Lahiri Mahasaya

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Shyama Charan Lahiri, best known as Lahiri Mahasaya (September 30, 1828 - September 26, 1895) was the guru of Sri Yukteswar Giri. Mahasaya is a Sanskrit religious title.

He was unusual among Indian holy men in that he was a "householder"... he lived with his family in Benares rather than in a temple or monastery apart from family life. He was an office worker until the age of about 30, when, according to Yogananda, he met his own guru, Mahavatar Babaji. Nonetheless, he achieved a substantial reputation among 19th century Hindu mystics and enlightened masters.

Paramhansa Yogananda tells stories of Lahiri Mahasaya in his Autobiography of a Yogi; Lahiri's disciples included both Yogananda's parents as well as his guru Sri Yukteswar. Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have prophecied that the infant Yogananda would grow to be a great Yogi.