I came across “Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition” by Marshall Govindan in a WhatsApp group discussion about 18 SIDDHAS and Babaji. When checked for more literature, a batchmate mentioned the book. Until then, I had never heard of Babaji or the 18 immortals of Siddha tradition. I knew a different list of eight immortals, including Lord Hanuman, Vibhishana, Rishi Ved Vyas, Ashwasthana, Kripacharya, Lord Parshuram, Maharishi Markandeya and Raja Mahabali. I had a fairly good basic understanding of Yoga as a non-practitioner’s failed disciplined approach to a basic guided breathing session. This book, however, opened a very different and much deeper dimension.
At its core, the book presents an introductory biography of Babaji, the immortal Siddha master who attained enlightenment centuries ago and continues to guide humanity. As someone not initiated into yoga traditions and yet a believer in possible immortality and immortals, I still approached this with a fair bit of scepticism. The narrative has a certain pull. It is not written like mythology or history, but somewhere in between, almost like a spiritual, practical documentation.
One of the most interesting aspects for me was learning about the 18 Siddhas, who achieved extraordinary mastery over body and mind, even to the extent of what are described as “siddhis” or powers. In the Tamil tradition, a siddha is someone who has attained a high level of spiritual perfection. Figures like Bogar and Agastya are presented not just as mystics but as scientists, alchemists, and yogis combined. It was surprising to read that these traditions are said to include knowledge of medicine, breath control, and even the transformation of the physical body.
The book does give a brief glimpse and introduces different aspects of Kriya Yoga, not in a very technical, step-by-step way, but enough to give a sense of its depth. It talks about practices that combine breathing (pranayama), meditation, and specific postures, all aimed at harmonising the physical and spiritual aspects of life. I find the idea fascinating and expanding. Yoga here is not just exercise, but a systematic path toward self-realisation. At the same time, it also made me aware of how little I actually know. Though I am not inclined to read much in this direction, as the subject is so vast that my approach may not even scratch the surface of the subject.
What stands out in the writing is the author’s conviction. Being a long-time practitioner himself, he presents the tradition as living and continuous, not something lost in the past. For someone like me, this is both inspiring and slightly overwhelming. The discipline, dedication, and faith required to truly follow such a path seem immense, and yet many have reached their goals.
Personally, I cannot say that I came away ready to practice Kriya Yoga or follow Babaji’s path. I don’t think I have that level of courage or discipline. But I do feel a certain awareness now, an acknowledgement that there are deeper layers to yoga and spirituality than what we casually encounter.
Overall, this book feels less like something to “finish” and more like something to sit with. Even as a non-initiated reader, I found it thought-provoking and, in some ways, quietly influential. It doesn’t demand belief, but it certainly invites curiosity, and perhaps that is its greatest strength.
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