**Mastan Baba: The Enigmatic Figure of Pune Railway Station**
For more than two decades, a mysterious figure known as Mastan Baba has been a familiar presence around Pune Railway Station. Covered in dust from head to toe, with unkempt hair and tattered clothes, he wanders daily within and around the railway station premises. Over time, he has drawn both devotees and curious onlookers alike, becoming a unique part of the local landscape.
### Who is Mastan Baba?
Mastan Baba, sometimes affectionately called “Auliya” or “Sarkar” by locals, is a man of unknown origin. There is no official record of his real name or how he came to Pune. For approximately 25 to 30 years, he has made the area around Pune Railway Station his home, weaving his enigmatic presence into the daily lives of commuters.
### Daily Life and Devotion
Every day, hundreds of people visit the station specifically to catch a glimpse of Mastan Baba. Many offer prayers and seek his blessings. To them, Mastan Baba is more than just a wanderer—he is a spiritual figure worthy of reverence.
His appearance is striking and distinctive. His entire body is covered in a layer of dust and earth, and his hair is matted. Draped in multiple layers of worn-out cloth, he is usually barefoot but is always seen wearing thick silver anklets around his legs, which adds to the curiosity surrounding him.
### Significance and Public Perception
Although Mastan Baba’s past largely remains a mystery, his continuous presence has transformed him into an icon at Pune Railway Station. Despite having no formal ties to any religious institution, he commands a steady stream of visitors and a strong hold on public imagination.
His story reflects the many anonymous yet influential people living on the margins of urban life. Like many urban legends, Mastan Baba is neither fully accepted nor fully ignored by society. His quiet endurance and unique aura allow him to transcend conventional social categories.
For many commuters, devotees, and passersby, Mastan Baba has become a living legend—an enigmatic figure whose presence continues to captivate and inspire those who encounter him at Pune Railway Station.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/who-is-mastan-baba-the-ragged-mysterious-man-seen-wearing-silver-anklets-near-pune-railway-station
