Soon after his birth in Talagang in 1909 (District Attock, now in Pakistan), Chandan Lal’s father, Lala Devi Dial Dhody was sent on deputation to Mandi Durbar (Himachal Pradesh), then the capital of the princely State of Mandi. Chandan Lal’s early childhood and education took place in this charming idyllic hill town—nestled in the Himalayas, along the banks of the river Beas. Because of its many temples, Mandi is also known as the “Varanasi of the hills”. This is also that divine place where the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh Ji meditated at length during his stay here. Inspired by this great Guru, it is at the same spot that in his youth, Chandan Lal would sit for his first meditations.

From his father’s home library, young Chandan Lal first read The Rāma-Charita-Mānasa and other books on philosophy. After completing his Matriculation (10^th grade) he embarked on a career in administration when he joined the Punjab Secretariat in Lahore as a Junior clerk. He later went on to get a Bachelor of Arts in English from Panjab University, Lahore. Gradually moving up the ranks he moved with the Secretariat to Shimla and later to Chandigarh.

With a distinguished record to his credit, he retired as an undersecretary to the Governments of Punjab/Haryana. What made him stand tall was his integrity, honesty, and complete dedication to work.  The stories of his ethical integrity are still told and retold in close circles.

After retirement, he dedicated himself to translating the scriptures. A profound scholar and master of English and Hindi, he taught himself Sanskrit. He persevered in these endeavors with the complete support of his wife, Raj Rani Savitri Devi, who kept him insulated from all household responsibilities. His family and friends always saw him sitting at his desk, with his typewriter and papers, always deeply engrossed in his spiritual writing work.