Morari Bapu, an Indian spiritual leader and preacher who has traveled the world reciting Ram Kathas for over half a century, is making a stop in Lowell next month for a gathering expected to bring large crowds to the Mill City.

Bapu, who is flying in from India specifically for the gathering, is revered throughout the world and is described by one person involved with the event as being “similar to the Pope.”

In another indication of the magnitude of his visit, the entire UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center has been rented for 10-days, as has the adjacent Lower Locks Parking Garage.

The 9-day event takes place at Lowell Memorial Auditorium July 8-16 and is estimated to attract over 1,000 different attendees each day. One of his past events in India drew 1.2-million people over the nine days.

The overall ethos of his Katha is universal peace and spreading the message of truth, love and compassion. While the focal point is the scripture itself, Bapu draws upon examples from other religions and invites people from all faiths to attend the discourses.