India bows in heartfelt reverence to Swami Sivananda, the revered yoga guru and Padma Shri awardee, who passed away on May 3, 2025, in Varanasi at the remarkable age of 128. His passing marks the end of an era—an era defined by discipline, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the betterment of humanity.
Born on August 8, 1896, in the Sylhet district (present-day Bangladesh), Swami Sivananda faced adversity early in life. Orphaned at just six years old, he found spiritual refuge and purpose under the guidance of his Guru Omkarananda Goswami. What followed was a life of deep dedication to ayurveda, yoga, selfless service, and strict simplicity. Living without the comforts of modern life, Swami Sivananda followed a disciplined routine—rising at 3 a.m., eating only boiled food without oil or salt, and sleeping on a simple mat.
He spent more than five decades serving the poor and marginalized, especially the leprosy-affected and beggars. His acts of compassion, quiet and consistent, earned him immense respect and eventually the Padma Shri award in 2022—an acknowledgment of his tireless service and promotion of traditional wellness through yoga.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:
“It is extremely saddening to hear about the demise of Shivanand Baba Ji, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi. His life dedicated to yoga and sadhana will continue to inspire every generation of the country. He was also awarded Padma Shri for serving the society through yoga. Shivanand Baba’s departure to Shivaloka is an irreparable loss for all of us Kashi residents and millions of people who draw inspiration from him. I pay my tribute to him in this hour of grief.”
Swami Sivananda leaves behind more than a legacy—he leaves behind a message. That simplicity is strength, that discipline is liberation, and that true spirituality lies in selfless service. As the nation mourns his loss, we also celebrate a life that uplifted countless lives in silence and humility.
