| Brief life sketch of H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaj H.H. Shri Vishwaguruji Maharaj, Yogasamrat, Mahamandaleshwar is 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 leads an ideal yogi life. He eats little, wears little, sleeps little but works very vigorously. Today at 102 years of age, he is a glaring example of wonderful health and longevity. He has known no prolonged sickness, never seen to be tired, always cheerful and active. He begins his day at 3 A.M. and retires only after 11 P.M. His physical strength, stamina, memory, fortitude are 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 weeks time. He is very fond of initiating deserving candidates into the sacred mantra diksha on suitable occasions |