The most senior Padma Shri awardee, renowned yoga guru Swami Shivanand, a resident of Varanasi, has passed away. He breathed his last at the age of 128. Shivanand Swami was admitted to BHU for the last three days due to breathing problems. PM Modi and CM Yogi have condoled his death.
Baba Shivanand's disciples said that he was admitted to Kashi Hindu University Hospital on April 30 due to ill health and breathed his last on Saturday night. He told that the last rites of the yoga guru will be performed on Sunday evening. To pay tribute, Baba Shivanand's mortal remains have been kept at his residence in Kabirnagar Colony.
PM condoles
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Shri Shivanand Baba, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi.
He wrote in a post on X:
“Extremely saddened by 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 the Padma Shri for serving society through yoga.
Shivanand Baba's departure to Shivalok is an irreparable loss for all of us Kashi residents and millions of people who took inspiration from him. I pay my tribute to him in this hour of grief.”
CM Yogi pays tribute
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the demise of Swami Shivanand. He posted on the social media platform 'X' and said, "The demise of Kashi's renowned yoga guru 'Padma Shri' Swami Shivanand ji, who made an unmatched contribution in the field of yoga, is extremely sad. Humble tribute to him! ”
The Chief Minister said, "Your sadhana and yoga-filled life is 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 strength to his bereaved followers to bear this immense sorrow.''
Swami Shivanand's parents had died due to hunger
The disciples told that Shivanand was born on 8 August 1896 in Srihatta district of present-day Bangladesh and when Baba Shivanand was six years old, his parents died due to hunger. He told that since then he used to eat only half a stomach.
After the death of Shivanand Baba's parents, Omkarananda took over their responsibility. Shivanand Baba acquired knowledge and education by staying with him. The disciples of the yoga guru told that Baba Shivanand was awarded Padma Shri in 2022.
Secret of his long age
He told that Baba's daily routine and diet were the secret of his long age. He used to wake up regularly at three in the morning and do yoga. He used to do all his work himself. He used to eat only boiled food and sleep on the mat.
Prakash Kumar Pandey