Tribute to Padma Shri Swami Sivananda Baba on the day of his passing

Today, a divine soul, Mahapurush Padma Shri Swami Sivananda Baba, went to the higher abodes at the age of 128. He is not only a man with the longest lifespan ever achieved on Earth, but he was the most happiest man on Earth, dedicating his life for human welfare, and serving leprosy-affected people at Jagannath Puri for the past 50 years. Born on August 8th, 1896, his healthy and long life has drawn attention of national and international organization.

Sivananda Baba was born on August 8th, 1896. His parents and elder sister fed him with gruel and couldn't fill their stomachs. At the tender age of four, he was handed over to a Babaji from Nabadwip. He came to see his parents at the age of 6, but within a week his parents passed away. After completing their last rites, he came back to his Sadguru Omkarananada Goswami's Ashram at Nabadwip. With no schooling, Sivananda Baba was educated with practical and spiritual knowledge by his Guruji. After receiving his education, he mastered yoga and meditation and travelled to Kashi to begin serving there, teaching yoga at the banks of Ganga.

He was a vegetarian; he avoided eating fruits and milk, and didn't take money or donations. For over five decades, he served 400-600 leprosy-affected people at Puri, dedicating his life to service and love. On March 21, 2022, he was awarded the most prestigious award by the President of India - the Padma Shree - for his lifelong service to mankind. He was also awarded the Yoga Ratna and the Basundrathna. Spreading yoga and following a disciplined, healthy life, he was the happiest man in the world, with "no desire, no disease, no depression, no problem, no tension, or hypertension."

"You deserve to be loved. Give more than you desire to be given." - Swami Sivananda Baba

Last December, I had the privilege of meeting him personally at Kashi and taking his blessings. He was always smiling, giving wise words and anecdotes, giving Upadesham (Sanskrit for divine guidance) to future generations to practice yoga to live a long and happy life. Though I only met him once, his teaching stuck with me forever before and after meeting him. He showed so much love and Vatsalyam (parental fondness) in the time we met him that it was so hard for us to leave him, then and now. He was a loving grandfather to me.

I was very privileged to take Sivananda Baba's blessings last December!

While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I will cherish the moments I spent with him, and I will not only continue to follow his teachings but spread them to the next generation through this organization.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OwHi6xUwGEc

Let's remember and spread his wisdom with this profound quote of Swami Sivananda Baba:

"Yoga is something that will lengthen our life. Yoga gives mental peace and happiness. No desire, no disease, no depression! If you live a well disciplined life, well regulated life, then you will enjoy a long life. It's natural, everybody can!"

Padma Shree, one of the Highest Civilian Awards of Republic of India, of Sivananda Baba