Key Points:
- Maha Kumbh Begins with a Massive Turnout: Over 1.6 crore devotees gathered on the first day, showcasing one of the world’s largest religious congregations.
- Spotlight on ‘IITian Baba’: Abhay Singh, an IIT Bombay graduate, renounced his scientific career to embrace spirituality as Masani Gorakh.
- Journey of Transformation: From studying aerospace engineering and design to coaching physics and exploring philosophy, Abhay Singh’s path led him to spiritual enlightenment.
- Spiritual Wisdom: Masani Gorakh now focuses on understanding mental health and self-awareness through spirituality, considering it “real knowledge.”
- A Symbol of New-Age Asceticism: The presence of a highly educated monk like IITian Baba reflects the evolving dimensions of faith and intellect at the Kumbh.
Prayagraj: With 1.6 crore devotees flocking to the sacred banks of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh 2025 has begun with grandeur. Amidst the throng of Naga Babas, revered saints, and spiritual leaders from across the globe, one figure has captivated the crowd—the ‘IITian Baba’, a monk whose journey from aerospace engineering to spiritual enlightenment is as inspiring as it is intriguing.
Meet Masani Gorakh: The IITian Baba
Born as Abhay Singh, Masani Gorakh hails from Haryana and is a graduate of IIT Bombay, where he studied aerospace engineering. While many of his peers pursued high-profile careers, Abhay chose a different path, one rooted in self-discovery and spirituality.
- Early Academic Brilliance: Abhay completed his engineering degree at IIT Bombay, later earning a master’s in design.
- Career Exploration: He ventured into photography, physics coaching, and even pursued philosophy courses on Post-Modernism, Socrates, and Plato to delve deeper into life’s meaning.
Why He Chose Spirituality
Masani Gorakh reflects on his transformation:
“This is real knowledge. If you want to understand the mind or mental health, spirituality is the way. Science answers many questions, but spirituality answers the ones that matter most.”
His decision to renounce material pursuits wasn’t an impulsive one. After years of academic and professional exploration, he realized that true fulfillment lay in embracing simplicity and focusing on “basic things.”
Life as a Monk
Renaming himself Masani Gorakh, Abhay Singh now dedicates his life to Lord Shiva. Donning the saffron robes of a monk, he believes his current stage in life is the best one. Despite his unconventional transition, he remains indifferent to societal opinions:
“I don’t care what people think about my ambition. This stage is the best stage.”
IITian Baba: A Symbol of Modern Faith
The presence of a monk with such a strong academic and professional background underscores the evolving nature of faith at events like the Kumbh. His story resonates with younger devotees, many of whom are drawn to spirituality as a means of understanding themselves in an increasingly complex world.
The Maha Kumbh Experience
As the world’s largest spiritual gathering continues, the story of IITian Baba adds a unique layer to the event, blending modern intellect with ancient wisdom. His calm demeanor, cheerful personality, and profound insights have made him a beacon of inspiration for countless devotees at the Maha Kumbh 2025.
The story of Masani Gorakh, the IITian Baba, is not just about renunciation but also about embracing a profound understanding of life. His presence at Maha Kumbh 2025 reflects the timeless appeal of spirituality and its ability to attract people from all walks of life.
