Sivanada
Sri Swami SIVANAND SARASWATI Maharaj
One of the outstanding figures in yoga and Indian spirituality
in the 20th century, and founder of The (now international) Divine Life Society.
1887 Born
in south India Brahmin parents called him Kuppuswarmy.
As a child he was very
sensitive to the needs of others, and outstandingly intelligent.
From school he studied medicine in Tanjore and gained 1sts
in all exams.
He began his medical practice there.
1913 He left India for Malaya where
he obtained a post in charge of a rubber plantation hospital.
He became increasingly interested in spirituality and studied
both modern and ancient teachings.
1923 He returned to India arriving in Madras (Chennai
now) and eventually reached Rishikesh (1924) in the Himalayas where he stayed and was initiated Swami SIVANANDA SARASWATI.
From
1924 he lived in a simple kutir (hut) and practised severe tapas, silence and fasting. He would stand in
the cold waters of the river Ganges at dawn, and meditated for 12 hours a day. At the same time he continued
to treat and feed ill sadhus and the poor.
For a time he travelled widely in India visiting sacred sites.
1936
He founded The Divine Life Society based in Rishikesh. By this time he was visited by many followers, and
spent much time writing and publishing.
1951The Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press was established to focus on publishing
300+ of Sivananda`s writings.
1963 14 July Swami Sivananda Saraswati attained mahasamadhi.
