Nityananda of Ganeshpuri

Nityananda of Ganeshpuri

Much remain shrouded in mystery about Bhagwan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, especially about his birth. He was said to be born in 1897 and was abandoned by his parents and only his foster parents Mr. Chathu Nair and his wife adopted him. The Nair couple is said to take good care of the child and he was named as Raman. As the fate would have it, his foster parents also died when he was six and he was to be raised by the owner of the farm where Nair couple worked.

The providence had other plans about this young Indian. He became a wandering yogi. According the Yogic Traditions the yogis have to undergo a rigorous discipleship before being perfect. When it comes to Bhagwan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, his spiritual teacher’s identity is also not clear. It is thought that he was initiated into the Yogic Tradition by Swami Sivananda but it remains to be confirmed. Nityananda did much for the local destitute and desolate population, opening schools, providing livelihood etc.

He is said to be silent most of the times and spoke very little to teach. His teaching was to be transmitted through “Shaktipat” or spiritual transmission. One of his disciples Tulsi Amma collected his teachings. These teachings are available in a book form titled “Chidaksha Geea” The book is not very philosophical in its format it is rather a practical guide towards realization. One of his great teachings is to not to find God in Ashrams, Mandirs, temples but inside oneself as Humanity resides in God and God resides in humanity. He stresses on wakening up the spiritual powers by yogic practices.