Baba Shivanand dedicated his life to yoga practice, simple food, and a yogic lifestyle. He consistently voted in Varanasi during every election and recently participated in the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, performing the sacred Sangam bath.
Varanasi | Padma Shri awardee and the country's oldest yoga guru, Baba Shivanand, passed away in Varanasi at 8:45 PM on Saturday. He breathed his last at the age of 128. Baba Shivanand had been admitted to BHU's Sir Sundarlal Hospital for the past three days due to breathing difficulties. A team of doctors was attending to him due to age-related health issues, but his condition did not improve.
Simple Life, High Ideals—Yoga as a Lifestyle
Baba Shivanand's entire life was dedicated to yoga, restraint, and simplicity. He would wake up daily at Brahma Muhurta (before dawn) to perform rigorous yogasanas and meditation. His diet was limited, simple, and consisted of boiled food. He did not consume rice and often said, "Desires are the root of suffering." He practiced lifelong brahmacharya (celibacy) and dedicated himself to God and spiritual practice.
Childhood Hunger Claimed His Family
Baba Shivanand was born on August 8, 1896, in Srihatta, then in Bengal (now in Bangladesh), into an extremely poor Brahmin family. His parents and sister died of starvation when he was only six years old. He was subsequently entrusted to the care of Sant Baba Onkaranand Goswami in Navadwip, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey.
No Formal Education, Yet Fluent in English
Despite having no formal education, Baba Shivanand spoke fluent English. He learned everything from his guru. His words reflected the essence, experience, and depth of life. He used to say, "Attachment leads to desire, desire to suffering, and suffering to delusion."
Padma Shri Award Brought National Recognition
On March 21, 2022, Baba Shivanand was awarded the Padma Shri at the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He arrived barefoot. Upon receiving the award, he knelt down to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scene was deeply moving for the entire nation. Prime Minister Modi himself rose from his seat to bow in respect to Baba Shivanand.
Voted in Varanasi in Every Election
Regardless of his location, Baba Shivanand always made it a point to come to Varanasi on election day to exercise his franchise. He believed that every citizen's participation is crucial for strengthening democracy.
Final Dip in the Maha Kumbh
He took a holy dip in the sacred Sangam during the 2024 Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela. He was a devotee of Shiva and regularly engaged in Rudrabhishek, chanting, and yoga practices. He believed that devotion to Shiva purifies the body, mind, and soul.
Final Rites Performed at Harishchandra Ghat
Baba Shivanand's ashram was located in Kabir Nagar, in the Durga Kund area of Varanasi. His final journey started from there, and his last rites were performed at Harishchandra Ghat with full religious ceremonies. A large number of devotees, sadhus, saints, and local citizens attended the funeral procession.
