Varanasi: Padmashree Baba Shivanand, famous for his longevity and yogic lifestyle across the country, is no more in this world. On April 30, he breathed his last during treatment at Sir Sundarlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University. Baba Shivanand’s age is said to be around 129 years. He lived in Kabir Nagar area of Varanasi and was considered a symbol of yoga, restrained life and spiritual practice for a long time.
Baba Shivanand became an example of yoga
Baba Shivanand was famous not only in Varanasi but all over India for his healthy routine and long life. He made yoga and ancient Indian lifestyle the basic foundation of his life. His life was a proof that through restraint, simplicity and yoga practice, anyone can live a long and healthy life.
In the year 2022, when he was awarded the Padma Shri, he bowed down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after receiving the award. This moment went viral on social media and touched the hearts of the people.
Prime Minister Modi paid tribute
Expressing deep condolences on the demise of Baba Shivanand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter:
“Extremely saddened by the demise of Baba Shivanand ji, who was immersed in yoga sadhana and revered Baba Shivanand ji of Kashi. His ascetic life will continue to inspire every citizen of the country. He was awarded the Padma Shri for social service through yoga. Baba Shivanand’s departure to Shivalok is an irreparable loss for the people of Kashi and crores of devotees.”
योग साधक और काशी निवासी शिवानंद बाबा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। योग और साधना को समर्पित उनका जीवन देश की हर पीढ़ी को प्रेरित करता रहेगा। योग के जरिए समाज की सेवा के लिए उन्हें पद्मश्री से सम्मानित भी किया गया था।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2025
शिवानंद बाबा का शिवलोक प्रयाण हम सब काशीवासियों और उनसे… pic.twitter.com/nm9fI3ySiK
Shivanand Baba’s life: A symbol of penance, sacrifice and sadhana
- Born: 8 August 1896
- Birthplace: Srihatta, undivided Bengal (now Bangladesh)
- In his childhood, he lost his parents and sister due to hunger, and the harsh conditions of life turned him towards spirituality.
- He took the teachings of yoga and spirituality from Baba Omkarananda Goswami as his guru.
Baba Shivanand’s life was an amazing example of sacrifice, penance and discipline. He never married, and dedicated his entire life to human service and the promotion of yoga.
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