Yogacharya Dharmananda

H.H. Late Shri Vishwaguru Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar

Respectful Obeisance

To

H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaja, Mahamandaleshwar

In the last 26 years of my stay in the ashram, I observed the immense strength in him—physical, emotional and intellectual. The strength to bear extremes of heat or cold and the strength to remain long periods of time including days without food. The strength to bear constant criticism, his total control over speech and emotional reactions. The strength to remain calm and self-possessed in stressful or provocative situations or when the destiny takes a reverse turn. His sharp memory and his remarkable ability to quote the scriptures. His strong will power, determination, persuasive skill and executive ability. The strength to accept those who make mistakes but are willing to change even at the risk of creating difficulties for himself. He never rejects anybody. He is always self dependant, his work always gets done, his needs always gets fulfilled.

He was a glaring example of wonderful health and longevity. He had known no sickness, never seen to be tired and always cheerful. He began his day at 4 a.m. and retired only after 11 p.m.

With single minded purpose and utmost devotion he had worked for 40 years to build the ashram. The ashram is ideally located. In front we have Mother Ganga descending from her abode in the Himalayas flowing majestically and behind we have the sylvan mountain ranges of the Himalayas. For matured seekers of Truth who need a place in solitude and silence to practice their personal sadhana, without the encumbrances of a formal ashram schedule, this place is ideal. However, guidance for those who seek and need it was always available from H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaj.

Brief Life Sketch

of

H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaj

H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaj, Yogasamrat, Mahamandaleshwar was an ascetic yogi of great repute. He was born in 1904 on the holy day of Deepavali in a small village called Parai in Dist.Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh in a pious and distinguished family. From early childhood he showed signs of future spiritual greatness. Under his father's guidance he took to the study of Sanskrit and soon acquired vast knowledge of the sacred scriptures, the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Darshanas and the Epics. Although he was not interested in marriage under the pressure of the family members he acceded. Soon a son was born to him. The call of the soul however became very strong and like the great Buddha in the past he relinquished his family and took to the path of renunciation, Sansyasa.

He came to Rishikesh and was initiated into the holy order of the sannyasins by his revered Guru Shri Hirananda Saraswatiji Maharaj. His Guru was a master in the science of yoga and lived a long life of 125 years. Under his Guru's instructions Vishwaguruji practiced rigorous austerities. He lived in jungles and caves, traveled extensively on foot to all the shrines in the Himalayas and became an adept in the science of Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Gayatri mantra sadhana and Raja Yoga meditation. Impressed by his austere penances, vast learning, soulful discourses, tremendous organizing ability and vast following, he was honored by the tittle of, ‘Mahamandaleshwar' by the famous Niranjani Akhara.

He led an ideal yogi life. He ate little, wore little, slept little but worked very vigorously. Till his mahasamadhi, he remained a glaring example of wonderful health and longevity. He had known no sickness, never seen to be tired, always cheerful and active. He began his day at 3 A.M. and retired only after 10 P.M. His physical strength, stamina, memory, fortitude were phenomenal.

Some inspiring examples are given below

(a) During the coldest winter mornings he can be seen out in the icy cool waters of the holy Ganga dipping in and out for over an hour at a stretch. He has done this even as he entered his 100th birthday.

(b) During the hottest day in (May/Jun) he can be seen out in the sun working with the laborers for the whole day, without even a break for meals.

(c) His stamina for long discourses continuing for several hours is well-known.

(d) His sharp memory, emotional control specially when severely provoked has to be seen to be appreciated.

(e) On days of less activity in the ashram he can be seen practicing asanas, pranayamas and other yogic kriyas for hours together.

In April 1997, he met with a terrible car accident. All those who saw the smashed Ambassador car wondered how one can come out alive from there. He not only survived but without any medication healed himself completely by sheer will power alone in about two week's time.

He was very fond of initiating deserving candidates into the sacred mantra diksha on suitable occasions.

His achievements

Construction of a huge ashram comprising more than 150 rooms.

Constructing one of the largest yoga-meditation halls of this area.

A similar hall at the basement with additional 50 small rooms for individual meditation.

A huge marbled Ganga ghat with a frontage of 300mtrs.

A Yoga- Meditation Institute which is conducting regular courses in yoga and meditation.

He has trained many disciples who are spreading his message from centers in many parts of India and abroad.

He has authored two very popular books in Hindi ‘Vishwaguru Kalpataru' and ‘Vishwaguru Yogadarshan'. The books have undergone many editions and sold in thousands.

Mahasamadhi

He attained mahasamadhi in Oct 2007. He handed over his ashram to his beloved disciple Mata Santosh Bharti.