by Roger Gabriel
On Wednesday November 28, 2012, Anant Shree Vibhusita Jagadguru Vishnuswami Sampradayacharya Shree Yamunacharyaji Maharaj Shree Satuwa Baba (Maharaji) of Varanasi, India, left his earthly body at the age of 99 years.
Maharaji was born in 1913 into a Brahmin family in the village of Sankarpur Uttar Pradesh, India. From early childhood, Maharaji was drawn to spiritual and religious pursuits and, at the age of 12 years old, he left his home without informing his family, and joined a group of wandering sadhus. After some time, he came to Varanasi and began his education at the Satuwa Baba Ashram. He was a gifted student and became proficient in the Vedic texts and the practice of yoga.
By 1945, Maharaji had become a great spiritual Master in his own right. In 1954 he left the Ashram and journeyed to the Himalayas to begin intense spiritual practices and austerities. For ten years he performed his austerities and yoga, often living only on milk and water. He remained secluded in the |  | |
Himalayan caves for three of these years, even during the winter months. Respecting his Guru�s wishes, he returned to the Satuwa Baba Ashram where he became chief administrator. In 1972, just before taking Samadhi, his Guru handed over his lineage and tradition to Maharaji. By the Grace of his Guru, Maharaji received the title of the Sixth Satuwa Baba. In due time, the Vishnuswami society honored him as leader and he became the Vishnuswami Sampradayacharya. The Saint and Sadhu society also conferred the title of Jagadguru on him.
As the sixth Satuwa Baba, Maharaji offered uncountable services for the benefit of human beings and for the welfare of society. Under his leadership, the Satuwa Baba Ashram was been greatly expanded and extended. A Sanskrit college offers free education with food and lodging for 50 boys at the Varanasi Ashram and every day up to 150 people are fed at the Ashram free of charge.
Maharaji always focused his efforts on preserving the purity of Vedic culture. He visited sacred sites throughout India and also visited Europe and the United States of America. He will be greatly missed by his devotees throughout India and the world.
Roger can be contacted at [email protected]
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