Meher Baba was born Merwan Sheriar Irani in Pune, India on 25th February 1894. He was the second son born to Shireen and Sheriar Irani, who were originally from Persia (Iran) and were followers of Zoroaster (the Prophet Zarathustra).
In 1913, Merwan met Hazrat Babajan, a Muslim Saint and the first of five Perfect Masters (Sadgurus) that would give him “God-realization”. During one of Merwan’s many visits to Babajan, she kissed Merwan on the forehead, giving him instant God-consciousness. Many thought Merwan had gone mad – he neither slept nor ate for the next 9 months. Over a peroid of about 7 years, Merwan met with the other Perfec Masters of his time. Narayan Maharaj, Tajuddin Baba, Sai Baba of Shirdi, and Upasni Maharaj helped Merwan regain normal human consciousness. Upasni said Merwan was also a Sadguru, and told Merwan that he was the Avatar, or God in Human Form.
In 1921, a group of friends and followers who also considered Merwan a Perfect Master began to use the name Meher Baba – meaning “Compassionate Father”. Others believed him to be the Avatar (Messiah, Christ, Buddha, Prophet, etc.). Soon more and more people from all over India were drawn to him.
In 1925, Meher Baba stopped speaking and remained silent until he dropped his physical form on 31st January 1969.
More information about and writings by Meher Baba can be obtained from the Avatar Meher Baba Trust, Wikipedia, and Kendra’s Notebook.
