Across the sandy banks of the Sangam at the Magh Mela, every step resonates with devotion. Whether it's the melodious hum of hymns or hermits deep in meditation, the environment is teeming with spirituality. Amidst this spiritual congregation stands a persona so remarkable that pilgrims can't help but capture his presence with their cameras.
Laden with gold from head to toe and wearing a silver crown, this is Google Golden Baba, originally named Manoj Anand Maharaj. Branded in excess of 50 million INR in gold, Baba is drawing attention for another extraordinary reason—he treads the earth barefoot.
The camp of Google Golden Baba at the Magh Mela is instantly recognizable. As soon as Baba steps out, a crowd gathers. Some wish for a selfie, others to glimpse his exotic jewelry, while some merely gaze in disbelief.
Source: aajtak
Adorned with weighty golden bracelets on both wrists, thick chains, and rings on all fingers depicting various deities, his decoration is unmatched. His neck brims with golden and silver conchs and rudraksha beads embellished with gold. A silver crown upon his head bears the image of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
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Not only that, but Baba dines from silver utensils and sips water from silver glasses, with a gold idol of Laddu Gopal accompanying him. Baba proclaims, "It is the divine who is my true protector."
Source: aajtak
Golden Baba reveals that years ago, he wore silver shoes crafted in Agra. Back then, silver cost about 40,000 INR per kilo, and his shoes were valued between 150,000 to 200,000 INR. Those silver shoes were worn out of interest, he confesses with a smile.
Smiling, Baba recounts how he took a vow and abandoned those shoes. He intends to wear around four and a half kilos of silver shoes again once the vow is fulfilled. Regardless of freezing cold or scorching sands, there are no shoes or sandals on his feet.
Source: aajtak
A Journey Across All Districts of Uttar Pradesh and 28 States
Embarking on a journey across every district of Uttar Pradesh, Google Golden Baba also vowed to complete a pilgrimage across 28 states. This expedition, which commenced in Uttarakhand, has been ongoing for the past two years and is part of a greater penance.
Source: aajtak
Originally from Kanpur, Manoj Anand Maharaj is a devotee of Baba Karauliwale and has worn gold for approximately two decades. Initially starting with a gold chain, his affinity for gold grew, akin to someone liking kite flying or climbing Everest. This passion became his identity.
Regarding his golden adornment, Baba proudly claims his Kshatriya heritage emphasizes gold, as ancients wore it through Dwapar, Treta, and Kaliyug eras as a symbol of bravery, valor, and prosperity. There's no arrogance, he explains, stating that his golden affair is merely a hobby.
Source: aajtak
Baba reveals that four attempts have been made on his life. Each time, the perpetrators were swiftly caught and jailed. Undeterred, Baba proclaims his fearlessness, as he veils himself with divine protection. Following one threat, he plastered warnings across Kanpur: "Come, see the results of your threats."
Discussing his silver and gold dining tableware, Baba attributes it to destiny, saying it is the divine's will to bestow what it chooses. Every day, he partakes in spiritual practices, charity, and religious rituals, drawing large crowds to his camp.
