Ramesh Babaji Maharaj: key obituary facts
Is Ramesh Babaji Maharaj dead? Yes. Ramesh Babaji Maharaj died on October 6, 2026, at age 87.
Cause of death: Ramesh Babaji Maharaj's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ramesh Babaji Maharaj known for?
He was a social activist from India.
More about Ramesh Babaji Maharaj
Gender: male.
Nationality: India.
Awards: Padma Shri in social work.
Born: December 13, 1938.
Occupations: Brajavasi saint, Hindu spiritual teacher, Social worker, Cow-welfare advocate, Environmental campaigner.
Years active: 1954–2026.
Known for: Cow welfare; conservation of Braj's hills, forests and sacred ponds; Yamuna restoration campaigns; Radha Rani Braj Yatra; promotion of Harinam sankirtan.
Title: Mahant of Maan Mandir.
Ramesh Babaji Maharaj, an Indian spiritual teacher, social worker and cow-welfare advocate, died October 6, 2026, aged 87.
Also known as Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj, Babashri and Baba Maharaj, he was born Rameshwar Prasad Shukla in Prayag, now Prayagraj. He came to Braj in 1954 and remained associated with the region for the rest of his life.
Based in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, he was associated with Maan Mandir, where he held the title of mahant. He founded Mataji Gaushala, a large Barsana shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for cows. His public work joined animal welfare with conservation, including efforts to protect Braj’s hills, forests and sacred ponds, restore ponds, plant trees and oppose destructive mining. He also campaigned for the restoration of the Yamuna. Maharaj promoted devotional practice through the Radha Rani Braj Yatra and Harinam sankirtan, linking his religious work to the region’s sacred landscape. In recognition of his social work, he received the Padma Shri. He died at Maan Mandir in Barsana, in Mathura district.