Tirumala devotee-saint · remembered in Banjara tradition with Hathiramji Mutt
Hathiram Babaji
c. early 1500s (tradition; verify)
Also called Hathiram Bhavaji / Hathiram Baba. Remembered as a devotee of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala; the Hathiramji Mutt that grew around his memory later administered the temple (1843–1932) before TTD. Banjara tradition links his ashram to community pilgrimage and to Sant Sevalal Maharaj’s stay as Sevadas.
Public tradition places Hathiram Babaji (Hathiram Bhavaji) as a Rama devotee who came on pilgrimage to Tirumala around the early sixteenth century and settled near the Venkateswara temple, establishing an ashram that became a lasting spiritual centre.
A widely told legend says Lord Venkateswara played dice with him; another links his name “Hathi-Ram” to an elephant miracle that vindicated him when priests accused him over a necklace. Treat these as faith narratives, not courtroom history, unless editors attach primary sources.
The Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala / Tirupati became closely associated with Banjara pilgrimage hospitality. Historical administration of the Tirumala temple by Hathiramji mahants (1843–1932) is recorded in public sources before the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took over.
Banjara community histories also recount that Sant Sevalal Maharaj stayed at the Hathiram Bawaji ashram during his southern pilgrimage and served for a time as mahant under the name Sevadas — a living link many Gor families still honour when visiting Tirumala.
Recent public reporting covers conservation and reconstruction discussions around the historic Hathiramji Mutt premises, with assurances that Banjara community needs would be prioritised. Update this profile as consented photographs and local mutt records arrive.