“One can attain the path of liberation from material bondage only by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. These personalities are impersonalists and devotees. Whether one wants to merge into the Lord’s existence or wants to associate with the Personality of Godhead, one should render service to the mahātmās. For those who are not interested in such activities, who associate with people fond of women and sex, the path to hell is wide open. The mahātmās are equipoised. They do not see any difference between one living entity and another. They are very peaceful and are fully engaged in devotional service. They are devoid of anger, and they work for the benefit of everyone. They do not behave in any abominable way. Such people are known as mahātmās.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 5.5.2)

There are many good qualities that a Mahatma (great person) exhibits.

Firstly, it should be understood that wearing a dhoti and tilak, fasting, deity worship, chanting mantras, holding a high position in a temple or group, and visiting holy places does not make one a Mahatma. It’s the actions and behavior that count and not external appearances, nor name, nor position.

  1. Truthfulness is the most important quality that a Mahatma can have, and this is the first pillar of Sanatan-Dharma. I have personally come across a big Acarya lying in a temple, Katha kars lying and deceiving. This is very common.
  2. Compassion. This is the second pillar of Sanatan-Dharma. A Mahatma will care for others and especially those who he has known. Speaking on the phone or video calling a sick person (physical or mental illness) is ok but physical presence is more important. Realizing that Lord Krishna is present in all living beings and not just the Deities is important. Thus, one should be kind to everyone. Feeding a father and letting his children go hungry will not please the father. In a similar way, worshipping the Deities in temples and treating people badly is not going to please God.
  3. A person who spends his time, energy, and money for the benefit of others is a Mahatma.
  4. A person who promotes the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita, Shrimad-Bhagavatam, and other Vedic scriptures is a Mahatma. This is because so many people are misled due to ignorance and lies and so promoting the teachings in truth is very important. Exposing the truth on non-Vedic teachings is also very important but only a few have this ability.
  5. A householder who exhibits all the above qualities to some degree is a Mahatma. It is false to think that only Safron clothes men can be Mahatmas. In fact, many Safron clothed men are liars, ignorant, money minded, and self-centered. Such people are useless for the society and God.