Shiv Dayal Singh—affectionately called Soami Ji Maharaj—sparked the Radhasoami tradition in Agra back in 1861. He wove together threads from Sikh, Hindu Sant Mat, and Sufi teachings, placing the inner sound current (Surat Shabd Yoga) at the very heart of spiritual practice. His magnetic personality drew disciples eager for a direct experience of the “Word” or “Sound-Light,” opening a fresh chapter in North India’s mystical landscape.

After Soami Ji’s passing in 1878, Salig Ram carried the torch to Gwalior, turning the city into a vibrant hub where satsangs (spiritual gatherings) blossomed. He streamlined the teachings into written form, giving a firmer shape to the ever-living tradition. Around the turn of the century, Rai Saligram in Agra and later Shiv Dayal’s great-grandson, Maharshi Shiv Brat Lal, added further layers—establishing Dayalbagh near Agra as a spiritual commune that still hums with quiet devotion.

Across Punjab, the Beas branch took root under Baba Jaimal Singh and flourished on the banks of the Beas River. Today, Dera Beas hosts thousands at an annual fair—proof that the sound current has crossed oceans, influencing seekers from Silicon Valley to São Paulo. In tandem, Dayalbagh’s educational institutions continue to blend practical skills with inner work, reflecting a 19th-century vision that’s surprisingly attuned to 21st-century concerns about holistic well-being.

Even now, when meditation apps rule the digital roost, Radhasoami satsangs—whether streamed online or held in serene garden settings—offer a hands-on dive into the inner realms. The practice feels like discovering a hidden melody within oneself, a reminder that ancient paths can still strike a chord in modern hearts.