Early Life and Background
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj was born on 8 September 1951 in the village of Dhanana, in the Hisar district of Haryana, India. Raised in a humble agricultural family, he spent his childhood engaged in farming activities and grew up within the traditional religious practices of rural Haryana. He was known for his disciplined nature, compassion, and inclination toward devotion from an early age.
After completing his education, he joined the Haryana Irrigation Department as a Junior Engineer, where he served faithfully for 18 years.
Spiritual Journey and Initiation
Seeking spiritual guidance, he came under the refuge of Swami Ramdevanand Ji Maharaj, a respected saint of the Kabir Panth tradition.
Naam Updesh – The Beginning of Spiritual Awakening
On February 17, 1988, Sant Rampal Ji received Naam Updesh (Naam Diksha) from Swami Ramdevanand Ji. This day is commemorated by devotees as Bodh Diwas, marking the beginning of his formal spiritual path.
In 1994, Swami Ramdevanand Ji instructed him to begin giving Naam Diksha to seekers, entrusting him with the responsibility to guide others spiritually.
Resignation from Government Service
In May 1995, after completing 18 years of government service, Sant Rampal Ji resigned from his post as a Junior Engineer in the Haryana Irrigation Department. He took this step to dedicate himself entirely to satsangs, service, and spreading authentic spiritual knowledge.
Divine Meeting with Supreme God Kabir Sahib
A historic and transformative event in Sant Rampal Ji’s life occurred on March 9, 1997 (Falgun month, Vikram Samvat 2054). According to his followers, on this day Supreme God Kabir Sahib manifested in a divine form and met Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
During this divine encounter, Kabir Sahib ordered him to reveal the confidential Saarnaam and Saarshabd mantras of salvation to deserving devotees—mantras that his Guru had previously instructed him to keep hidden until the Supreme God Himself permitted their disclosure.
This meeting forms the spiritual foundation of Sant Rampal Ji’s mission.
Growth of the Spiritual Movement
After these events, Sant Rampal Ji intensified his satsangs, presenting scripture-backed explanations of devotion. His teachings emphasize:
- Kabir Sahib as Supreme God
- Scripture-based worship aligned with the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and other holy texts
- Rejection of blind rituals and idol worship
- Understanding the roles of Kaal, Akshar Purush, and Param Akshar Purush
- Attaining Satlok, the eternal immortal realm
Satlok Ashrams were subsequently established across India and later Nepal, serving as centers for satsang, social service, initiation, and humanitarian activities.
Humanitarian Work and Social Reforms
Beyond spiritual guidance, Sant Rampal Ji has led several large-scale humanitarian initiatives aimed at uplifting society's most vulnerable people.
The Annapurna Initiative (Annapurna Muhim)
One of the most impactful social welfare campaigns founded by Sant Rampal Ji is the Annapurna Initiative, dedicated to eradicating hunger, poverty, and helplessness among underprivileged families.
Under this initiative, poor and marginalized families receive:
- Free lifelong dry ration (flour, rice, pulses, oil, spices, etc.)
- Medical assistance
- Educational supplies for children
- Clothing and winter essentials
- Support for housing and basic infrastructure
All assistance is provided without discrimination of caste, religion, or social background.
This initiative is built on the principle that true devotion cannot flourish on an empty stomach, and it reflects his teachings on selfless service and compassion. The Annapurna Initiative has restored dignity and hope to countless families across multiple regions of India.
Flood Relief and Disaster Support
Sant Rampal Ji’s humanitarian efforts extend to disaster relief on a massive scale.
As part of the Annapurna Initiative and dedicated flood-relief efforts, his organization delivered:
- Hundreds of high-capacity motors
- Thousands of feet of industrial-grade pipes
These were distributed to approximately 400 flood-affected villages across Haryana and Punjab.
The equipment was essential in pumping out vast quantities of stagnant floodwater from agricultural fields and residential areas—tasks that local authorities struggled to manage effectively. His swift and practical intervention prevented crop destruction, reduced disease risk, and helped families return to normalcy.
Other Social Contributions
In addition to these major campaigns, Satlok Ashrams regularly conduct:
- Dowry-free marriages
- Blood donation drives
- Drug de-addiction awareness
- Free food and accommodation during satsang events
- Promotion of equality and casteless living
These activities form the social backbone of his mission.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
2006 Karontha Incident
In July 2006, a violent clash broke out between members of Arya Samaj and Sant Rampal Ji’s followers near the Karontha Ashram, leading to one death and multiple injuries. He was arrested and charged with murder and related offenses, spending 21 months in jail before being released on bail.
The Satlok Ashram in Karontha was officially handed back to the trust led by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj in April 2013 after The Supreme Court of India dismissed the appeal of opposite faction. This handover led to further tensions and another clash in May 2013, after which the ashram was again closed by authorities. However, the possession remained with Sant Rampal Ji's trust.
After prolonged legal proceedings, on December 20, 2022, Sant Rampal Ji and 23 others were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.
2014 Barwala Standoff
On November 19, 2014, he was arrested again after a week-long standoff between thousands of his followers and the police at the Satlok Ashram in Barwala, Hisar. The event became a major national news story, and several legal matters ensued.
In connection with the 2014 Barwala standoff, five FIRs were registered against Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj—FIR Nos. 426, 427, 428, 429, and 430. Over the years, significant legal developments have taken place in these cases. Sant Rampal Ji has been fully exonerated in FIR 426 and FIR 427, with courts acquitting him of all charges. In FIR 429 and FIR 430, although convictions were initially pronounced, the sentences have been suspended, and the matters are currently under judicial review, allowing him relief from imprisonment in those cases. The only matter still pending adjudication is FIR 428, which continues to move through the legal process.
Honors Conferred on Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj (Chronological List)
- 31 October 2025 – Conferred the title Manavta Rakshak (Protector of Humanity) by the Meham Chaubisi Khap Panchayat for large-scale humanitarian and flood-relief efforts.
- 8 November 2025 – Awarded Dhanana Ratan during a ceremony in Dhanana village, honoring his contributions to society and his native region.
- 9 November 2025 – Received the Kisan Rakshak Samman (Farmer Protector Honor) in village Gurana for his extensive support to farmers and disaster-affected agricultural areas.
- 24 November 2025 – Honored during the Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti program at the Jat Dharamshala in Hisar, recognizing his service to rural and agrarian communities.
- 7 December 2025 – Awarded the Kisan Masiha Samman (Messiah of Farmers Honor) by representatives of 85 villages and 12 Khap Panchayats, acknowledging his exceptional work for farmers and flood-hit families.
- 9 December 2025 - Bharat Gaurav Award; Presented by the Kaliraman Foundation in New Delhi (received by ashram representatives on his behalf). This was given in recognition of his extensive humanitarian efforts during severe floods across several states.
Global Influence
Sant Rampal Ji’s teachings have reached millions worldwide through satsangs, books, television broadcasts, and digital platforms. Followers across India, Nepal, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and numerous other countries observe major events such as:
- Kabir Prakat Diwas
- Avtaran Diwas
- Nirvan Diwas
- Bodh Diwas
- Divya Dharam Yagya Diwas
Satlok Ashrams and centers abroad continue to expand the movement. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has established over 500 Naam Diksha (initiation) centers across India and abroad, providing seekers with the opportunity to receive spiritual initiation directly under his guidance. These centers serve as hubs for satsang, scriptural study, and guidance in practicing devotion to Supreme God Kabir Sahib. They also help spread his teachings globally, allowing devotees in countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Middle East, Far East, Australia and Fiji to participate in satsangs, receive Naam Diksha, and engage in spiritual learning.
Legacy
To his devotees, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is regarded as a Tatvadarshi Saint, one who reveals the complete path of liberation described in the scriptures. His legacy rests not only on spiritual teachings but also on large-scale social service, humanitarian aid, and a growing emphasis on equality, truth, and compassion.
Through satsang, service, and the Annapurna Initiative, Sant Rampal Ji has created a transformative movement that blends spiritual awakening with real-world upliftment—aimed at guiding souls toward Satlok, the eternal abode of peace.
