His followers maintain that Haidakhan Babaji is a Mahavatar – "a human manifestation of God, not born from woman.

"[B 1] It is reported that starting in late September 1970 Haidakhan Babaji spent forty-five days meditating in a small temple on the top of the Kumaon Mount Kailash "without leaving his seat.

[B 2] In 1971 Haidakhan Babaji started travelling across India, proclaiming his message, performing sacred ceremonies, such as yagna, and attracting more devotees.

[B 4] Though some of his followers[B 5] believed he was immortal, Haidakhan Babaji died on 14 February 1984; local sources said it appeared to be of heart failure.

Sanatan Dharma can be understood as a primordial religion reflecting natural laws established at the beginning of the Creation.

"[B 16] Babaji talked about the importance of hard work and proper performance of one's duty so often that Karma Yoga should be considered the central element of his teachings.

[B 19] Nama Japa, the repetition of God's name, was a fundamental part of Haidakhan Babaji's teachings.

Haidakhan Babaji especially recommended the use of the mantra "om namaḥ śivāy" (Sanskrit: ॐ नमः शिवाय् )[B 21] – because of its protective qualities,[B 22] but also stated that one can use any God's name "his religion teaches".

True reality is to proceed on the path of truth, to keep the company of saintly people, and to render service to men.

He stated: "you should look to the areas of your countries where people are poverty-stricken and helpless and then do all you can to raise their standard of living, teaching them cleanliness and high morals.

[...]"[B 28] Babaji would typically start his day around 3:00 am, with a bath, often in the cold River Ganges, which was followed by meditation or a fire ceremony.

Around 5:00 am he would see his devotees for ceremonial chandan (placing a mark on forehead), followed by morning Aarti (devotional singing) around 6:00 am.

"[B 34] Babaji was introduced to many Westerners by Leonard Orr, an exponent of immortalism and a founder of the breathwork practice of rebirthing.

[1] His following is widespread in the Western world, with followings in countries including Austria,[2] Germany,[3] Italy,[4] Sweden,[5] Switzerland,[6] the United Kingdom,[7] and the United States, where the "Yogananda/Babaji Lineage" was established in multiple centres[b] by the time of the first American Hindu census in 2011.

[10] In India, the Haidakhandi Samaj, with ashrams at Haidakhan village and at Chilliyanaula (Chilianola), provides both communal living and to spread Babaji's message.