Swami Sivananda Baba’s life and spiritual journey are full of miracles and acts of service, making him an inspiration to millions. Even at the remarkable age of 128, he continues to participate in major religious events like the Kumbh Mela, showcasing his devotion, discipline, and extraordinary spiritual endurance. His life is a testament to dedication, simplicity, and the pursuit of higher spiritual goals.
Birth and Early Life
Swami Sivananda Baba was born on August 8, 1896, in Sylhet district, Bengal province, in British India. He came from a well-known Brahmin family. His parents, Sridhar Goswami and Bhaghabati Devi, lived a life of poverty, often relying on alms for sustenance. Despite their circumstances, they always made offerings to Lord Narayana first before consuming the food they received as alms.
At the age of four, Sivananda was sent to live with a Vaishnav monk named Omkarananda Goswami, who was from Nabadwip in West Bengal. There, he received spiritual training and yoga lessons. Two years later, he returned to his family to find that his elder sister had passed away due to hunger and poverty. Soon after, both of his parents also passed away. He performed their last rites and then returned to his guru’s ashram to continue his spiritual studies.
Spiritual Training and Dedication
Sivananda Baba received “mantra diksha” (spiritual initiation) from his guru and soon became well-versed in both yoga and spiritual practices. He dedicated his life to serving humanity and seeking joy in the divine name of God. In 1925, following his guru’s invitation, Sivananda Baba traveled to London and spent over 30 years traveling across six continents, teaching the principles of Hinduism and yoga to people from all walks of life.
Return to India and Continued Service
In 1959, after his guru’s passing, Sivananda Baba returned to India and continued his spiritual work. He focused particularly on the North-Eastern states of India, offering selfless service to the underprivileged and ailing communities. He traveled to remote villages in areas such as Puri, Bankura, Bishnupur, Karpeetta, Purulia, Varanasi, and many others, serving people suffering from diseases, poverty, and other hardships.
Living a Simple and Devoted Life
At the age of 128, Swami Sivananda Baba continues to live a simple life, maintaining remarkable health and spiritual vitality. He wakes up every day at 3 AM, practices yoga and pranayama for an hour, and goes for a walk. His day is dedicated to prayer, chanting, meditation, and rituals. He does not sleep during the day and continues to guide those who seek spiritual enlightenment and physical well-being.
Swami Sivananda Baba refrains from eating oily or fried food, preferring simple meals like boiled vegetables, rice, and bread. He does not consume milk or fruits. His simplicity in diet reflects his commitment to an ascetic and disciplined life. At night, he goes to bed at 9 PM, maintaining a strict routine that has contributed to his long and healthy life.
Global Recognition and Achievements
In 2019, Swami Sivananda Baba impressed the world by demonstrating his yoga skills at the World Yoga Day celebration in Bangalore. He also earned recognition as the oldest Indian to take the COVID-19 vaccine. His extraordinary contributions to yoga and service to humanity were honored when he was awarded the Padma Shri by the then-President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in 2022.
His life has been an inspiration to many, as it represents a life of selfless service, discipline, devotion to God, and compassion for all living beings. His influence is not limited to India, as his teachings have reached many countries around the world, encouraging others to adopt a simple, disciplined, and spiritually fulfilling life.
A Life of Inspiration
Swami Sivananda Baba’s life serves as a powerful example of how to live with purpose, devotion, and service. Despite his advanced age, he continues to work tirelessly for the welfare of others, demonstrating that age is no barrier to spiritual progress and selfless service. His life and teachings inspire countless people to live a life of discipline, devotion, and compassion, reminding us that true happiness comes from serving others and dedicating our lives to a higher purpose.
