Yoga Guru Baba Shivanand dies at 129 in Varanasi
Padmashree Baba Shivanand Maharaj, a distinguished yoga guru, died at 129 in Varanasi. Celebrated for his long life and devotion to yoga, he received the Padma Shri in 2022. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed their condolences, acknowledging his inspirational contribution to society.
Padmashri Baba Shivanand Maharaj, a resident of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has passed away. He died on Saturday, May 3, while receiving medical care at Sir Sunder Lal Hospital in Varanasi. Baba Shivanand was reportedly 129 years old and lived in Kabir Nagar, Varanasi.
Baba Shivanand Maharaj, recognized nationwide for his long life and dedication to yoga and daily rituals, received the Padma Shri from President Ram Nath Kovind in 2022. A video of him showing respect to the Prime Minister during the award ceremony gained widespread attention on social media.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mourned his passing. He wrote, "The death of Kashi's renowned yoga guru 'Padmashri' Swami Shivanandji, who made an incomparable contribution in the field of 'Yoga', is very sad. A humble tribute to him! "Your spiritual and yoga life is a great inspiration for the entire society. You have dedicated your entire life to the spread of Yoga. I pray to Baba Vishwanath to grant salvation to the departed soul and strength to his bereaved followers to bear this immense grief". Om Shanti!
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also condoled the demise of the baba. "I received the very sad news of the demise of Kashi's renowned yoga guru 'Padma Shri' Swami Sivananda ji. His ascetic life and devotion to yoga has been a beacon of light for the entire society. He made the promotion of yoga his life's goal and devoted himself completely to it. I pray to Baba Vishwanath to give place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to his innumerable followers to bear this deep sorrow. Om Shanti:
The family of Baba Shivanand, renowned for his long life and yoga practice, reported that he passed away on May 3 while receiving treatment at Sir Sunder Das Hospital of Banaras Hindu University. He had been ill for several days. Baba Shivanand, originally from Bengal, was born in 1896 and began practicing yoga at a young age. His longevity is attributed to a balanced diet and disciplined lifestyle, and even at over 125 years old, he continued to rise early and practice yoga. In 2022, he received the Padma Shri award.