Mystics Mask : Decoding Guru -II

Today, I came across a funny instagram reel of a so-called spiritual leader. He was publicly making fun of Science and cracking jokes about relationships with women and other people who seek solutions about their real life problems from him in the Pandal of a Katha vachan. This is not the first time I was looking at such a person,  I have seen many such spiritual leaders who often make fun of science, psychology and people in their Sabha.. These individuals, often referred to as Babas or guru, wield immense influence over vast numbers of people, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and even societal norms. But who are these Baba, and what accounts for their widespread popularity?

Consider the case of Pookie Baba, also known by the more formal title Anirudhacharya Ji Maharaj or simply Anirudh Tiwari. Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, in 1989, he moved to Vrindavan as a child to immerse himself in the study of Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures. From these modest beginnings, Pookie Baba has emerged as a prominent figure, not just within religious circles but across the vast, chaotic landscape of social media.

Pookie Baba’s story is emblematic of a broader trend in India—where spirituality meets modernity in the most unexpected ways. Unlike the austere, solemn figures of traditional spiritual leaders, Pookie Baba has crafted a persona that is as much about entertainment as it is about enlightenment. His advice, often delivered with a humorous twist, has earned him over 25 million followers across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). This alone should give us pause to consider how deeply embedded these figures have become in our collective consciousness.

The charm of Pookie Baba lies in his ability to mix traditional wisdom with modern-day relatability. He advises his followers on everything from spiritual matters to the mundane problems of daily life, all the while keeping his tone light and engaging. This fusion of the sacred and the profane, the old and the new, resonates with a wide audience, particularly among the youth. In a way, Pookie Baba represents the face of a new kind of spirituality—one that speaks the language of memes and viral content.

One might wonder why such figures have found fertile ground in India. The answer, I believe, lies in a combination of cultural, social, and psychological factors. India has a long-standing tradition of revering spiritual leaders—be they ascetics, mystics, or saints. This cultural reverence is deeply ingrained in our psyche, passed down through generations. In many ways, self-styled baba like Pookie Baba are simply the modern avatars of earlier fraud or criminal minded Babas. But…there is a twist. These contemporary figures have harnessed the power of social media, turning what was once a local or regional following into a global fanbase.

The appeal of such babas extends beyond their spiritual teachings. They offer something more—community, belonging, and even entertainment. In a country marked by social fragmentation and economic disparities, the promise of belonging to a spiritual community can be very alluring. Followers of these gurus often find solace in the collective experience, in the shared rituals, and in the sense of purpose that comes from being part of something larger than themselves.

But while Pookie Baba and others like him may use humor and relatability to win over their audience, there is a more serious side to thi

s phenomenon—one that has led to some dark and troubling outcomes. India has witnessed numerous scandals involving self-styled gurus, some of which have had devastating consequences. The cases of Asaram Bapu, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and Nithyananda, to name but a few, have shocked the nation. These figures, once celebrated by millions, were exposed as frauds, criminals, and worse. Their downfall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of placing blind faith in charismatic individuals, no matter how charming or seemingly benevolent they may appear.

Such scandals are not isolated incidents. They are symptomatic of a deeper issue—the unchecked power and influence that these babas can amass. In a society where spiritual leaders are often seen as infallible, it becomes all too easy for them to exploit their followers. The same platforms that help them build their following—social media, television, and the like—can also be used to manipulate and deceive. The result is a dangerous cocktail of power, wealth, and influence that can lead to widespread harm.

Yet, despite these scandals, the phenomenon of the self-styled guru shows no signs of abating. If anything, it seems to be growing stronger. This begs the question—why do people continue to flock to these figures, even in the face of such overwhelming evidence of their potential for wrongdoing?

The answer, I believe, lies in a combination of psychological and social factors. People are drawn to babas for a variety of reasons. Some seek spiritual guidance, others are looking for a sense of community, and still others are simply in search of hope in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain. These Babas offer all of this and more. They provide not just teachings, but also comfort, support, and a sense of purpose. In a world where traditional social structures are breaking down, the appeal of a charismatic leader who seems to have all the answers can be irresistible.

But this is precisely where the danger lies. The more people invest their faith and trust in these figures, the more vulnerable they become to exploitation. And when that trust is betrayed, the consequences can be devastating—not just for the individuals involved, but for society as a whole.

As we consider the rise of self-styled Gurus in India, we must ask ourselves what this says about our society. Are we so desperate for guidance and meaning that we are willing to overlook the glaring flaws and potential dangers of these figures? Or is it simply that we have become so enamoured with the idea of a quick fix—a simple solution to the complex problems of life—that we are willing to put our faith in anyone who promises to provide it?

Whatever the case may be, it is clear that the phenomenon of the self-styled guru is one that we cannot afford to ignore. These figures wield immense power and influence, and while some may use that power for good, others may not. As a society, we must be vigilant. We must be willing to ask the hard questions, to demand accountability, and to recognise that true spiritual growth requires more than just following the latest trend or the most popular figure.

The responsibility lies with us. We must be discerning in our choices, critical in our thinking, and above all, mindful of the fact that true wisdom comes not from blind faith, but from a deep and honest search for truth