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Maha Kumbh 2025: Meet Baba Mokshpuri, Ex-US Soldier-Turned Saint

Born in Mexico, Michael, a former US soldier, who became a follower of Sanatan dharma and known as Baba Mokshpuri, is among Maha Kumbh attendees.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Meet Baba Mokshpuri, US Soldier-Turned Saint
Baba Mokshpuri with other saints in Maha Kumbh (ETV Bharat)
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By ETV Bharat English Team

Published : Jan 13, 2025, 3:55 PM IST

Prayagraj: Devotees, saints and spiritual heads from across the world have gathered for the Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Among the attendees is Baba Mokshpuri, a Mexican, who was once a soldier in the US army and named Michael.

Grief-stricken by his son's death, Michael took the path of renunciation and travelled to India, where his spiritual journey began. Michael was inspired by Sanatan dharma and soon started to be known as Baba Mokshpuri.

Journey from soldier to saint:

Baba Mokshpuri said he was once a common man and loved spending time with his wife and son. "I always loved to travel and joined the Army. But at a point in my life I realised that nothing is permanent and started my journey in search of salvation," Mokshpuri, said. He is associated with Juna Akhara and has dedicated his life to the promotion of Sanatan dharma.

The first time that Mokshpuri came to India was in 2000 with his wife and son. "That trip was the most memorable event of my life. During that time, I came to know about meditation and yoga. Also, for the first time, I learnt about Sanatan dharma. Indian culture and traditions inspired me. This was the beginning of my spiritual awakening, which I now think was a call from God," he said.

A major change came in Mokshpuri's life following his son's untimely death. The single incident helped him to understand that nothing is permanent in life. He sought refuge through meditation and yoga that made him tide over the difficult time.

Dedicating life to promotion of yoga and Sanatan dharma:

Baba Mokshpuri is now traveling around the world, propagating Indian culture and Sanatan dharma. After attending Kumbh Mela in Ujjain in 2016, he took a pledge to participate in every Kumbh.

Mokshpuri said his spiritual journey has been influenced by Neem Karoli Baba. He learnt about the energy behind meditation and devotion at Neem Karoli Baba's ashram. "After going to the ashram I felt as if Baba himself is the form of Lord Hanuman. This experience further strengthened my commitment towards devotion, meditation and yoga in life," he added.

Ashram in New Mexico:

Mokshpuri has abandoned his western lifestyle and chosen the path of meditation and self-realisation. Now, he is planning to open an ashram in Mexico, from where he plans to spread Indian philosophy and yoga across the globe. He said that he will take Sanatan dharma to greater heights.

Read More

  1. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, World's Largest Religious Gathering, Begins; PM Modi's 'Special Day' Message For Pilgrims
  2. Maha Kumbh Helicopter Joyride To Cost Less Than Half Now, Service Starts Today

Prayagraj: Devotees, saints and spiritual heads from across the world have gathered for the Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Among the attendees is Baba Mokshpuri, a Mexican, who was once a soldier in the US army and named Michael.

Grief-stricken by his son's death, Michael took the path of renunciation and travelled to India, where his spiritual journey began. Michael was inspired by Sanatan dharma and soon started to be known as Baba Mokshpuri.

Journey from soldier to saint:

Baba Mokshpuri said he was once a common man and loved spending time with his wife and son. "I always loved to travel and joined the Army. But at a point in my life I realised that nothing is permanent and started my journey in search of salvation," Mokshpuri, said. He is associated with Juna Akhara and has dedicated his life to the promotion of Sanatan dharma.

The first time that Mokshpuri came to India was in 2000 with his wife and son. "That trip was the most memorable event of my life. During that time, I came to know about meditation and yoga. Also, for the first time, I learnt about Sanatan dharma. Indian culture and traditions inspired me. This was the beginning of my spiritual awakening, which I now think was a call from God," he said.

A major change came in Mokshpuri's life following his son's untimely death. The single incident helped him to understand that nothing is permanent in life. He sought refuge through meditation and yoga that made him tide over the difficult time.

Dedicating life to promotion of yoga and Sanatan dharma:

Baba Mokshpuri is now traveling around the world, propagating Indian culture and Sanatan dharma. After attending Kumbh Mela in Ujjain in 2016, he took a pledge to participate in every Kumbh.

Mokshpuri said his spiritual journey has been influenced by Neem Karoli Baba. He learnt about the energy behind meditation and devotion at Neem Karoli Baba's ashram. "After going to the ashram I felt as if Baba himself is the form of Lord Hanuman. This experience further strengthened my commitment towards devotion, meditation and yoga in life," he added.

Ashram in New Mexico:

Mokshpuri has abandoned his western lifestyle and chosen the path of meditation and self-realisation. Now, he is planning to open an ashram in Mexico, from where he plans to spread Indian philosophy and yoga across the globe. He said that he will take Sanatan dharma to greater heights.

Read More

  1. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, World's Largest Religious Gathering, Begins; PM Modi's 'Special Day' Message For Pilgrims
  2. Maha Kumbh Helicopter Joyride To Cost Less Than Half Now, Service Starts Today
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