2023 - Shri Ram Chandra Ji, Fatehgarh | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin of 2023 was released to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Fatehgarh, affectionately known as Lalaji.

Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Fatehgarh, affectionately known as Lalaji, is revered as a pioneering spiritual master whose teachings laid the foundation for the Sahaj Marg system of Raja Yoga. Born in 1873 in the quiet town of Fatehgarh in Uttar Pradesh, Lalaji emerged as a guiding light during a period when India was undergoing immense social, cultural, and political transformation. Though he led an outwardly simple life as a householder, his inner spiritual radiance, compassion, and wisdom profoundly influenced countless seekers and shaped the evolution of a unique path of inner awakening.

From a young age, Lalaji exhibited a deep inclination toward spirituality, coupled with a natural sense of humility and service. He was initiated by his own guru, Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, becoming part of a lineage deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of yoga and meditation. Yet, Lalaji’s approach was distinguished by its compassionate simplicity and its accessibility to people from all walks of life. He believed that spiritual progress should not be limited to renunciates or ascetics; instead, he taught that a sincere seeker living a balanced life in the world could attain the highest states of inner realization through guided meditation, discipline, and divine grace.

Lalaji is best known for reviving and systematizing the ancient art of transmission—pranahuti—whereby a spiritual guide transmits yogic energy to aid the inner growth of the aspirant. This transformative method became the cornerstone of the Sahaj Marg system, offering seekers a direct and practical means to experience inner stillness, purification, and expansion of consciousness. His emphasis on simplicity, naturalness, and moderation resonated deeply in an age when spirituality was often misunderstood as esoteric or inaccessible.

Though soft-spoken and unassuming in his demeanor, Lalaji possessed remarkable depth and insight. His teachings encouraged seekers to cultivate love, empathy, discipline, and devotion, all anchored in the larger purpose of realizing one’s true nature. He insisted that spiritual evolution must be grounded in moral integrity and selfless service, reflecting his belief that inner transformation and outer conduct are inseparable.

Lalaji’s influence extended far beyond his lifetime. His devoted disciple, Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Shahjahanpur (Babuji), carried forward his mission by formalizing the Sahaj Marg system and establishing the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, which later expanded globally. Through this, Lalaji’s teachings reached millions around the world, continuing to guide aspirants on the path of meditation and inner refinement.

Shri Ram Chandra Ji, Lalaji, passed away in 1931, but his legacy endures as a profound spiritual heritage. He is remembered not only for his depth of realization but for his extraordinary ability to bring the essence of yoga into the lives of ordinary people. His life demonstrated that spirituality need not require dramatic renunciation but can blossom in the midst of daily responsibilities, relationships, and duties. Today, Lalaji is honoured as a saint who revived a timeless tradition and offered humanity a path of simplicity, love, and inner freedom—one that continues to illuminate the hearts of seekers around the world.

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