Spiritual Leader Pilot Baba, Alleged To Have Met Ashwatthama, Dies At 86
Spiritual leader and Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara , ' Pilot Baba ,' has passed away at the age of 86. After battling illness for some time, he took his last breath at Apollo Hospital in Delhi. His final rites are scheduled to be held in Haridwar. Born as Kapil Singh, Pilot Baba served as a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force (IAF), earning the nickname 'Pilot Baba.' He was a fighter pilot in two wars with Pakistan before renouncing the world to pursue a life of sainthood.
A post on Pilot Baba’s Instagram account announced his passing, stating, "Om Namo Narayana, With a heavy heart and in deep reverence to our Beloved Gurudeva, it is informed to all disciples, devotees world over that our revered Gurudeva Mahayogi Pilot Babaji has moved on and attained Mahasamadhi. He has left his mortal body today. It is a moment for everyone to stay calm at their homes and offer prayers. Please do not create chaos and anxiety. This is the moment to be calm and offer our gratitude to him. Further instructions as guided will be informed to all. Namo Narayana."
Pilot Baba claimed to have met Ashwatthama , the legendary warrior from the Hindu epic 'Mahabharata,' who he believed was living among tribes in the Himalayan foothills. He authored several books, including 'Unveils Mystery of Himalaya (Part 1)' and 'Discover Secret of The Himalaya (Part 2),' where he detailed his experiences during his 16-year penance in the Himalayas. According to his website, these works describe his interactions with ancient figures such as Mahavatar Babaji, Ashwatthama, and Kripacharya, and explore the sacred and secret science of Samadhi.
Pilot Baba's Journey in the Air Force
Born in Sasaram, Bihar, Pilot Baba joined the Indian Air Force in 1957 after earning his Master’s degree in organic chemistry from Banaras Hindu University. During the 1965 war, he gained fame for flying his Gnat aircraft at low altitudes over Pakistani cities. However, the destruction he witnessed, especially during the 1971 war, led him into a mid-career crisis. This internal conflict prompted him to leave the Air Force, embark on a seven-year journey to the Himalayas, and eventually find his guru, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
A report also noted that Pilot Baba, who was given the name Somnath Giri by Gwalior’s Vijayraje Scindia, became known for his exceptional practice of Samadhi—a state of death by interment—which he claimed to have achieved over 110 times since 1976. This extraordinary ability made him a focal point among sadhus at the Ardh Kumbh. His teachings, centered on awakening consciousness and attaining unity with the five elements, attracted followers from Japan to the United States.
In an earlier interview, Pilot Baba reflected on his practice, stating, "Enlighten your consciousness, find the oneness among the five particulate elements, and the samadhi begins. Then you can go beyond death," according to a report. When asked about the method, he responded cryptically, "Not everyone can understand the way—even among the initiates. If you are in the right frame, you can have a samadhi anywhere."