Narayan Maharaj was a Hindu spiritual master and sadguru, born on May 20, 1885, in Nargund, Karnataka, India. After facing family difficulties, he sought solitude in a Shiva temple and later attained enlightenment in Gangapur.

As a sadguru, Narayan traveled to various religious places across India, including Varanasi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and more. He had a lavish lifestyle, living in a palace and owning a silver throne. Despite this, he was known for his unselfishness and generosity towards the poor. His guiding principle was to treat everyone as God.

Narayan Maharaj had a significant influence on spiritual figures like Meher Baba, who considered him one of the Five Perfect Masters of his time.

After experiencing health issues, Narayan moved to Ottacmond Ooty in Tamil Nadu and eventually settled in Bangalore. He desired to perform an Ati Rudra Swahakar to Lord Mallikarjuna and received great support from the State of Mysore. Following the ceremony, he gave a mantra to his devotees, retired to his chamber, and entered a state of deep meditation (samadhi). He left his physical body on September 3, 1945.

Narayan Maharaj's samadhi, a tomb shrine, is located in Bangalore, where his mortal remains are kept. The Sri Bet Narayan Maharaj ashram and Brindavan are situated in Gavi Gangadhareshwara circle.