He was unusual among Indian holy men in that he was a "householder"... he lived with his family in Benares rather than in a temple or monastery apart from family life. Nonetheless, he achieved a substantial reputation among 19th century Hindu mystics and enlightened masters.
Paramhansa Yogananda tells stories of Lahiri Mahasaya in his Autobiography of a Yogi; Lahiri's disciples included both Yogananda's parents as well as his guru Sri Yukteswar. Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have prophecied that the infant Yogananda would grow to be a great Yogi.