Mahakumbh 2025: Meet 'Businessman Baba' who left Rs 3,000 crore empire for spirituality

The grand spectacle of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has long been a gathering place for saints with diverse philosophies, each leaving a mark with their distinct ideologies. From the tech-savvy IIT Baba to the aristocratic Ambassador Baba, numerous ascetics have gained attention over the years. Now, another intriguing figure has emerged—popularly known as 'Businessman Baba'.

A video making the rounds on social media showcases a spiritual leader who once thrived in the corporate world before renouncing material success in pursuit of enlightenment. Clad in traditional saffron robes and adorned with rudraksha beads, he claims to have been at the helm of a business empire worth Rs 3,000 crore. Despite living a life of luxury, he ultimately realized that immense wealth did not equate to true contentment.

The Instagram handle Daily Overdose shared an interview clip featuring Businessman Baba, captioned, "From Businessman to Businessman Baba in Kumbh Mela." The footage captures him strolling through the bustling fairgrounds, interacting with pilgrims, offering his shawl to a destitute man, and distributing blankets to fellow sadhus.


As the video gained traction online, it sparked a range of reactions. While some users found his transformation inspiring, others remained skeptical. One commenter remarked, "Perhaps he never experienced real poverty, which is why he failed to find joy in wealth." Another cynically noted, "Looks like he has simply found a new enterprise."

Meanwhile, the Maha Kumbh Mela saw an overwhelming turnout during Maghi Purnima on February 12. Reports indicate that nearly 1.6 crore devotees took a sacred dip at the Sangam, marking the occasion’s spiritual significance. In response to the massive influx, authorities implemented stringent security measures throughout Prayagraj. Maghi Purnima also signifies the conclusion of the month-long Kalpavas, with an estimated 10 lakh sadhus preparing to depart from the gathering.

Beyond the participation of spiritual seekers and general devotees, several prominent personalities have also attended this year’s Maha Kumbh. Industrial magnate Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, recently visited the mela with his family. Accompanying him were his mother, Kokilaben Ambani, his sons, Akash and Anant Ambani, their wives, Shloka and Radhika, as well as his grandchildren, Prithvi and Veda. His sisters, Dipti Salgaocar and Nina Kothari, were also part of the pilgrimage.

During their visit, the Ambani family performed a ritualistic dip at the Triveni Sangam before paying respects to Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj of Parmarth Niketan Ashram. They also took the opportunity to distribute sweets and life jackets to those in attendance, further adding to the spirit of generosity that defines the Kumbh Mela.