Swami Nigamananda
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Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa (born Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay; 18 August 1880 – 29 November 1935) was an Indian
yogi A yogi is a practitioner of Yoga, including a sannyasin or practitioner of meditation in Indian religions.A. K. Banerjea (2014), ''Philosophy of Gorakhnath with Goraksha-Vacana-Sangraha'', Motilal Banarsidass, , pp. xxiii, 297–299, 331 ...
,
guru Guru ( ; International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''guru'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian religions, Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: tr ...
and mystic in
Eastern India East India is a region consisting of the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal and also the union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The states of Bihar and West Bengal lie on the Indo-Gangetic plain. Jharkhan ...
. He is associated with the
Shakta Shaktism () is a major Hindu denomination in which the deity or metaphysical reality is considered metaphorically to be a woman. Shaktism involves a galaxy of goddesses, all regarded as different aspects, manifestations, or personificatio ...
tradition and a spiritual master of
vedanta ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox (Āstika and nāstika, ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompa ...
,
tantra Tantra (; ) is an esoteric yogic tradition that developed on the India, Indian subcontinent beginning in the middle of the 1st millennium CE, first within Shaivism and later in Buddhism. The term ''tantra'', in the Greater India, Indian tr ...
,
yoga Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
, and prema or bhakti. His followers referred to him as Thakura. Nigamananda was born into a
Bengali Brahmin Bengali Brahmins are the community of Hindu Brahmins, who traditionally reside in the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent, currently comprising the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh. The Bengali Brahmins, along wi ...
family in the hamlet of Kutabpur in
Nadia district Nadia () is a district in the state of West Bengal, India. It borders Bangladesh to the east, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts to the south, Purba Bardhaman to the west, and Murshidabad to the north. Nadia district is highly influe ...
(at present,
Meherpur District Meherpur District () is a northwestern district of Khulna Division in southwestern Bangladesh. It is bordered by West Bengal, India in the west, and by the Bangladeshi districts of Kushtia and Chuadanga to the east. Pre-independence Meherpur was ...
,
Bangladesh Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, eighth-most populous country in the world and among the List of countries and dependencies by ...
). He was a
sannyasi ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), '' grihastha'' (householder) and '' vanaprastha ...
from Adi Shankar's dashanami sampradaya. After his ordination as a sannyasi, he came to be known as ''Paribrajakacharya Paramahansa Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva''. Nigamananda achieved
siddhi In Indian religions, (Sanskrit: '; fulfillment, accomplishment) are material, paranormal, supernatural, or otherwise magical powers, abilities, and attainments that are the products of Yoga, yogic advancement through sādhanās such as medit ...
(perfection) in four different sadhanas (spiritual disciplines): tantra, gyan, yoga, and prema. Based on these experiences, he wrote five
Bengali language Bengali, also known by its endonym and exonym, endonym Bangla (, , ), is an Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan language belonging to the Indo-Iranian languages, Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages, Indo-European language family. ...
books: ''Brahmacarya Sadhana'' (ब्रह्मचर्य साधन), ''Yogi Guru'' (योगिगुरु), ''Gyani Guru'' (ज्ञानीगुरु), ''Tantrika Guru'' (तांत्रिकगुरु), and ''Premik Guru'' (प्रेमिकगुरु).List of Books-Page:102, ''Brahamcharya Sadhana, Yogi Guru, Gyani Guru, Tantrika Guru, Premika Guru, (Ami ki Chai)'' at Religious movements in modern Bengal
By Benoy Gopal Ray Visva-Bharati, 1965
Nigamananda reportedly experienced the state of
Nirvikalpa Samadhi file:Shiva meditating Rishikesh.jpg, Statue of a meditating Shiva, Rishikesh ''Samādhi'' (Pali and ), in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, is a state of meditation, meditative consciousness. In many Indian religious traditions, the cultiv ...
. In 1912, on the eve of '' Akshaya Tritaya'', an event took place with the laying of the foundation of '' Shanti Ashram'' at Kokilamukh, Assam. Within the ashram, Thakur himself founded the space known as the ''Gurubrhama Gaadi'', which served as a focal point for devotees. Adherents from any religious tradition could come together to engage in their spiritual practices. As an ascetic affiliated with the title of
Saraswati Saraswati (, ), also spelled as Sarasvati, is one of the principal Devi, goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the goddess of knowledge, education, learning, arts, speech, poetry, music, purification, language and culture. Together with the godde ...
under the Sringeri Math, Thakur named his ashram as "Saraswat Math". This nomenclature supported his spiritual lineage and also conveyed his reverence for the goddess Saraswati. After retiring from Saraswata Math, Nigamananda spent the last fourteen years of his life in
Puri Puri, also known as Jagannath Puri, () is a coastal city and a Nagar Palika, municipality in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the district headquarters of Puri district and is situated on the Bay of Bengal, south of the state ca ...
. Durga Charan Mohanty, a school student, met him at
Nilachala Kutir Nilachala Kutir is a religious residence, formerly owned by Nigamananda, Swami Nigamanananda, located in the holy city of Puri, India on the shores of the turbulent Bay of Bengal. Nilachala Kutir is a one-storey building situated near the "Swargad ...
in 1930 and recognized him as
Sadguru ''Satguru'' (), or ''sadguru'' (), means a "true guru" in Sanskrit. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. A ''satguru'' has some special characteristics that ...
.


Life


Childhood, studies and service life (1880–1901)

At his birth, Nigamananda was named Nalinikanta (নলিনীকান্ত, ନଳିନୀକାନ୍ତ, नलिनीकान्त - in
Hindu Hindus (; ; also known as Sanātanīs) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism, also known by its endonym Sanātana Dharma. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pp. 35–37 Historically, the term has also be ...
meaning is: Lotus, water), per the wishes of his father, Bhuban Mohan and the advice of his father's guru,
Swami Bhaskarananda Saraswati Swami Bhaskarananda Saraswati (1833–1899) was a noted 19th-century sannyasin and saint of Varanasi, Indian subcontinent, India. He wandered over India for thirteen years before settling in Anandabag near the Durga Mandir, in 1868. A Sanskrit ...
. At the age of thirteen (1893), Nalinikanta lost his mother, Manikya Sundari Devi to
cholera Cholera () is an infection of the small intestine by some Strain (biology), strains of the Bacteria, bacterium ''Vibrio cholerae''. Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe. The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea last ...
, pushing him into depression. In 1894–95, he passed the student scholarship examination and studied at Meherpur High School. In 1895, he entered Dhaka Asanulla Engineering College. In 1897, his father married him to a thirteen-year-old girl named Sudhansubala Devi of
Halisahar Halisahar is a city and a municipality of North 24 Parganas district in the Indian States and territories of India, state of West Bengal. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). History Halisahar ...
. He completed his study in 1899, and joined a service in the District Board of Dinajpur, the estate of
Rani Rashmoni Rashmoni Das, popularly known as Lokamata Rani Rashmoni, also spelled as Rani Rasmani, (28 September 1793 – 19 February 1861), was an Indian businesswoman, entrepreneur, Zamindar, philanthropist and the founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Tem ...
. At the end of Vadra, 1901 (approximately five years after marriage), when he was serving as the supervisor of the Narayanpur Estate (Zamindari), Nalinikanta saw the shadowy image of his wife standing at the table glowering and silent while she was away at Kutabpur (Nalinikanta's village). He went to Kutabpur to inquire and learned that she had died just an hour before his vision. He unsuccessfully attempted to reach his wife through occult science. His maternal grandfather was
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (anglicized as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee; 26 or 27 June 1838 – 8 April 1894) was an Indian Bengali novelist, poet, essayist and journalist.Staff writer"Bankim Chandra: The First Prominent Bengali Novelist" ''The ...
.


Turning point

Until he lost his wife, Nalinikanta had seen death as the end, but losing her led him to believe that there must be life after death. Nalinikanta became obsessed with this question. His inquiry took him to
Madras Chennai, also known as Madras ( its official name until 1996), is the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. It is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. According to the 2011 Indian ce ...
(now Chennai) to study
theosophy Theosophy is a religious movement established in the United States in the late 19th century. Founded primarily by the Russian Helena Blavatsky and based largely on her writings, it draws heavily from both older European philosophies such as Neop ...
at the Theosophical Society at Adyar. Through a
medium Medium may refer to: Aircraft *Medium bomber, a class of warplane * Tecma Medium, a French hang glider design Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''The Medium'' (1921 film), a German silent film * ''The Medium'' (1951 film), a film vers ...
, he was able to talk to his wife, but remained unsatisfied. His discussions at the society led him to search for a
yogi A yogi is a practitioner of Yoga, including a sannyasin or practitioner of meditation in Indian religions.A. K. Banerjea (2014), ''Philosophy of Gorakhnath with Goraksha-Vacana-Sangraha'', Motilal Banarsidass, , pp. xxiii, 297–299, 331 ...
who could fulfill his desire to meet his dead wife and educate him in the true philosophy of "life after death".


Spiritual experience (1902–1905)

One night, Nalinikanta dreamed of a
sadhu ''Sadhu'' (, IAST: ' (male), ''sādhvī'' or ''sādhvīne'' (female), also spelled ''saddhu'') is a religious ascetic, mendicant or any holy person in Hinduism and Jainism who has renounced the worldly life. They are sometimes alternatively ...
with an aura. He woke up to find the sadhu standing beside his bed. The sadhu handed him a bael leaf with a
mantra A mantra ( ; Pali: ''mantra'') or mantram (Devanagari: मन्त्रम्) is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words (most often in an Indo-Iranian language like Sanskrit or Avestan) belie ...
written on it and then vanished. Nalinikanta asked many to help him understand its meaning. Finally, he met
Bamakhepa Bamakhyapa (; 1837–1911Kinsely, p. 111), born Bamacharan Chattopadhyay, was an Indian Hindu saint who resided in Tarapith and whose shrine is also located in the vicinity of the Tarapith Temple in Birbhum. He was born at Atla village in ...
, a
tantrik Tantric may refer to: Religion Religious practices *Tantra massage, a form of erotic massage *Tantric sex, Hindu and Buddhist tantric practices that utilize sexual activity in a ritual or yogic context *Tantric yoga, a form of yoga *Tibetan tantri ...
of
Tarapith Tarapith is a town and Hindu pilgrimage site located in Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The town is particularly known for the Tarapith Temple and its adjoining Hindu crematory ground. The tant ...
,
Birbhum district Birbhum district () is an administrative unit in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the northernmost district of Burdwan division—one of the five administrative divisions of West Bengal. The district headquarters is in Suri. Other impo ...
. Nalinikanta took initiation ( dikhshya) from him and was directed to chant his mantra for 21 days. Under Bamakhepa's guidance, he had physical
darshan Darshan, a Sanskrit word meaning "sight" or "viewing", may refer to: Ceremony and religion * Darshan (Indian religions), the auspicious sight of a divine image or holy person; also a school of Hindu philosophy * Darshan (Judaism), a Scriptural ...
of Tara Devi in the form of his wife. This darshan led him to another mystery. He saw Tara Devi coming out of his body and mingling with him. To solve this mystery, Bamakshepa advised Nalinikanta to attain the knowledge of Advaita from a
vedantic ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox ( ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompasses the ideas that e ...
guru. In 1902, he searched for a jnani guru. He met guru Satchidananda Saraswati at the holy place of
Pushkar Pushkar is a temple town near Ajmer City and headquarters of Pushkar tehsil in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated about northwest of Ajmer and about southwest of Jaipur.Rajasthan Rajasthan (; Literal translation, lit. 'Land of Kings') is a States and union territories of India, state in northwestern India. It covers or 10.4 per cent of India's total geographical area. It is the List of states and union territories of ...
. He realized that Satchidananda Saraswati was the ''sadhu'' who had given him the Tara
mantra A mantra ( ; Pali: ''mantra'') or mantram (Devanagari: मन्त्रम्) is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words (most often in an Indo-Iranian language like Sanskrit or Avestan) belie ...
in his dream. Nalinikanta became his
disciple A disciple is a follower and student of a mentor, teacher, or other figure. It can refer to: Religion * Disciple (Christianity), a student of Jesus Christ * Twelve Apostles of Jesus, sometimes called the Twelve Disciples * Seventy disciples in t ...
, and learned the theories of
Brahman In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' (; IAST: ''Brahman'') connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality of the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part XII In the ...
(god as the formless one),
Brahma sutras The ''Brahma Sūtras'' (), also known as the Vedanta Sūtra (Sanskrit: वेदान्त सूत्र), Shariraka Sūtra, and Bhikshu-sūtra, are a Sanskrit text which criticizes the metaphysical dualism of the influential Samkhya philos ...
and
vedanta ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox (Āstika and nāstika, ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompa ...
. He was initiated by the Satchidananda into renunciation, and according to that principle changed his name to Nigamananda. Satchidananda directed Nigamananda to undertake pilgrimages to the four institutions (
Char Dham The Char Dham ( ), or the Chatur Dhama (), is a set of four Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, consisting of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram. Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri are shrines of Vishnu, whereas Rameswaram is a shrine of Shiva. ...
) of religious seats and to realize the significance of each, as the Hindus held these places of worship sacred. After these pilgrimages, he returned to the ashram. On his arrival at the ashram, Sachidananda reviewed Nigamananda's pilgrimages and stated: "My boy, you have travelled widely and seen the religious places and acquired knowledge and experience. All that I had to teach you has been accomplished but it is for you now to put my teachings into practice. You have to experience for yourself the truth of your being and this can only be done through concerted efforts as well as the practice and observance of
yogic Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
principles. Thus, you now have to seek out a guru who will provide you with proper guidance in this line". Nigamananda then went out to seek a guru. In 1903, he met a "yogi guru" (
yoga Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
master), whom he called "Sumeru Dasji" (otherwise known as Koot Hoomi Lal Singh or Kuthumi). Nigamananda was accepted as his disciple. Under Das's guidance, he learned yoga. After hard practice, in the month of
Poush Poush (; ) is the 9th month of both the Bengali calendar and the Nepali calendar. It overlaps December and January of the Gregorian calendar. It is the first month of the winter season. This month marks the start of Winter (, ''Sheat'') in the Be ...
in 1904, Nigamananda was able to master
Savikalpa samadhi Statue of a meditating Rishikesh.html" ;"title="Shiva, Rishikesh">Shiva, Rishikesh ''Samādhi'' (Pali and ), in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, is a state of meditative consciousness. In many Indian religious traditions, the cultivati ...
(the trance in which the yogi loses his body consciousness and acquires a transcendental consciousness while retaining his individual identity). Soon after Nigamananda desired to experience the state of
Nirvikalpa Vikalpa is a Sanskrit philosophical term used in Hinduism and Buddhism, meaning erroneous conceptualizations ("concepts, judgements, views, and opinions") which are coloured by emotions and desires.Oxford referenceVikalpa/ref> In Yogacara, it is ...
, an advanced yogic
samadhi Statue of a meditating Rishikesh.html" ;"title="Shiva, Rishikesh">Shiva, Rishikesh ''Samādhi'' (Pali and ), in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, is a state of meditative consciousness. In many Indian religious traditions, the cultivati ...
s at
Kamakshya Kamakhya (), a mother goddess, is a Shakta Tantric deity; considered to be the embodiment of ''Kama (desire)'', she is regarded as the goddess of desire. Her abodeKamakhya Temple is located in the Kamarupa region of Assam, India."Seated on top ...
,
Guwahati Guwahati () the largest city of the Indian state of Assam, and also the largest metropolis in northeastern India. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam. Th ...
Assam Assam (, , ) is a state in Northeast India, northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra Valley, Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . It is the second largest state in Northeast India, nor ...
(Nilachal Hill). Nigamananda followers believe that he did enter by way of this samadhi and returned into his body with the residual consciousness of "I am the master or guru", and in yoga he had visualized and understood in his own body, his guru's
vedic upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the '' Atharvaveda''. The Vedas ( or ; ), sometimes collectively called the Veda, are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed ...
knowledge. (''The place where the "Nirvikalpa samadhi" was experienced by Swami Nigamananda has been identified. Assam Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik inaugurated the Nirbikalpa Sidhi Sthal of Swami Nigamananda at Nilachal Hills in Kamakhya Dham, Guwahati on 20 December 2012.'') In 1904, he was in Kashi (now known as
Varanasi Varanasi (, also Benares, Banaras ) or Kashi, is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.* * * * The city has a syncretic tradition of I ...
), when Goddess Annapurna appeared in a dream and stated that his knowledge was limited to formless god and not gone beyond that, hence he was still incomplete. He accepted her challenge and traveled to Gouri devi (a
Siddha ''Siddha'' (Sanskrit: '; "perfected one") is a term that is used widely in Indian religions and culture. It means "one who is accomplished." It refers to perfected masters who have achieved a high degree of perfection of the intellect as we ...
Yogini A yogini (Sanskrit: योगिनी, IAST: ) is a female master practitioner of tantra and yoga, as well as a formal term of respect for female Hindu or Buddhist spiritual teachers in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Greater Tibe ...
) to learn
Bhava The Sanskrit word ''bhava'' (भव) means being, worldly existence, becoming, birth, be, production, origin,Monier Monier-Williams (1898), Sanskrit English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, Archiveभव, bhava but also habitual or emotio ...
Sadhana. Gouri devi accepted him as a disciple and taught him bhakti or prem (eternal nature of divine love play) to understand the physical world as the transformation of god in bhava sadhana. Nigamananda's long and continued search for his guru, resembled the search undertaken by his future disciples to find him.


Recognition as paramahamsa (1904)

In 1904, Nigamananda went to
Allahabad Prayagraj (, ; ISO 15919, ISO: ), formerly and colloquially known as Allahabad, is a metropolis in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.The other five cities were: Agra, Kanpur, Kanpur (Cawnpore), Lucknow, Meerut, and Varanasi, Varanasi (Benar ...
to see
kumbha mela Kumbh Mela (, ; ) is an important Hindu pilgrimage, celebrated approximately every 6 or 12 years, correlated with the partial or full revolution of Jupiter. It is the largest peaceful gathering of people in the world. A ritual dip in the ...
and learned that his master Sachidandand was in the area, staying with Shankaracharya of
Sringeri Matha Dakṣiṇāmnāya Śrī Śāradā Pīṭham () or Śri Śṛṅgagiri Maṭha (); , ) is one amongst the four cardinal pīthams following the Daśanāmi Sampradaya - the ''peetham'' or ''matha'' is said to have been established by acharya ...
. He found
Shankaracharya Shankaracharya (, , " Shankara-''acharya''") is a religious title used by the heads of amnaya monasteries called mathas in the Advaita Vedanta tradition of Hinduism. The title derives from Adi Shankara; teachers from the successive line of te ...
(
Mahant Mahant () is a religious superior, in particular the chief of a temple or the head of a monastery in Indian religions. James Mallinson, one of the few westerners to be named as a mahant, describes the position of a mahant as a combination of an ...
or superior) sitting on a throne surrounded by 125
monks A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
, including his guru. Seeing him, Nigamananda went to pay his respects to his guru, and then to the higher-ranking mahant. The sadhu was upset by this perceived disrespect in not honoring the "mahant" first, but in response, Nigamananda quoted the scripture: "Mannatha shri jagannatha madguru shri jagadguru madatma sarvabhutatma tasmai shri gurave namaha, meaning, "My guru is highest in whole world, hence I should respect my guru first". Nigamananda further explained to the sadhu assemblies that "on the basis of the
vedanta philosophy ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox ( ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompasses the ideas that e ...
there was no difference between his 'Guru' (Shri Sachidanand Saraswati) and 'Jagadguru' (Shri Shankarcharya)". Jagadguru Shankaracharya endorsed this response and recognized Nigamananda as one who had achieved spiritual enlightenment. Jagadguru conferred him with the title "
Paramahamsa Paramahamsa (Sanskrit: परमहंस), also spelled paramahansa or paramhansa, is a Sanskrit religio-theological title of honour applied to Hindu spiritual teachers who have become enlightened. The title literally means "supreme swan". The ...
" and was known as "Paribrajakacharay Paramahansa Shree Mad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva".


Maha Samadhi (1935)

Nigamananda spent the last fourteen years of his life in
Puri Puri, also known as Jagannath Puri, () is a coastal city and a Nagar Palika, municipality in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the district headquarters of Puri district and is situated on the Bay of Bengal, south of the state ca ...
. He taken Maha Samadhi in
Calcutta Kolkata, also known as Calcutta (List of renamed places in India#West Bengal, its official name until 2001), is the capital and largest city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of West Bengal. It lies on the eastern ba ...
on 29 November 1935. In memory of Nigamananda, his followers gather at annual congregations (sammilani), and other ceremonial occasions. His ashram at Halisahar, Saraswata Matha (previously Shanti Ashram) in
Jorhat Jorhat ( /) is a major city in Upper Assam division, Upper Assam and among the fastest growing urban centres in the state of Assam in India. Etymology Jorhat ("jor" means twin and "hat" means market) means two hats or mandis - "Masorhaat" and ...
and Sundarbans are places of pilgrimage.


Mission

Nigamananda's mission was to propagate sanatana dharma, the spiritual foundation of the Hindu religion, to spread the " right kind of education" among people, to publish spiritual literature with emphasis on character building and to provide "service to all created beings", with the attitude of serving the indwelling God. In order to realize these objectives he enjoined his devotees to "lead an ideal family life", to combine the power of spiritual associations and "to share or exchange spiritual feelings among the disciples".


Jayaguru

To achieve the above objectives, he initiated thousands of interested men and women of all walks of life and taught them his spiritual practices. They were devoid of sectarian bias in that they did not provide a complete package of worship, prayer and meditation. He encouraged his disciples to meet periodically in groups (
sangha Sangha or saṃgha () is a term meaning "association", "assembly", "company" or "community". In a political context, it was historically used to denote a governing assembly in a republic or a kingdom, and for a long time, it has been used b ...
) of three or more to offer prayer and worship to the guru, to exchange spiritual experiences and to chant "jayaguru", a non-sectarian word he invented, meaning "Glory of, by, and for the Master". He instructed them to read spiritual books and devise ways and means for managing
matha A ''matha'' (; , ), also written as ''math'', ''muth'', ''mutth'', ''mutt'', or ''mut'', is a Sanskrit word that means 'institute or college', and it also refers to a monastery in Hinduism.
and ashrams and pledging to lead the life of a spiritually inspired ideal householder. He advised his disciples that the glory of God or Guru is experienced through the medium of the word "Jayaguru". One can reach at God through this name, since God is the Guru or Master of the Universe. People belonging to any sect or creed can accept this name without any risk to their progress in the religious life.


Philosophy and teachings

Nigamananda was a
sanyasi ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' ashramas'', the first three being '' brahmacharya'' (celibate student), '' grihastha'' (householder) and '' vanaprasth ...
of the
Adi Shankara Adi Shankara (8th c. CE), also called Adi Shankaracharya (, ), was an Indian Vedanga, Vedic scholar, Hindu philosophy, philosopher and teacher (''acharya'') of Advaita Vedanta. Reliable information on Shankara's actual life is scant, and h ...
order. He studied
vedanta philosophy ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox ( ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompasses the ideas that e ...
due to Shankaracharya after he was initiated as a sanyasi of that order. Nigamananda's teachings were that guru and istha are identical and that disciples should adopt ideals of Lord Shankar (i.e. the principles of ''gyan'') and ideals of Lord Gaurang (i.e. the path of ''bhakti''). He indicated that Shankar's disciplines were difficult and that Lord Gaurang offered an easier path. According to Nigamananda, Shankar and Gaurang provide a combination of Gyan and Bhakti to lead the world in the right way. Nigamananda's philosophy and teachings as per ''Chetanananda Saraswati'' are explained here:


Avatar and Sadguru

Nigamananda never admitted that he was God-incarnate or an
Avatar Avatar (, ; ) is a concept within Hinduism that in Sanskrit literally means . It signifies the material appearance or incarnation of a powerful deity, or spirit on Earth. The relative verb to "alight, to make one's appearance" is sometimes u ...
(अवतार) although many disciples fancied him as one. He stated that an incarnation is a descent of God on earth to uphold spiritual order. Although he could, the Avatar does not enlighten or guide individuals. Nigamananda wanted to be treated as a Sadguru (a perfect spiritual Master) who, on account of his quest over a succession of births and deaths, attained the knowledge of his Swaroop स्वरुप (true or potential nature, i.e., supreme universal consciousness). Scriptural evidence shows that Gautam himself had to pass through many births before realising the truth and becoming the
Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),* * * was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist legends, he was ...
. Nigamananda further pointed out that an Avatar does not remain in the state allowing leela (divine play.)


Sadguru, Jagadguru and God

According to Nigamananda the disciple should take his Guru to be the Jagadguru (or the World Master, the
Purushottama Purushottama (, from पुरुष, ''purusha'', "person," "personal animating principle," or "soul," and उत्तम, ''uttama'', "highest") is an epithet of the Hindu preserver deity, Vishnu. According to Vaishnavism, Vishnu is the sour ...
) and not an ordinary human being, in tune with
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
's statement in the
Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita (; ), often referred to as the Gita (), is a Hindu texts, Hindu scripture, dated to the second or first century BCE, which forms part of the Hindu epic, epic poem Mahabharata. The Gita is a synthesis of various strands of Ind ...
:
Patanjali's aphorism expands this idea: "By contemplating on the form of one who has no attachments, concentration of mind is attained", Nigamananda advised his disciples to meditate on his physical form such that all the admirable qualities and attributes in him would get automatically transferred into their beings and fashion their souls. Further he assured that because he had, by employing three modes of spiritual practice, simultaneously experienced the nature of Brahman, Paramatma (supreme universal self) and Bhagawan (personal and universal Godhead.) He proclaimed that his disciples would simultaneously have such an experience. That, he said, "was his only expectation from his disciples and he would love to wait for the day to see that fulfilled".


Order of spiritual attainments

According to Nigamananda, the theory of self-realization requires expanding the individual self to the status of the universal self. The expansions can be practiced only by the competent among the aspirant ''
sanyas ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''grihastha'' (householder) and ''vanaprastha'' ...
is'' by means of intellectual inquiry, analysis and meditation, although service to the Master is the key to success in such pursuits as well.Swami Nigamananda's JIVANMUKTA UPASANA (''realisation of truth or liberation in the present life'')THEORY, Book: Sadguru Swami Nigamananda (Page:207)
By NSS Puri (India).
However, Nigamananda pointed out that transcendental divine love and ecstasy could be experienced by the fortunate ones only after they had attained
monistic Monism attributes oneness or singleness () to a concept, such as to existence. Various kinds of monism can be distinguished: * Priority monism states that all existing things go back to a source that is distinct from them; e.g., in Neoplatonis ...
realization of the supreme as declared by
Lord Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is wi ...
himself in the Bhagavad Gita:


Reconciliation of monistic and dualistic pursuits

Unlike saints who recognized and preached a diversity of doctrines for self / God realisation and offered multiple paths to attain them, Nigamananda suggested the realisation of the oneness of self and the supreme universal self (or
Parabrahman ''Para Brahman'' or ''Param Brahman'' () in Hindu philosophy is the "Supreme Brahman" that which is beyond all descriptions and conceptualisations. It is described as beyond the form or the formlessness (in the sense that it is devoid of May ...
-परंब्रह्म) as the true and the highest goal of human life. For most aspirants, the path is one of devotion to the spiritual master (Sadguru) who initiates them. Rendering personal service to the Master and invoking his grace through prayers, chanting and simple meditation are the modes of spiritual practice for them. They will acquire non-dualistic realization that their Master is a realized soul (Brahmajnani-ब्रह्मज्ञानी) and experience bliss due to intense love for him over the course of time, when they are enabled to participate in his Leela (love play-लिला) for helping others. Nigamananda pointed out that the path shown by
Gauranga Gauranga is another name for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (or Gauranga Mahaprabhu), the 16th century founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The term ''Gauranga Mahaprabhu'' references Chaitanya possessing the golden complexion of the goddess Radha as an avat ...
, who practiced and preached unconditional devotion and love for God, was rather narrow, inasmuch as it was directed to
Sri Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is w ...
as the only God. In order to broaden that path, Nigamananda suggested taking the master as an embodiment of
Sri Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is w ...
(or any other deity whom the aspirant loved), in which case the guide himself becomes the goal. In this way, Nigamananda reconciled the two contradictory creeds of
Shankaracharya Shankaracharya (, , " Shankara-''acharya''") is a religious title used by the heads of amnaya monasteries called mathas in the Advaita Vedanta tradition of Hinduism. The title derives from Adi Shankara; teachers from the successive line of te ...
and
Gauranga Gauranga is another name for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (or Gauranga Mahaprabhu), the 16th century founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The term ''Gauranga Mahaprabhu'' references Chaitanya possessing the golden complexion of the goddess Radha as an avat ...
who advocated the principle and practice of apparent duality between the devotee and God. Nigamananda pointed out that in the path of devotion and love the aspirant has to subdue or tame his ego and hence he attains to the same stage as that of the monastic aspirant whose ego loses its identity on attaining to his goal. In the former case, the devotee's individuality is reduced to a trifle, overpowered by personal god-consciousness, whereas in the latter the aspirant loses his self-consciousness in the ocean of impersonal universal consciousness. ; Jnanachakra Nigamananda pointed out that although the doctrine of monastic vedanta philosophy treats the supreme reality in terms of oneness of individual and universal consciousness, it does not explain the structure of the material creation that is addressed by
Samkhya philosophy Samkhya or Sankhya (; ) is a dualistic orthodox school of Hindu philosophy. It views reality as composed of two independent principles, '' Puruṣa'' ('consciousness' or spirit) and ''Prakṛti'' (nature or matter, including the human mind an ...
. This latter does not treat the supreme reality as well. Similarly, whereas Christianity emphasizes service and surrender as means to God realization, the Indian philosophy of Poorva Mimamsa prescribes various rituals for the attainment of personal and collective happiness despite cycles of birth and death. By means of a Jnanachakra chart (the spheres of spiritual cosmology) which he presented in a pictorial form, Nigamananda identified different layers of consciousness inter-woven in the microcosm (body) and the macrocosm (the universe) and pointed out the levels that aspirants ultimately attain. In this chart he placed Sri Krishna and Sri Radha (or the Guru and Yogamaya) in the transition between the non qualified (Nirguna) Brahman and qualified (Saguna) Brahman (सगुण ब्रह्म), which he called Nitya or Bhavaloka. (
Yogamaya Yogamaya (, ) is a Hinduism, Hindu goddess who serves as the personification of Vishnu's powers of illusion. In Vaishnavism, Vaishnava tradition, she is accorded the epithet Narayani—"the sister of Narayana (Vishnu)"—and is regarded as th ...
is a form of divine power, which incessantly attracts earth-bound souls and helps them realise their true blissful nature and participate in divine play).


Other key teachings

Other key teachings of Nigamananda as stated by ''Chetnananda Saraswati'' are: * Spiritual liberation requires the help of a liberated person (a Master Sadguru or simply Guru). In the Hindu scriptures that person is known as Guru. Without his grace or favor none can make progress. He who has attained the ultimate reality (Paramatman or Brahman) as one and the same as himself (the Atman) is the Guru. * The Guru cannot be equated in importance to formal learning, pilgrimage or divinity. No other is more worthy of respect. * The Guru is the embodiment of what the Vedanta teaches – the individual self (the Atman) is one and the same as the cosmic self (Paramatman or Brahman). * A Sadguru never curses anyone. Even his anger helps the disciple. The advantage of depending on a Sadguru is unique and is superior to depending on God because God never materializes to give instructions. * The Guru and the disciple are inseparable in a way. The Guru cannot exist without being a part of a true disciple's personality or character. * The two pathways to liberation are by initiation into and observation of the austerities of
sannyasa ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hinduism, Hindu system of four life stages known as ''ashrama (stage), ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''Gṛhastha, grihast ...
yoga or by service to a Sadguru. The former is extremely arduous – the disciple must in a sense die. In other words, he must lose body consciousness. But if one unconditionally loves the Guru by way of rendering service to him sincerely, spiritual liberation may be obtained relatively easily. * Nothing substantial can be achieved without Guru's grace. * The mantra that Guru gives during initiation and the disciple's chosen divinity (or Ista) are the same. Unless the Guru becomes the chosen divinity, the mantra received loses its power. * Acquisition of disciples is not Guru's profession; it is his heart's inspiration. The Guru cares for and guides the disciple hoping that one day the disciple will get spiritually enlightened.


Yoga, theories and techniques

The following theories are collected from the Oriya book ''Shri Shri Thakur Nigamananda'' (श्री श्री ठाकुर निगमानंद) and the writer, Durga Charan Mohanty-Banamali Dash:


Theory of jibanamukta upasana

One of Nigamananda's major precepts was the theory of Jibanamukta Upasana, which he believed could lead the sadhaka to quick self-realization.


Karmic theory

According to Nigamananda,
karma Karma (, from , ; ) is an ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences. In Indian religions, the term more specifically refers to a principle of cause and effect, often descriptively called ...
is of three kinds viz. kriyaman, sanchita and prarbdha. Enjoying the results of one's labour while alive is kriyaman; death before enjoyment produces sanchita
karma Karma (, from , ; ) is an ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences. In Indian religions, the term more specifically refers to a principle of cause and effect, often descriptively called ...
or accumulated labour. Enjoying accumulated karma after rebirth is prarbdha. By virtue of sadhana, the effects of kriyaman and sanchita can be wiped out during a life but it is not possible to erase prarbdha. A person possessed with worldly ambitions is sure to continue the endless journey of birth and death.
Jiva ''Jiva'' (, IAST: ), also referred as ''Jivātman,'' is a living being or any entity imbued with a life force in Hinduism and Jīva (Jainism), Jainism. The word itself originates from the Sanskrit verb-root ''jīv'', which translates as 'to br ...
tma leaves the gross body to travel in the spirit world or pret lok (ghost world). After undergoing karmic effects, it returns to the physical world with a body for the fulfillment of desires from its prior incarnation. How it moves from one world to another is a mystery. Yogis can perceive the mystery and tell the past
sanskar Samskara (Sanskrit: संस्कार, IAST: , sometimes spelled ''samskara'') are sacraments in Hinduism and other Indian religions, described in ancient Sanskrit texts, as well as a concept in the karma theory of Indian philosophies. The ...
of jiva.


On death

Nigamananda said that one should remember that death is coming. Before working on good or evil deeds one should also remember that death is not far off. Contemplating death drives away the desire for sensual pleasure and evil thoughts and stops acts of injustice. Attachment to wealth and relations will then diminish. Earthly matters remain even after departure from this world. Only spiritual wealth remains as an asset to the individual. Those who have puffed with pride on account of their accomplishments will submit to the God of death when that hour comes. Drunk with pride, some persons ill-treat their brethren. They will be left in the deserted crematory ground with the beasts and birds waiting to feast upon their flesh. Thinking of this will drive evil thoughts from the mind.


Yoga

Nigamananda wrote a great deal on
yoga Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
. His theories and techniques can be found in his book "Yogi Guru". Samples:


Hatha yoga and Laya yoga

Hatha yoga Hatha yoga (; Sanskrit हठयोग, International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''haṭhayoga'') is a branch of yoga that uses physical techniques to try to preserve and channel vital force or energy. The Sanskrit word ह ...
can be carried out when the body is made fit for the purpose. The body should be cleansed first of impurities through sat sadhna, the six elementary practices of yoga. Hatha yoga is completely different from laya yoga. Hatha yoga can make the body strong, enabling it to survive for four hundred years or more, whereas laya yoga helps the aspirant to attain union with the supreme. If the body is not kept purified both externally and internally with hatha yoga, attempting laya yoga would yield no result.


Dharana and dhyan

Nigamananda taught that the breathing system is connected with the intricate workings of the mind. Therefore, practice of pranayama leads to calmer breathing and thereby maintains tranquility of mind. Mind is subjected to forces of disturbed thoughts owing to irregular breathing. He said "I had applied myself to the higher practices of yoga, thereafter, i.e. Dhāraṇā, dharana and Dhyana in Hinduism, dhyan (meditation)". The sadhaka is likely to peril his life if he does not take assistance of another during these advanced practices. During Dhāraṇā, the sadhaka experiences his own progress and when the estimated height in sadhana is achieved, he enters into successive steps of progress. While being absorbed in the practice of Dhyana in Hinduism, dhyan, the sadhaka may cross over to the state of samadhi. When he achieves this state of consciousness is not predictable. Until samadhi, the sadhaka gropes in the darkness aided by Guru.


Sampragyant samadhi

Nigamananda pointed out that if earlier practices are perfected, the succeeding steps yield lasting results. The sadhaka enters samadhi as a matter of his own experience, including the awakening of ''Kundalini energy, kundalini''. The upward and downward motion of kundalini is called ''Sampragyant Samadhi'' (सम्प्रज्ञात समाधि).


Works


Institutions founded


Garohill Yoga Ashram

Nigamananda founded his first Yoga Ashram in 1905 (1312 BS) at Kodaldhoa in Garo Hills, which is called now "Garohill-Yogashrama". His famous book "Yogi Guru" (योगिगुरु), was written and composed here in 14 days.


Saraswata Matha

Nigamananda founded Shanti Ashram in Timeline of Jorhat, 1912 at Jorhat to fulfill his three missions, to propagate Sanatana Dharma (spreading eternal religion), spreading true education and serve everybody as god incarnate. He took a plot of land of Jorhat in Sibsagar district and founded this ashram there on Akshaya Tritiya, in the month of Baishakh (in 1319 BS according to Bengal calendar). This was called "Shanti Ashram" or Saraswata Matha (सारस्वत मठ), which went by the name of Assam-Bengal Saraswata Matha in the later years. Swami Nigamananda's Ashram at Jorhat (Assam) Rishi School, Vidyalaya was an important school founded under this matha for yoga training.Shree Shree Thakur Nigamananda-Oriya Jeevani, CHAPTER-"SARASWATA MATHA" Writer: Durgacharan Mohanty, Banmali Das, Nilanchala Saraswata Sangha, Puri


= Retirement

= Nigamananda initiated ten devout disciples into Sanyasa, sanyas in the tradition of the "Saraswati" by order due to the great Sankaracharya, the juniormost among whom was "Sri Anirvan, Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati" (an erudite scholar, philosopher and writer who became famous as Anirvan later on) and "Swami Prajnananda Saraswati". Swearing in Swami Prajnanandaji as the mahant and Trustee of the "Saraswat Matha and Ashrama Establishments". Swami Nigamananda retired and resided in
Nilachala Kutir Nilachala Kutir is a religious residence, formerly owned by Nigamananda, Swami Nigamanananda, located in the holy city of Puri, India on the shores of the turbulent Bay of Bengal. Nilachala Kutir is a one-storey building situated near the "Swargad ...
in Puri for several years, until 1935.


= 100 Years of Saraswata Matha (1912–2011)

= This Timeline of Jorhat, Institution (Shanti Ashram) or "Saraswata Matha" founded by Swami Nigamananda in 1912 (1319 BS) reached its hundredth anniversary on Akshaya Tritiya Baishakh, 2011 (1418 BS), i.e. 6 May 2011. Nigamananda said, this matha is very dear to my heart, I can sacrifice my life hundred times for the sake of this matha.


Nilachala Saraswata Sangha

Nigamananda accepted Jagannatha culture and advised his disciples to worship him according to their state/country's culture. He believed that Lord Jagannath is the "symbol of truth". The day Sravan Purnima (full moon day), on 24 August 1934 Friday, Nilachala Saraswata Sangha (NSS) was established by Nigamananda at Nilachala Kutir, Puri. The Oriya devotees gathered there to celebrate his birthday. He advised them to form a religious circle. As per his wishes devotees started an association for religious talk and thus ''Nilachala Saraswata Sangha'' (the Sangha (Buddhism), Sangha) came into existence to fulfill his tripartite objective: (1) leading an ideal family life, (2) establishment of combined power and (3) sharing of feelings.


Guru Braham Ashrams

Nigamananda established Guru Brahama Ashrams where people from any faith can come and pray in their own ways. He instituted five Ashrams in five divisions of Bengal Presidency, undivided Bengal. They are Purba Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Moinamati, Comilla (Bangala Desh), now at Tripura, Madhya Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Kalni, Dacca, now Purbasthali Bardhaman district, Uttar Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Bogra, Paschima Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Kharkusama, Midnapore, Dakhina Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Halisahar, 24 Paragans. Nigamananda installed Jagat Gurus Ashan, in 1915 at Kokilamukh, Jorhat, Assam and established many ashrams and made thousands of disciples in the guru-shishya tradition.


Other foundations

Followers of Nigamananda run Nigamananda Education Centers in Orissa, also Nigamananda Bidyapitha#Other foundations named after Nigamananda, schools and educational institutions around India.


Publications


Saraswata Granthavali

Nigamananda wrote and published a series of books, known collectively as ''Saraswata Granthavali'' (सारस्वत ग्रंथावली). These are ''Brahmacharya Sadhan'' (ब्रह्मचर्य साधन), ''Yogiguru'' (योगिगुरु), ''Tantrikguru'' (तांत्रिकगुरु), ''Jnaniguru'' (ज्ञानीगुरु), and ''Premikguru'' (प्रेमिकगुरु) which dealt with the fundamentals of almost all modes of sadhana (spiritual practice) prevalent in Sanatan dharma. Nigamanananda's followers believe that these books are useful to any faithful person and if practiced carefully will lead to success in spiritual pursuits. By Mohanty's efforts these books were translated from Bengali to Oriya.


Arya Darpan

Nigamananda also published ''Arya Darpan'' (आर्य दर्पण), a monthly magazine on sanatana dharma, intended for disseminating non-sectarian spiritual knowledge among the masses. Many essays on important topics relating to religious and scriptural matters were included in this magazine.


Thakurer Chithi

Advising his disciples, Nigamananda wrote letters, from which one hundred are collected in a book called ''Thakurer Chithi'' (ठाकुरेर चिठी). This information was published in a Calcutta magazine ''Modern Review (Calcutta), Modern Review'', founded by Ramananda Chatterjee, on 26 December 1938. Other Nigamananda collections are ''Maayer Kripa'' (मायेर कृपा), ''Vedanta Vivek'' (वेदांत विवेक) and ''Tattvamala'' (तत्वमाला).


Bhakta Sammilani

Nigamananda conducted an annual conference called Sishya, Bhakta :wikt:congregation, Sammilani for householders and
sanyas ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''grihastha'' (householder) and ''vanaprastha'' ...
is. This was formed to strengthen prayer groups, discuss the importance of having a guru, review the well-being of sanyasis living in the ashrams, help solve problems as a whole, provide welfare, such as schools, communities and to hold lectures by enlightened speakers on public spiritual life. Nigamananda categorized Bhakta Sammilani into "Sarbabhouma" (country wide) and "Pradeshika" (state wide). The first "Sarbabhouma Bhakta Sammilani" was established by him at Kokilamukh in 1915. The first "Pradeshika Bhakta Sammilani" was held in 1947 by Nilachala Saraswata Sangha, Puri at Ankoli in the district of Ganjam district, Ganjam during full moon day of maagha. Nigamananda set a different prayer day for women disciples where they alone could participate and exchange their views. He said in one sammilani, "my devotees are fully aware that I am pleased to see them congregated in this sammilani, once in a year during Xmas, X-mas. Such gathering would bring fame to the maths and it would also do good to the world at large".


Legacy

Mohanty became Nigamananda's disciple and wrote books for Nigamananda's establishment Nilachala Saraswata Sangha and translated Nigamananda's Bengali books into Odia language, Odia. Under Mohanty's encouragement, more than 100 ashrams operate in Odisha. Mohanty continued to spread the message of Nigamananda until his death on 7 December 1985. Nigamananda's birthday is celebrated every year on Raksha Bandhan, Sravan Purnima day at Nilachala Kutir in Oriya culture. On 10 August 2014 his 134th Birthday was celebrated at Nilachala Kutir.The Editor, Hinews
Bhubaneswar
The 63rd Bhakta Sammilani was celebrated in February 2014 at Bhadrak.


See also

* List of Hindu gurus and sants (including yogis) * Sri Anirvan * Nigamananda Bidyapitha * Modern Review (Kolkata), Modern Review


Further reading


Books

; Bengali * * * * * * ; Odia * * * * * * * * * ; English * * * * *


Libraries

; English Literature
''The divine universal gospels of Sri Nigamananda''
National Library, Ministry of Culture, Government of India (Call No. E 294.598 D 496)
''Sadguru Nigamananda: a spiritual biography / Moni Bagchee''
Hathi Trust Digital Library
''Sadguru Nigamananda''
openlibrary.org ; Bengali Literature
''Premika Guru''
Author: Paramhansa, Nigamananda, West Bengal Public Library Network
''Yogi Guru''
Author: Paramhansa, Nigamananda, West Bengal Public Library Network


Letters


''Thakurer Chithi (ठाकुरेर चिठी)''
A collection of 100 letters written by Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa to his disciples, ''The Modern review (page 337)''


References


External links

*

A site developed by absmath.org, dedicated to his life, works, teachings and philosophy.
Sri Sri Thakur Nigamananda
Nigam Sudha, A site dedicated to his Life, ''vaani'', Ideals, Philosophy, ''Sammilani'', ''Sangha'', Written Books and about ''ABS Math''(Assam Banigiya Saraswata Matha, Jorhat).
Sri Sri Thakur Nigamananda
NSS, A site dedicated to his Life, ''vaani'', Ideals, Philosophy, ''Sammilani'', ''Sangha'', Written Books and about ''ABS Math''(Assam Banigiya Saraswata Matha, Jorhat). {{DEFAULTSORT:Nigamananda, Swami 1880 births 1935 deaths 20th-century Indian philosophers 19th-century Hindu religious leaders 20th-century Hindu religious leaders 20th-century Hindu philosophers and theologians Advaitin philosophers Bengali Hindu saints Bengali spiritual writers Founders of new religious movements Indian Hindu spiritual teachers Indian Hindu yogis Indian Hindu monks People considered avatars by their followers People from Nadia district Shaktas Scholars from Kolkata People from Meherpur District