Known to millions as Bageshwar Baba, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has become one of India’s most recognisable spiritual leaders through his kathas, teachings, and the ever-growing following at Bageshwar Dham. But on Sunday Brunch with Kamiya Jani, it isn’t the preacher people see. It’s a man who laughs easily, speaks candidly, and is very comfortable talking about silence.
Bageshwar Baba On Solitude & Meditation
One of the most interesting moments comes when Kamiya Jani, our Editor-in-Chief, points out something that most people have probably wondered about. His life is a constant stream of visitors, devotees, and public appearances. Is there ever a point where he simply wants to be left alone?
“There has to be,” he says.
He calls it ekant or solitude, not loneliness. Then he shares a thought that completely changes the way he looks at meditation. “Dhyaan ka matlab hai bhool jana.”
According to him, meditation isn’t about trying harder or thinking deeper. It’s about forgetting everything else for a while. Forgetting the noise, the responsibilities, and even your own identity.
He reveals that he recently spent 11 days in Badrinath without meeting a single person. Those days were reserved entirely for sadhana. For someone whose everyday life revolves around thousands of people, that silence isn’t unusual, but it’s essential. It is his way of returning to himself before stepping back into the world.
Also Read: Shri Aniruddhacharya Opens About His Journey From Jabalpur To Becoming A Renowned Spiritual Leader
Why He Doesn’t Fear Losing Followers
The conversation then takes an unexpectedly philosophical turn. Kamiya asked Bageshwar Baba if he had ever feared the possibility that one day people might simply stop coming. After all, anyone who spends years surrounded by admiration could find that change difficult.
Everything is temporary, he says. One day, all of this will be left behind anyway, so he has already made peace with that reality. He believes the real struggle begins when a person’s identity depends entirely on applause. There are people who spend years being addressed as “Sir,” “Ji,” or “Madam,” constantly surrounded by respect and attention. The day that stops, the silence can feel frightening. He says he never wanted to become dependent on that kind of validation.
And then, almost casually, he leaves everyone with the line that perhaps sums up his philosophy better than any long explanation could.
“Mele mein akela, akele mein mela. Na main kisi ka guru, na koi chela.”
That’s what makes this episode memorable. Beyond the spiritual conversations and life lessons, it captures a side of Bageshwar Baba many wouldn’t expect: a witty, warm, and very self-aware person who can speak about detachment with a smile and remind us that sometimes, the loudest lessons come from moments of complete silence.
Watch the full Sunday Brunch episode on the Curly Tales App for more spiritual wisdom, now served with a side of smiles.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: July 02, 2026 11:34 AMFAQs
Why did Bageshwar Baba spend 11 days in Badrinath?
Bageshwar Baba revealed that he spent 11 days in complete solitude at Badrinath for sadhana. During that period, he did not meet anyone and focused entirely on spiritual practice.
What did Bageshwar Baba say about meditation?
He described meditation with the phrase, "Dhyan ka matlab hai bhool jana," explaining that meditation is about letting go of distractions, responsibilities and even one's identity for a while.
Is Bageshwar Baba afraid of losing followers?
No. He said everything in life is temporary and that he has already accepted the possibility that one day people may stop coming. He believes a person's identity should never depend on public admiration.