Varanasi: Renowned yoga guru and Padma Shri recipient Baba Shivanand passed away on Saturday (May 3) night in Varanasi, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, remembering the spiritual figure as a beacon of inspiration and discipline. The 128-year-old monk, according to his disciples, had been undergoing treatment at BHU Hospital since April 30 and breathed his last late Saturday night.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of yoga practitioner and Kashi resident Shivanand Baba Ji. His life dedicated to yoga and sadhana will continue to inspire every generation of the country... Shivanand Baba's departure to Shivalok is an irreparable loss for all of us Kashi residents and millions of people who took inspiration from him."
Have a look at his post here:
Who Was Baba Shivanand?
Born on August 8, 1896, in Sylhet district of then East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Baba Shivanand was orphaned at the age of six. He was later mentored by saint Omkarananda, who introduced him to a life of spiritual discipline. Known for his ascetic lifestyle, Shivanand followed a strict daily routine that began at 3:00 AM, included rigorous yoga practice, and revolved around a minimal, boiled diet consumed in moderation.
Baba avoided all modern comforts, even in extreme weather, choosing instead to sleep on a floor mat with a wooden pillow. Remarkably, his followers claim he never suffered any illness, with medical reports from 2019 affirming his good health.
Baba Shivanand was conferred the Padma Shri in March 2022 for his lifelong service to yoga. His appearance at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he bowed to PM Modi and received an equally humble gesture in return, became a moment etched in public memory.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences. He wrote on X, “The demise of Kashi's famous yoga guru 'Padma Shri' Swami Shivanand ji is extremely sad… I pray to Baba Vishwanath to grant salvation to the departed soul.”
Have a look:
His body has been kept at his residence in Kabirnagar Colony for public homage, with last rites scheduled for this evening.
