Renowned yoga practitioner and spiritual guru Baba Shivanand, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 128 in Varanasi due to health complications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his demise. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “It is extremely saddening to hear about the demise of Shivanand Baba Ji, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi. His life, dedicated to yoga and sadhana, will continue to inspire generations. He was honoured with the Padma Shri for his service to society through yoga. Baba Ji’s departure to Shivaloka is an irreparable loss for all residents of Kashi and the countless people who drew inspiration from him. I offer my heartfelt tribute in this moment of sorrow.”
Baba Shivanand breathed his last on Saturday night. He had been admitted to the BHU Hospital on April 30 after experiencing health issues.
A resident of Kashi (Varanasi), Baba Shivanand was widely known for his simple and disciplined lifestyle centred around yoga, meditation, and spiritual discipline. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the promotion of yoga and wellness, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2022.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage to the spiritual leader. In a post on X, he wrote in Hindi (translated), “The demise of Kashi’s renowned yoga guru, ‘Padma Shri’ Swami Shivanand Ji, who made an unparalleled contribution in the field of yoga, is deeply saddening. Humble tributes to him. His spiritual practice and lifelong dedication to yoga will remain a great source of inspiration for society. I pray to Baba Vishwanath to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to his followers in this moment of grief. Om Shanti.”
Born on August 8, 1896, in the Sylhet district of present-day Bangladesh, Baba Shivanand lost both his parents to starvation at the age of six. He was later taken in by Omkarnand, who became his spiritual guide and introduced him to the path of yoga and ascetic living.
-IANS