Swami Sivananda, a prominent yoga guru and recipient of the Padmasri Award, passed away at his residence in Varanasi. He breathed his last surrounded by close associates. The news of his death has left the nation in shock, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressing their condolences. Prime Minister Modi praised Swami Sivananda for his immense contributions to the field of yoga and spiritual practice, emphasizing that his work would continue to inspire generations to come. He described the guru’s passing as an irreplaceable loss to the yoga community.
Born on August 8, 1896, in the Sylhet district (now in Bangladesh), in a poor family, Swami Sivananda faced hardships from a very young age. His parents passed away when he was just four years old, after which he was raised in a religious ashram in West Bengal. His spiritual mentor, Guru Onkaranand Goswami, played a key role in nurturing him and introducing him to the practice of yoga. Devoting his life to spiritual service, Swami Sivananda dedicated over 50 years of his life to treating people suffering from leprosy, providing medical care to 400-600 patients annually.
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to yoga and spirituality, Swami Sivananda was honored with the Padma Shri Award in 2022 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. Known for his humble lifestyle, he accepted the prestigious award in a simple white dhoti and kurta, barefoot, embodying the essence of simplicity that marked his life. His dedication to selfless service and yoga continues to be a beacon for many in the country.
