Renowned yoga guru and Padma Shri awardee Swami Sivananda Saraswati passed away on Sunday at the age of 128 due to cardiac arrest in Varanasi. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to the practice and propagation of yoga.
Born on August 8, 1897, in British India’s Sylhet district (now in Bangladesh), Swami Sivananda was orphaned at the tender age of six. After the death of his parents, he was brought to Guru Omkaranand Goswami’s ashram in Nabadwip, West Bengal, where he was raised and imparted practical and spiritual wisdom, including teachings in yoga. Despite not having formal school education, he became deeply skilled in the spiritual arts under the guidance of his guru.
Throughout his long life, Swami Sivananda made significant contributions to the field of yoga, serving as a mentor to countless followers. One of his notable acts of compassion included helping 400 to 600 beggars affected by leprosy, visiting them in their hutments and offering them support. His humility and selfless service to others have made him a revered figure in the yoga community.
In recognition of his immense contribution to yoga, Swami Sivananda was honored with the Yoga Ratna Award in Bengaluru in 2019. In 2022, he received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, presented by President Ram Nath Kovind for his tireless work in promoting yoga. Swami Sivananda’s influence was so profound that reports from the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela indicated that he had been attending the grand religious gathering for the past 100 years.
The news of his passing has left the country in mourning, with many political and spiritual leaders offering their tributes. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his grief and hailed Swami Sivananda’s unparalleled contribution to yoga.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), CM Adityanath wrote: “The demise of Kashi’s renowned yoga guru ‘Padma Shri’ Swami Shivanand ji, who made an unparalleled contribution in the field of ‘Yoga’, is extremely sad. Humble tribute to him! Your spiritual practice and life of yoga are a great inspiration for the entire society. You dedicated your entire life to the expansion of yoga. I pray to Baba Vishwanath to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved followers to bear this immense sorrow.”
Swami Sivananda’s passing marks the loss of a deeply respected spiritual leader whose life was a beacon of dedication to the principles of yoga, compassion, and service. His teachings and influence will continue to inspire generations to come.
Sources By Agencies