SIVA DAYAL SAHEB

born 1818, Agra, Agra province, India died 1878, Agra also called Sivdayal, original name Tulsi Ram founder of the esoteric Hindu sect Radha Soami Satsang. He was born into a devout Vaisnava family and was established as a banker in Agra. In 1861 he revealed himself as the sant satguru (true teacher of spirituality) and began instructing a group of followers. He wrote two books, one in prose and one in verse, both titled Sar Bacan (Essential Utterances). Siva Dayal Saheb's ashes are entombed in a sacred garden (Dayal Bagh) near Agra, which is still a principal headquarters of the sect. See also Radha Soami Satsang.