volunteer opportunities which aim to uplift underprivileged groups, and special events like the world-famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.

2. Sivananda Ashram, Kerala

Resting peacefully on the banks of the Pamba River, surrounded by lush tropical foliage, Sivananda Ashram in Kerala provides the perfect setting for relaxing yoga vacations and intensive teacher trainings.

Follow their structured schedule to build a solid foundation in classical yoga postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, and Vedic chanting. You’ll also practice meditation and get introductory lessons in ancient yogic scriptures. The ashram offers a supportive community and comfortable accommodation so you can focus fully on self-transformation.

3. International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres are dedicated centres focused on the study and practice of yoga and Vedantic philosophy for spiritual development and personal transformation.

With locations across India, each ashram follows the Sivananda system which includes a structured daily schedule incorporating asanas, breathing techniques, relaxation, chanting, meditation, study of spiritual texts, karma yoga service, proper diet, and positive thinking and living. Certified programs range from beginner to advanced teacher trainings to suit all levels and needs.

4. The Yoga Institute, Mumbai

As one of the oldest yoga centres in the world, established in 1918, The Yoga Institute carries on and preserves the ancient classical teachings of hatha and raja yoga.

Their integrative lifestyle approach of “Integral Yoga” is based on teachings from India’s seminal yoga texts incorporated with principles of Ayurvedic philosophy. They offer yoga teacher trainings in this holistic method along with classes for all levels to improve physical, mental and spiritual health. Their 7-day learn-from-home course gives a good introduction to simple yoga practices as well.

5. Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh

This ashram in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, teaches traditional yoga and Vedanta philosophy. Their thorough program has study of ancient scriptures like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, Sanskrit chants, hatha yoga poses, pranayama breathing techniques, and guided meditation. With thoughtful instruction from accomplished teachers, it aims to give clarity of thought and self-reflection for spiritual growth.

6. Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore

Shreyas Retreat is located among mango and coconut trees outside Bangalore. They blend ancient Indian wellness practices like Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta philosophy with modern amenities and activities.

Personalized programs include: customized yoga classes, relaxing massages, meals for your dosha, and quiet time in nature. Using spiritual rituals and yogic practices like poses, breathing exercises, and meditation, their mission is to build a healthy community and guide people to find inner peace, clear minds, and energy.

7. Osho International Meditation Resort, Pune

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The large Osho International Meditation Resort in Pune has become a special place for spiritual growth through meditation. It follows Osho’s unconventional ways of letting go of mental barriers and conditioning to find inner awareness.

In beautiful, eco-friendly gardens, they hold different types of meditations. The methods are designed for beginners and experienced people. The meditations use music and art to help transform visitors. Their goal is to expand consciousness and experience stillness within.

8. The Beach House, Goa

Tucked away along the tranquil Agonda beach in South Goa, this boutique wellness retreat offers an intimate setting for self-transformation through yoga and spiritual practices.

Join daily morning yoga sessions on outdoor deck overlooking the Arabian Sea, followed by pranayama, meditation and satsang gatherings. Additionally there are sacred music concerts in the evenings allowing you to tune into deeper aspects of your inner self. Wholesome vegetarian meals, surfing excursions and ayurvedic treatments complete the holistic experience.

9. Purple Valley Yoga, Goa

This yoga center near Canacona village in South Goa teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa style yoga combined with spiritual practices like chanting and meditation. There are level 1 classes for beginners along with intensive month-long trainings to deepen your practice in the challenging postures, breathing techniques, focus and control. Nestled peacefully among lush rice fields and swaying palm trees, the contemplative schedule allows you to go inward while enjoying the restoring serenity of nature.

10. Ananda Spa, Rishikesh 

Overlooking the serene Ganges river in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda combines daily yoga and meditation with Ayurvedic spa treatments, organic vegetarian food and cultural excursions.

Experienced yogis lead personalized sessions then guide you on enriching day trips to ashrams, temples and mountain peaks to directly experience the uplifting energy of this region where yoga originated. The location allows total immersion into yogic living and sacred tradition.

11. Jivana Yoga Wellness, Goa

This retreat in South Goa is located amidst tropical gardens and rice paddies. They promote healthy living through yoga, nourishing meals and nature. Days begin with energizing Vinyasa or gentle Hatha yoga.

Then enjoy vegetarian food, Ayurvedic treatments, breathing practices, chanting and relaxed free time. The customized program aims to renew you so you feel mentally clear and light when you leave.

12. Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, Dharamshala

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This studio in Upper Dharamshala teaches Iyengar yoga with mountain views. Experienced certified teachers skillfully guide poses, breathing, and meditation in classical style. Being in Tibetan culture helps absorb the deeper meaning behind poses. Between classes, enjoy quiet contemplation appreciating mountain scenery or having chai in lovely cafes in McLeod Ganj nearby. The location and community support going deeper inward through practice.

13. Tattva Kriya yoga, Rishikesh

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Tattva Kriya teaches different yoga styles like hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa and kriya in their retreat immersed in spiritual Rishikesh. Experienced certified trainers carefully lead classes focused on proper alignment in poses, control of breath, smooth flow of energy, and concentration during movement.

Between practice sessions, you can join in activities that bring deeper awareness – walking meditations through tranquil forest trails, practicing mantra chanting during rest, or quiet introspection sitting alone by the Ganges river.

14. Soulitude in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Soulitude’s retreat in the Uttarakhand mountains blends adventurous activities with calming yoga and meditation. Set deep in the Himalayan valleys, the area cultivates introspection.

Start your day breathing renewal pranayama at sunrise. Then hike to scenic peaks and forests or paddle rapids with lively guides. Evening hatha yoga sessions work on poses and philosophy. Finally, soothe worn-out muscles in herbal baths before meditating under sparkling starry skies. The stunning natural beauty invites you to relax and reflect inwards.

15. Aurovalley Ashram, Auroville

Located in the community of Auroville near Pondicherry, this dedicated ashram center follows the integral yoga tradition and vision of spiritual leaders Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Residents from across the world gather for collective morning meditation sessions in tranquil open air spaces.

One can also participate in Karma yoga activities contributing to ecological restoration efforts in the area. In free time afterwards visit the library to read source teachings or attend lectures and video presentations that share more on this path of yoga. Simple yet comfortable accommodations support immersing into this genuine spiritual environment.

16. Yogisattva Yoga Retreats

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Yogisattva holds fully immersive yoga trips in peaceful spots of India. Knowledgeable teachers teach traditional Hatha and Tantra yoga styles.

They lead small groups, mixing poses, meditation, breathing and chanting that uncover personal inner strength and bring self-exploration. Each session meets your skills and needs in the moment. They tailor exercises to help you gain greater body-mind balance and awareness, giving opportunity for positive change.

17. Kaivalyam Retreats, Kerala

These relaxing vacations in Kerala focus on gentle exercises and traditional medicine surrounded by lots of tropical nature. Stay in lovely cottages with straw roofs on a natural farm, living slowly and healthily.

Start your days with easy yoga poses to help your body stretch better, then enjoy refreshing treatments and unwind by the river. Tasty and nutritious meals are made with herbs from the garden nearby. By paying attention to your thoughts and feelings through yoga, music, or meditation here, you can really connect with the genuine local way of life.

18. Shiva Tattva Yoga, Rishikesh

Shiva Tattva teaches classic yoga styles in a spiritual place nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas by the Ganges river. By building strength, stamina, and focusing your mind during different poses, you can gain clarity and confidence in yourself.

Learning about ancient texts, traditional medicine, and discussing yoga philosophy can help broaden your understanding. The accommodations are simple but cozy, allowing you to be part of a supportive community as you explore and transform your inner self through traditional yogic living.

19. Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Goa

Situated right on sunny Paradise Beach, Vikasa offers a spiritual experience through yoga and healthy living. Start your day with energetic yoga by the beach at sunrise. Later, you can join classes in breathing exercises, chanting, or meditation, followed by tasty vegetarian meals.

Their teacher training programs provide an easy-to-follow approach. Sleep in eco-friendly bamboo huts, enjoying the sea breeze at night. By fully engaging your body and mind here, you can reconnect with life’s natural rhythms.

20. SwaSwara, Karnataka

This top-notch wellness retreat beautifully combines India’s healing traditions by the Arabian Sea. Personalized consultations in traditional medicine help you find your inner balance. Practice yoga surrounded by gardens or beaches.

Enjoy healthy meals made with fresh local ingredients. Each day includes music performances and fun fitness classes to rejuvenate you. With a focus on yogic practices and warm hospitality, you’ll experience deep relaxation and restoration here.