1. the formless in form - A pictoral biography of Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda Swami

"Well can one say of thee,that Thou in form art seen

Yet truly can he speak Thee formless and unseen

Ah! Who can know thy nature? Can any plumb Thy depths?..."

- from 'Arunachala Ashtakam' Sri Ramana Maharishi

Rajasekaran (left) with his brothers atop the terrace of their house. Seen in the background are two of the nine gopurams (towers) of the Thiruvannamalai temple. Many pleasant hours of Rajasekaran's childhood were spent in the vicinity of this beloved temple.

Viewed from the towering heights of Arunachala, Thiruvannamalai appears like a pygmy town! Only the temple towers stand out majestically against the skyline.

The sacred town of Thiruvannamalai lies prostrate at the feet of the mighty Arunachala. Sanctified by the births of innumerable saints and holy souls over the centuries (famous among them being Sri Ramana Maharishi), Tiruvannamalai town is one of the holiest pilgrimage spots in South Bharat.

Rajasekaran (left), on a family pilgrimage to Kanyakumari. Also seen, silhouetted against the sunset sky, is the majestic Vivekananda Rock.

Rajasekaran at a workshop onTranscendental Meditation (TM). It is notdifficult to spot him in the picture; theboy with the blazing eyes who is intentupon the lecture with all his being!

WORSHIP IN PLAY: At an age when his classmates were amusing themselves with toys and games, Rajasekaran was already well-versed in religious rites and rituals. Unmindful of the hours, he would be lost in worship, often urging his family to join in the pooja. A skilled sculptor, the boy would also carve and decorate images of local deities during temple festivals and display them to an admiring crowd. His family remembers with pride that the boy's creations used to give stiff competition to the actual images taken out in the temple processions!

Mother Lokanayaki and father Arunachalam (a recent picture)

One day, when the impetuous Rajasekaran demanded to know what miraculous powers Yoga could bestow, Raghupati Yogi 'materialized' this conch (seen in picture) for him from thin air. The astonished Rajasekaran examined the conch, noted a date inscribed on it and accused his teacher of tricking him. Then Raghupati Yogi laughingly conceded that the conch was indeed not materialized by him, but merely teleported from his home miles away – a miraculous feat in itself!

Raghupati Yogi was a living example of the powers that Yoga can bestow upon the devoted practitioner. However, the taciturn Yogi was unwilling to display his miraculous powers before common eyes.

But one day, upon Rajasekaran's insistence, he performed for him the rare feat of levitation. The Yogi sat down in meditation, and right before the amazed eyes of the boy, he lifted a clear six inches off the ground. Unable to believe his eyes, Rajasekaran hesitantly passed his hand through the space beneath the Yogi's body - to encounter nothing but air! These miracles were enough to convince Rajasekaran of the existence of an entire dimension of awareness and ability that lies beyond the reach of common consciousness.

Raghupati Yogi was also instrumental in introducing Rajasekaran to the possibilities of meditation. If today we are fortunate enough to have pictures of the young Rajasekaran in meditation (see overleaf), thanks goes to Raghupati Yogi's prophetic vision.

When the bewildered boy questioned the need for having his photograph taken, it is said that the Yogi replied with a meaningful smile, "You will know when the time comes. For now, simply keep these pictures safe."

It was one of the miracles of Existence that brought Rajasekaran to Raghupati Yogi. With a body taut as a bowstring, disciplined by years of rigorous tapas in Bharat, Tibet and Burma, Raghupati Yogi was the perfect foil to the timid, curious young boy who sought him out. In an unusual companionship that blossomed over five years, Raghupati Yogi trained the young Rajasekaran in the mysteries of Yoga. Recognising that the boy was destined for sannyas, Raghupati Yogi one day summoned him to the Kritika Mantap of the Thiruvannamalai temple. There he bestowed upon him diksha (initiation), a rare honour for one so young.

In the moment of his initiation, Rajasekaran was blessed with a vision of Parashakti, whom the Yogi pronounced his ishtadevta (favoured deity). Too young to realize how precious this gift was, Rajasekaran returned home absorbed in the loveliness of the vision he had just glimpsed. Once home, he proceeded to carve in soapstone the very figure that had graced his vision. That marvellously sculpted figurine (seen in picture) remains with him to this day.

The earliest photograph of Rajasekaran in meditation. (original photograph)

(restored version)

Mataji Kuppammal was a catalytic force in Rajasekaran's life. A friend of his grandmother and a deeply pious lady, she looked upon the exceptional boy as her ward.

One day, when worshipping at the Arunachala temple, Rajasekaran was blessed with a vision of a lovely geometric form. On returning home, he began to earnestly reproduce the diagram, carving it on a piece of foil with a nail. Mataji Kuppamal, who happened to be present at the time, was overwhelmed by the portent of what she saw. The diagram that the boy's hands were effortlessly creating was none other than the sacred Sri Chakra! To have been graced with this vision was itself a miracle, for the Sri Chakra eludes all but the truly deserving. But to whom could she put these questions? For the boy himself was so young, so frail a vehicle for the grand message he was bearing!

This was a turning-point in Rajasekaran's life. The deeply spiritual lady took him under her wing. She trained him in various sadhnas, personally taking care of his special dietary and other needs during that period. She also initiated him into the Sri Chakra pooja and the Shakti Mantra. Later, she also had a small ashram built for Rajasekaran which she was certain would be of use in later times. This ashram now serves as a branch of Dhyanapeetam, and as a resting-place for Swamiji on his visits to Thiruvannamalai.

MATAJI KUPPAMMAL in meditation, seen against the backdrop of Arunachala.

DHANAKOTI AMMAL, grandmother

Initiation letter given by Mataji Kuppammal to Rajasekaran

SRI ISAKKI SWAMIGAL, the Guru of Mataji Kuppammal

The sacred Sri Chakra, carved by Rajasekaran's own hands at the age of ten. The Sri Chakra represents the Mother Goddess Devi, and is believed to be the diagrammatic representation of the Cosmos. The complicated central structure of the diagram makes it difficult even to copy, leave alone reproduce without a reference. When questioned about this, Rajasekaran is said to have nonchalantly explained that it was only a combination of nine triangles placed at different angles to each other, and reproducing it was 'easy once you understand the concept' (!)

Thiruvannamalai traditionally welcomes holy men from all over the country. One such figure was that of Yogi Ramsurat Kumar, who for years had made his home on the street that led to Thiruvannamalai temple. The people of the bustling temple town accepted this intriguing figure without question.

The yogi would always be found seated in meditation on the steps of a small Nandi pedastal on his street. Children on their way to school would stop to ask the yogi how they would fare in their exams. The taciturn yogi rarely replied to their childish questions.

One day the boy Rajasekaran too stopped to take his blessings.

"Will I pass today's test?" he enquired humbly.

"You will pass the test of life, my boy!", declared the yogi.

Seeing the boy's bewilderment, a pious old lady seated next to the yogi waved

him on.

"Go, child! You may not understand these words now – but they will prove to be unforgettable later!"

Truly unforgettable words indeed! YOGI RAMSURAT KUMAR

Rajasekaran (left) and friends before the image of Durga specially decorated by him for the Navratri festival.

Rajasekaran's zeal for the Divine was such that it captured the hearts of all around him - from the spirited young boys of the neighbourhood to venerable old men and women, who could already glimpse in the boy the spark of the Divine.

How long can the Divine remain hidden from the eyes of the ardent seeker? Rajasekaran's true nature revealed itself to devoted seekers in the most unexpected of places and times.

One day, the young Rajasekaran happened to be late for class. As per the rule, he waited in the corridor for permission to enter the classroom.

The Math class was in progress, and the teacher was bent over his book. The teacher was a staunch devotee of Lord Ayyappa. By some intuition, he turned suddenly and looked in the direction of the corridor where Rajasekaran stood waiting. He stood up slowly, as if in a trance, gazing all the time at the boy. Then he silently brought his palms together, saluting the puzzled boy with the deepest reverence.

Later, the teacher urged the boy to visit his home and join his family for a meal. When Rajasekaran went, the teacher promptly prostrated before him and declared himself the boy's disciple. He disclosed that he had seen none other than Lord Ayyappa in the form of the young boy in the classroom. Rajasekaran was, of course, lost for words at that moment!

The Atma Purana (an Upanishadic book), agift to Rajasekaran from Isakki Swamigal.

These paduka (wooden sandals), usually worn only by holy men, were used regularly by Rajasekaran. Today THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM laughingly recalls how he would drive his brothers to exasperation by clattering about the house on these sandals at all times of day and night!

When asked by a family elder what he would like to become when he grew up, Rajasekaran is said to have made this hasty (but very significant!) sketch in reply.

PRECIOUS SOUVENIRS: Even as a boy, Rajasekaran had a sizeable collection of idols and articles of worship. Seen here are some of the idols which were worshipped daily by him.

Many articles used by Rajasekaran have been preserved by family and friends who had an intuition that these would become the cherished treasures of millions in later years.

Rajasekaran's love of worship was well-known within his family. Once, on a family trip to Tirupati that included many uncles, aunts and cousins, Rajasekaran happened to share a room with some male relatives. At 3 a.m., Rajasekaran rose as usual to perform his daily pooja (worship). He was already lost in worship when an irate relative began to complain noisily about the disturbance. The normally even-tempered Rajasekaran is said to have risen from his seat, calmly walked over to the man and caught him by the throat! The boy then quietly threatened to finish off the man on the spot if he proved himself a hindrance to the pooja. Having said that, Rajasekaran walked serenely back to his seat and resumed his worship. (Understandably, that was the last time dissenting relatives openly voiced any complaints about the boy's activities!)

It was at this time that he came in touch with Annamalai Swamigal of Pilakoth, a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharishi. Rajasekaran frequently turned to him for advice on spiritual matters, and also pursued meditation at the Ramana Ashram. One day the boy overheard the Swamigal explaining to some disciples: "Only the body feels pain. You are not the body. You can feel no pain."

Rajasekaran hurried home, determined to test the truth of this bizarre statement. Glancing around, his eyes fell upon a razor blade.

So fierce burned the thirst for Truth, that the boy did not even flinch as the blade drove deep into the tender flesh of his thigh. The skin tore in a crimson gash, blood gushed out and intense pain blinded the boy, who still let out no cry. Only the silent, anguished wail of "Why?? Why??" kept ringing in his head.

His dismayed family rushed Rajasekaran to hospital and attended to the wound, the scar of which he bears to this day. No sooner was the wound dressed than the boy rushed into Annamalai Swamigal's presence, carrying this burning accusation upon his flesh. But the Swamigal only laughed, and explained that the truth of that statement was something he would have to experience personally. He then taught him a meditation technique that would reveal to him the source of all thoughts.

"Practise this meditation and you will get your answers", the Swamigal assured him. With utmost sincerity and faith, the young Rajasekaran did just that. And indeed, it was not long before he got his answer.

As Rajasekaran was growing, the wildness of temper he had displayed as a child was gradually being distilled into a fierce spiritual quest.

(He laughingly recalls an incident where a furious cousin, fed up with the mischievous boy's antics, flung a heavy object at him, causing a deep gash on his forehead and heavy bleeding. Soon after this incident, Rajasekaran sobered down considerably, to the surprise (and relief, we guess!) of all who knew him.

Years later, Rajasekaran would learn that an accidental(?) fall in childhood had resulted in a similar wound on Swami Vivekananda's forehead. Sri Ramakrishna is said to have later clarified to Vivekananda that had the wound not occurred, the enormous energy that he was carrying would have been too strong for his physical body to sustain.)

The boy was by and large a loner. The activities and amusements of children his own age held no attraction for him. With a clarity well beyond his years, Rajasekaran was already focused on his chosen path.

It was befitting that his only close companions should be the sadhus* who made their temporary resting place on the outskirts of the town. He would share his meals with them and spend long hours listening to the tales of their wanderings. If food and pulses went missing from the kitchen at home, Rajasekaran's family knew who was to blame! To their credit, his parents never once questioned the boy's doings, not even when he returned home well after midnight, drunk on the stories of the sadhus.

Delving deep into narratives of the sadhus' spiritual experiences

• wandering mendicants and holy men

and insights, Rajasekaran recognized their quest as his own. This only fuelled the fire that already blazed in his being. From them he also learned matters of practical importance. For instance, he came to know that the Northern Railway charged nothing to transport sadhus. This deepened his resolve to somehow make his way to the most sacred spiritual school of all – the Himalayas.

Around this time, Rajasekaran took to meditating in the cremation ground on the outskirts of the town. Through the deepest hours of the night, in the absolute silence of the cremation ground, the young boy would sit absorbed in meditation, to return home only in the light of dawn. Convinced by now that their son's destiny was unique, his parents surrendered wholeheartedly to the leela* of Existence. Even today, he remembers with gratitude how they never once attempted to track his whereabouts, or dissuade him from his chosen path.

Life had many more lessons in store for the young boy. At fourteen, Rajasekaran witnessed the passing away of his great grandmother, herself a pious lady and his earliest spiritual guide. This experience impacted the young boy deeply, and he determined to discover, at any cost, the mystery of Death, the secret of Life, and the hidden source of All.

Even as Rajasekaran turned his quest inward with renewed fervour, Life took him onward in an entirely new direction. After his schooling, like other boys his age, Rajasekaran enrolled in a polytechnic in nearby Gudiyattam to study engineering.

But he had no time to waste on the aimless pursuits of youth. He poured his time, his energy, his very life upon the fire of his tapas**. He had no pursuit but the quest for truth. He spent hardly any time before his books, but that was unnecessary. The total concentration which he gave the lesson during class hours was enough to see him through each exam with the highest grade - a 'Distinction'.

When an irate friend once asked him what he hoped to achieve by these ceaseless efforts at meditatation, Rajasekaran is said to have replied with characteristic nonchalance: "One day, you will stand in line to receive my blessings. Then you will know."

(Here it must be noted that a few weeks before the writing of this book, the above friend arrived in the ashram to take Swamiji's blessings – to the astonishment of all but Swamiji himself!)

• Divine play

** penance (the

rigorous spiritual

practices undertaken

by spiritual

aspirants)

It was the month of Vaikashi. Atop the hillock of Pavalakundru, Rajasekaran sat engrossed in deep inner awareness. At the tender age of twelve, the boy was too young to even realize fully that what he was attempting was a potent meditation technique.

What happened next is best heard in his own words:

"The splendid evening had melted into soft purple twilight. The sky was awash with the pearly light of the full moon. The Vishakha star was suspended in the heavens, a brilliant gem upon the horizon. Overwhelmed by the ethereal loveliness of the moment, steeped in tranquility, I moved gently inward in meditation. After a while, I fell into a strange experience. I became suddenly aware that something had broken inside me, crushed like a fragile earthen pot. At the same time, something was opening up deep inside me, like a door opening.

In that moment, I was blessed with an extraordinary 360* vision in both planes: with my eyes closed, I could see with equal clarity the hill before me, the temple behind me, the hill to my left, the trees to my right, the rock on which I sat and the infinite sky above! The very next moment, I awakened to the realization "Everything is I! I am one with the whole of Existence!"

That ecstatic experience lasted more than an hour. [He learned later that it had been an Out of Body Experience (OBE).] Rajasekaran returned home in a fever of bliss and poured out his joy to Mataji Kuppammal. Recognizing the true signs of the state of ecstasy, she took in the boy and extended the gentle care he required in this exalted state. The state lasted only three days, but the memory of that intense delight would whet his spiritual quest for years to come.

To Mataji Kuppamal we owe thanks - for nurturing the young boy, both physically and spiritually, in the demanding times of his ardent search for Truth.

Ever one to experiment, Rajasekaran undertook all kinds of religious trials. One of these was Girivalam, circumambulating Arunachala daily for 108 days.

On one such occasion, he was walking along in a joyous reverie, singing to himself the tunes of well-loved devotional folk-songs. On a sudden intuition, he stopped and looked into the distance. A pack of five bloodthirsty hyaenas was making its way towards him purposefully!

Stricken with fear, the boy stood rooted to the spot.

Suddenly a single word, Arunachala!, arose and resonated in his heart.

At that very moment, a man appeared out of nowhere, and drove away the

hyaenas with a staff.

Was it just coincidence that someone should suddenly appear at that lonely spot? Or was Existence preserving her favoured son, destined for higher things?

Rajasekaran spent his deepest hours of meditation in the sanctuary of his beloved Arunachala. Indeed, there is not a single rock or crevice of Arunachala that has not felt the fervour of his quest.

By the time he was seventeen, Rajasekaran's spiritual quest had risen to its peak. Unable to resist any longer the lure of his true calling, the young boy left home to begin an arduous journey of self-discovery. He had no security whatsoever, no assurance that he would find what he sought with all his being. With no promise, no hope even but the glimpse of the Divine he had received at twelve. But that glimpse was sufficient, for it had kindled in his heart a blaze that would never die.

For years he wandered in the mountains, seeking refuge in centers of spirituality countrywide. He traversed the length and breath of the country on foot, studying with great masters in Bharat and Nepal.

Sometimes he would simply board a train, uncaring of its destination, and alight wherever it pleased the eye. When he tired of traveling in a certain direction, he would turn his eye upon some other horizon - and thus on and on, till he stumbled once more upon a railway track.

Two pieces of cloth to cover his body and a kamandalam* were all that he possessed in the world. Resolved not to touch money, not knowing where his next meal was to come from - if at all it was to come! – he lived a life of utter insecurity.

But so intense was his search, so perennially felt, that it gave him the courage to practise the most demanding tapas with extraordinary vigour. It led his feet to Bharat's most sacred pilgrimage spots. It ushered him into the presence of the holiest men and women. He drank deep of the founts of wisdom of centuries, the holy scriptures. The Shastras, the Vedas, the Upanishads – he mastered them all.

• pitcher for water

Another place where Rajasekaran enjoyed hours of contemplation and meditation was the Ramana Ashram at Thiruvannamalai. In the silent and serene environs of the ashram, poring over Ramana's writings, Rajasekaran discovered to his delight that the sense of oneness he felt with Arunachala was shared not only by Ramana, but by hundreds of spiritual men before him, over the centuries.

Above all else, the stories of the lives of great spiritual masters stirred an unknown chord in the young seeker. One day, chancing upon The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, he fell into such a fever of delight that he devoured the 600-page book in one 10-hour stretch. (Anyone who has held the mighty Gospel in his hands can appreciate the passion that called forth such a feat!)

Three days after this unusual incident, the young Swami was honoured by the vision of Sri Ramakrishna and Mother Sarada Devi, who placed their hands upon his head and showered him with hearfelt blessings. On that day, with deep love and reverence, the seeker received Sri Ramakrishna into the innermost sanctum of his heart.

The temple town of Puri in Orissa, on the east coast of Bharat.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the Chaar Dhaam, the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage spots in Bharat. The temple's Rath Yatra (Car Procession) is famous worldwide. During the Yatra, the deity (Lord Jagannath) is taken out in a mighty chariot towed by thousands of devotees. Many people, in a frenzy of ecstasy, throw themselves under the wheels of the chariot, in the belief that to die in this supremely honourable manner is to instantly attain mukti (salavation from rebirth). The English word 'juggernaut' ('to crush') takes its meaning from this phenomenon.

One of Swami's favourite haunts was the Kali Temple at Dakshineshwar, where Sri Ramakrishna used to worship regularly in his time.

The splendid Taj Mahal at Agra.

Swami was so enthralled by the ethereal loveliness of the Taj and the river Yamuna, that he stayed and meditated there for seven days. Visitors are allowed to remain on the premises only strictly during visiting hours every day. How then did Swami manage to spend a whole week there? The question meets with a characteristically mischievous smile and no reply.

How mysterious are the ways of Life! When she appears to be at play, and we forget ourselves in her everchanging games, she brings us face to face with a moment of supreme Truth!

One blessed day, while meditating at holy Tapovan beyond the Gangotri, the young Swami beheld a lovely vision. A young man with flowing locks and a divine countenance, glowing with youth and rare grace, was walking towards him with long strides. Wonderstruck by the beauty of the man, drawn by the radiance that spilt forth from him, Swami was suddenly certain that this indeed the revered Mahavtaar Babaji, who is said to have conquered age and death, and dwells in the mountains in a state of perpetual youth.

At the moment of passing him, Babaji looked into Swami's eyes and pronounced, 'Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda!'

Startled, Swami could give no answer.

The image of the charismatic Babaji, who had called him so familiarly by an unfamiliar name, stayed with Swami through the years. But the portent of that name would be hidden from him until years later, when upon taking sannyas, he received from his master's lips that very name. In that moment of clarity, Swami was overwhelmed with reverence and gratitude for his elusive spiritual guide.

Swami's wanderings took him to the virgin forests of Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh in central Bharat. Deep in the secret recesses the forest, miles away from the nearest human settlement, Swami enjoyed a state of absolute solitude and undisturbed sadhna. Just once a week, he would trek 30 kilometres to the closest village, and return with a frugal meal of a few rotis – sufficient to sustain himself over the next seven days.

His favourite spot for meditation was a small, beautifully shaped rock which stood on a hillock nearby, the perfect seat for the meditator. Late one evening, reposing on the rock, he spied someone through the trees, approaching him from a distance. Surprised at the first sign of humanity he had ever seen in those parts, Swami hopped off the rock to meet the visitor. Only halfway down the path did he notice with horror that the figure he'd perceived in the failing light was not a human at all, but a giant bear walking upright! There was no time to turn and flee, for the bear's cruel eye was already fixed on him. Throwing himself upon the mercy of the Divine, Swami stood totally still, inert with fear. Perplexed, perhaps, at this unexpected reaction, the bear approached the young man, returned his stare for a while, and then passed him by without a sound! Once again, it was revealed to Swami that a benevolent eye watched over his life.

Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The quest that spurred Swami ever onward culminated in the holy city of Kashi. This was to be a point of enormous significance for Swami. One evening, he sat in deep dhyan (meditation) at Manikarnika Ghat. Before his eyes, a thousand pyres burned. Swami was resolved not to leave the spot without experiencing the mystery of Death. For over two days, he waited in tireless silence, unmoving, unseeing of anything else. On the third day, he began to feel as if his body was slowly dissolving away. Doing nothing, he simply allowed the experience to happen. Gradually, he felt his body 'dying' from the feet upward. A sudden terror caught hold of him. Threatening to explode his very senses, it climbed to a giddy peak. His whole being went limp, helpless against that mighty terror. Then, just as he felt he could fight it no longer, the fear left him in a thunderous blast!

In that state of intense clarity, he became aware that he had fought and conquered the most awful secret terror that every human being carries within – the fear of utter annihilation, of nothingness.

One of the severest forms of tapas to be undertaken by Swami was the panchtapas. So extreme was this penance that none but the most courageous even attempted it. But so relentless was Swami in his pursuit of Truth that he undertook this penance unflinchingly. In order to maintain a state of continual awareness, he would sit in meditation encircled by blazing fires, while a pot of live embers smouldered on his head. In this position, he would perform the dreaded traatak meditation, where the practitioner had to stare unblinkingly at the sun, following its movement across the sky from sunrise to sunset. Trusting well-wishers to keep the fires going, he would meditate from dawn to dusk without a moment's respite. When questioned as to why so young a man should endure so harsh a penance, Swami exclaimed candidly, "The fire within me burns so fiercely, I can tolerate it no longer! My sole hope is that these fires outside may help quench the fire blazing within."

(Today, the intense energy imbibed by Swamiji's eyes during those arduous times of meditation give them the power to literally 'burn' diseases away, just by focusing a high-energy beam on that spot. Anybody who has practised the Ajna meditation with Swamiji, or even watched him heal and energise people and articles with his eyes, can bear witness to the awesome powers his eyes can unleash when he desires. If the world is today receiving the benefits of Swamiji's healing powers, we must thank the young boy who staked his life upon this quest.)

Manikarnika Ghat, considered the most sacred in Benaras, is said to be the point where Lord Shiva created the universe. It is held that this spot will survive Pralay, the universal holocaust. This is also where Hindus come to cremate their dead, for to be consigned to the flames here is to automatically obtain freedom from the chain of rebirth.

Hear about it from Swamiji himself:

"At a moment when I was least expecting it, I felt a fountain of bliss bubble up inside me. The fountain swelled to a flood, gushing up from some inexhaustible source, enveloping my entire being, sweeping me away. Awash with ecstasy, I sank into this ocean of bliss! I dissolved into it! The 'I' was lost, and the Being blossomed. Space and Time, Body and Mind, the Seer and the Seen – all vanished before the keenness of that experience. Only pure awareness remained: I am the One! I am the One beyond all, Infinite, Eternal, Omniscient!

In that instant, there were no questions left. For the questioner himself had disappeared - into Nithya Ananda, into Nithyananda!...

... I have no better words to express it... but if you understand this silence, you have understood what I have left unsaid!

After this, I remained in ecstasy for over nine months. I have no memory of what happened during that period. I later learned form others that during this period my body functioned entirely on its own intelligence – for where was the mind to guide it?!

In November 2000, on the sacred day of the Diwali festival, I regained for the first time the inner chatter that had ceased at the moment of Enlightenment.

It was a strange experience, impossible to articulate!

I felt a shaft of energy come down upon me, and converge upon the very spot where the bliss bubbled up continuously. At the point of their meeting, an explosion occurred, throwing forth the words, Anandamaaha irungal (Be blissful). This is the very phrase I use as my words of blessing to this day."

But for Swami, the Death Experience was but a milestone on his path.

His destination was elsewhere, and his determination was characteristic. For him, nothing less than complete fulfilment! He subjected himself to still more rigorous tapas, resolved that body, mind and spirit should be brought under control. Starvation, pain, intense solitude, silence, meditation – he used every rod available to discipline the very fibre of his being.

His body and mind bent beautifully to his will – but where was the grand reward he most desired? Even after extreme tapas, Enlightenment continued to elude the young seeker.

His triumphs over body and mind, like so many worthless prizes, he put out of his mind in disgust. Unknowingly, he began to sink into the depths of grave depression. In despair, he gave in to doubts he had never allowed till then:

Was there, after all, no such thing as Enlightenment?, he wondered. Was it all a mighty conspiracy, a great lie propagated down the generations? If that is so, then this must be the end!, he reflected bitterly. The truth is that there is no Truth. And to learn this bitter truth, I have given up my youth, my life! How life has betrayed me with her trickery!

In a moment of supreme resignation, Swami put an end to all his efforts and sank back, exhausted. The body and mind that had remained taut with effort for years, now relaxed into utter non-doing. So complete was his let-go that Swami actually forgot the mantra* he had chanted daily for years!

Precisely on the seventh day after he let go, the unimaginable happened. He was admitted into the very supreme 'conspiracy' he had questioned!

When the first words started bubbling up, Swami realized that his mind was getting into working order again. It was being gently prepared for the next great task before him – that of the spiritual master. But to his bewilderment, the mind would switch on and off at its own will! It was to be months before Swami would regain complete control of his mental faculties.

Guided at every step by the unfailing hand of Existence, Swamiji moved south to Maharashtra, and then further to Tamil Nadu, where he took up his temporary abode in the town of Erode. His 'abode' was no more than a burning ghat on the banks of the river Kaveri, and there Swamiji stayed for many months.

PARIVARAACHAKA AFTER ENLIGHTENMENT: Note the utter relaxation in Swamiji's face and posture in both photographs! Gone are the blazing eyes and taut body, the fiery intensity of the days of struggle and strife. The transformation is remarkable, even the little of it that can be perceived even by our eyes! It is evident that all effort - all else, in fact - has been replaced by the supreme tranquility that can flower only with Enlightenment.

In Tamil Nadu, news spread like wildfire of a young Swami with miraculous healing powers. People flocked to see him, the earnest and the curious, the healthy and the ailing, the skeptics and the faithful.

Existence's next great plan for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was coming into fruition.

After settling into his body, Swamiji's most emotional pilgrimage was to the holy town of his childhood. Thiruvannamalai. He wished to give thanks to Arunachala, whose blessings he had sought so earnestly when he set out on his spiritual quest years ago.

At the spot, overcome with emotional ecstasy, Swamiji felt compelled to carry with him one pebble from the holy mountain, a sacred souvenir fit for worship. Bending down, he picked up the pebble closest to his foot without looking - only to discover that it was no pebble at all, but a sacred linga!

That linga remains with Swamiji to this day.

Embracing the World

*simple rustic commune

for

holy men and

their disciples

Like a thousand bees to a wondrous flower To his fragrant presence they flock To look upon this loveliness, newly-blossomed To drink deep from the nectar hoard, just unlocked.

They hasten to experience his healing touch They hearken to the voice of the Master They come to beg his infinite compassion But stay to join in his laughter!

Word of the charismatic boy-saint rode the winds in every direction.

The numbers who came to seek refuge at his feet was daily doubling. They came not only to seek relief from physical ailments, but to lay open their lives before his compassion. They sought guidance and consolation on matters emotional, material and spiritual.

The most devout of his devotees begged to be allowed to build Swamiji an ashram*. Swamiji refused; he knew Existence had other plans for him. At last, he conceded to the building of a tiny dwelling of mud and thatch, no more than a simple haven from sun and rain.

Here he daily conducted mass healing and meditation camps, reaching out to thousands. Swamiji's mission soon spread to neighbouring Salem and other towns.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

The ashram at Erode being built, on the backs of the holy river Kaveri.

Living on only the barest necessities, eating the food brought by devotees and spending practically all his time in healing and meditation, Swamiji stayed in this simple ashram till he moved to Bangalore in 2002.

GOING PUBLIC : Swamiji addresses the public at a conference on spirituality.

GIVING THANKS : The first person to benefit from Swamji's healing touch shares the expereince of his miraculous return to health.

Swamiji graces a religious function with his presence

POOJAS, RITUALS AND YAGAS PERFORMED AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS AND IN THE HOMES OF DEVOTEES

MIRACLES IN FIRE: When Swamiji performs a potent pooja invoking Lord Ganesh, the sacrificial fire takes on the shape of the elephant-headed god!

The miracle repeats itself at the Chandi Havan, dedicated to the goddess Durga. As Swamiji loses himself in deep worship, onlookers perceive the form of the Divine Mother in the holy fire.

Is this a hallucination or a divine miracle?

When questioned by wondering devotess, Swamiji explained that the most potent of rituals, when performed with utmost sincerity, have the power to 'create' the form invoked by the worshipper.

At the Sri Vidya pooja, where Swamiji takes on the form and qualitites of the Divine Mother.

In this tribute to the feminine Shakti, Swamji assumes the feminine form in dress and demeanour, robed in a brightly coloured silk saree and adorned with jewellery.

The occasion was graced by important spiritual and public figures of our time. The glittering ceremony also drew thousands of people eager to catch a glimpse of Swamiji - both devotees and visitors, the faithful and the curious.

The occasion was flagged off with inaugural addresses by the respected Swamis as well as by the honourable Prime Minister. This was followed by the formal ascension of Swamiji to the Peetam - a momentous occasion for all present. The occasion also included a sattvic meal and other festivities.

Upon completion, it will include a divine healing center, a vast meditation hall with a giant energised lingam, a gurukul, inmates' and inpatients' living quarters and an extensive library and research centre, among others.

As on date, the ashram already houses a meditation hall, a healing center, inmates' and inpatients' quarters, a library, kitchen and dining hall with basic amenities.

Programmes conducted by Dhyanapeetam include the Ananda Spurana Programme (ASP - a workshop on chakra cleansing, Ananda healing and meditation conducted personally by Swamiji), Ananda Proksha *(*a one-year residential program for students and spiritual aspirants) and Ananda Yoga (a one-day introductory programme on healing and meditation). Other activities include annadaanam (feeding of the needy), healing camps and satsangs.

• prophetic vision

The story behind the Dhyanapeetam ashram in Bangalore is strange, but true.

While still in Tamil Nadu, Swamiji and his disciples were on the lookout for the right place to build an ashram which wuold be the future nerve-centre of Dhyanapeetam. To his disciples' confusion, Swamiji repeatedly refused various offerings of land in Tamil Nadu, even those as vast as 100 acres.

For his divyadrishti* had already spotted, far away in Karnataka, the perfect place. A sprawling 20 acre site, in Bidadi on the outskirts on Bangalore, blessed with all the sacred signs that a centre of spirituality must possess - most important among these being a 600-year-old banyan tree, the abode of the Muneeshwara ('lord of sages') residing on the land.

On Swamiji's advice, his disciples hastened to Bidadi and found the holy site at that very spot, exactly like the one predicted by him more than a year earlier. All were overjoyed.

The owner of the land, however, was reluctant to sell.

"It will happen", smiled Swamiji.

And it did. One night, it is said, the Muneeshwara appeared to the owner in a dream and opened his eyes to the supreme honour that he was turning down in his ignorance.

The very next day, in Swamiji's divine presence, the owner (now turned devotee) donated the land free of cost. The day after, the foundation stone was laid, marking the beginning of the ashram construction.

Hoardings and banners all over the city announce the inauguration of Dhyanapeetam in Bangalore

Swamiji lights the sacred lamp to mark the opening of the inauguration ceremony. Ex-Prime Minister Sri H. D. Deve Gowda and others look on.

BHOOMI POOJA (Worshipping Mother Earth): At a traditional ceremony to flag off the ashram construction, Swamiji 'breaks the earth' and lays the first brick

Paramapoojya Sri Ni. Pra. Swa. Dr. Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Maha Swamiji of Sri Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur addresses the public. Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Maha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Maha Samsthana Mutt (third from left), Srimad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sachidananda Pranava Swaroopa Sadguru Sri Sri Sri Sivapuri Maha Swamiji of Omkarashrama Mahasamsthana (fourth from left) and others look on.

A book is being released on the occasion

Sri Deve Gowda pays his respects to Swamiji

IN THE LAP OF NATURE : Sunrise lights up the sweep of land leading from the main gate into the ashram. Also seen are the Laughing Temple (extreme right) and the Food Temple and Food Pagodas (ahead) GOODWILL IN THE AIR : The idyllic and friendly environment of the ashram encourages our timid fourlegged friends to approach fearlessly, right up to the

Food pagoda!

A MOMENTOUS OCCASION : Swamiji assumes the Peeta (seat of honour reserved for the sovereign of the Mutt) for the first time

THE SACRED BANYAN: The 600-year-old sacred banyan that spreads out over ___, is the abode of Muneeshwara, the guardian spirit of the land upon which the Bidadi ashram stands. The holiest spot in the ashram, this banyan was the one revealed to Swamiji in a vision that guided him from Tamil Nadu to Bidadi.

THE PRIME GURU: This idol, installed under the banyan, is of Lord Dakshinamurthy, believed to be the Adi Guru (The first ever Guru). The daily Guru Pooja is performed for Lord Dakshinamurthy by inmates. Devotees and people from nearby villages also assemble here for the evening worship.

MIRACLE OF NATURE: The rustic Laughing Temple, where inmates and devotees gather for intimate chats with Swamiji, often stretching deep into the night. Flanking the Laughing Temple is a naturally 'hybrid' tree - a neem tree from whose trunk has sprung the bilva tree, sacred to Lord Shiva. This extremely rare and auspicious sign is only one among the many that make this location ideal for a centre of spirituality.

HOME OF THE DIVINE: Ananda Sabha, the meditation hall and healing centre, is also used for larger gatherings and poojas. Seen in the distance is the giant canopy of the sacred banyan tree.

Swamiji worships the idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy under the banyan tree. Every morning before sunrise, inmates gather here for worship (Guru Pooja). It is also well-known that no decision pertaining to the ashram is taken by Swamiji without first 'consulting' Lord Dakshinamurthy!

THE HEALING TOUCH : Swamiji conducts healing under the banyan tree. The high levels of energy pervading the surroundings make it the ideal spot for receiving healing. The very air under the banyan has a therapeutic and rejuvenating quality, which can be experinced even by the ordinary visitor.

Swamiji leads the evening aarati before the image of Lord Nataraja (the Dancing Shiva) in Ananda Sabha. The camphor lamps dancing in Swamiji's hands in the semi-darkness, the resonant notes of the aarati music and the air of solemnity and prayer make this one of the most beautiful moments of the day.

Swamiji performs the powerful Chandi Homa (dedicated to Goddess Durga) at Ananda Sabha.

Mrs. Prema Krishna (wife of Karnataka Chief Minister S. M. Krishna) attends a pooja A homa being performed for Lord Dakshinamurthy

Borne on the twin wings of healing and meditation, Swamiji's mission of compassion now began to soar to greater heights.

As the numbers that flocked to him for healing grew daily in geometric proportion, Swamiji took to healing for over eighteen hours a day. Still, there would be days when the sick would have to be turned away, for sheer lack of time.

It was then that Swamiji decided to initiate select devotees into Ananda Healing, to serve as channels of his healing energy. In his own words, "My compassion embraces the whole world. But I have only two hands..! My healers will serve as my eyes, as my hands. They will function as an extension of myself, as channels of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM!"

Ananda Healers are personally selected by Swamiji after a thorough screening process. After initiation by Swamiji and introduction to the 'healing meditation', each healer is invested with the responsibility of furthering Dhyanapeetam's mission. Most healers run healing and meditation centers at their residence or elsewhere, which serve as arms of Dhyanapeetam. At the time of writing this book, there are healing centers worldwide, and healers initiated.

But Swamiji has always remarked, "Healing is only my visitingcard. My true message is meditation!"

Soon after he arrived in Bangalore, Swamiji felt the need of a concrete and scientifically designed program which would

A special pooja at Ananda Sabha

An artistically embellished image of Swamiji worshipping Daskshinamurthy

and philosophy, the study of Sanskrit and holy scriptures, various healing doctrines and general operational skills.

The program helps mould the youth into well-balanced, integrated individuals who can perform at optimum levels in their chosen field, be it material or spiritual. Above all, it is a rare opportunity for participants to spend exclusive time with Swamiji, and to stay and learn in his tremendous buddhafield.

In July 2003, Dhyanapeetam spread its wings across the seas, with Swamiji traveling to the USA on a mission to promote spirituality, and introduce people to alternative therapy, healing and meditation.

With humankind falling prey to unprecedented diseases, and with depression and suicide rates peaking worldwide, our century is ripe to receive the timeless message of spiritual leaders: that true transformation can come only from within.

In a series of contemporary lectures that yoked Western scientific thought to Eastern philosophy, Swamiji launched his message about the relevance of spirituality in our time. He also spoke extensively on world religion and the significant role of individual spiritual growth in the transformation of modern society. During every weekend of his stay, an ASP was conducted in a different city.

The success of the visit exceeded all expectations, garnering support for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's mission of compassion in states across the USA. Today, Dhyanapeetam has over 120 centers in Asia, Europe and the USA, and that number is growing every day.

• the subtle energy centers of the body that control our physical and mental functions and deeply influence our emotional and spiritual character

educate people about the role of the chakras*, demystify the processes of healing and meditation, and carry a strong positive message to the masses.

Thus it was that the Ananda Spurana Program (ASP), now a standard part of Dhyanapeetam activities, was born.

Conducted by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself, the compact two-day ASP capsule includes an extensive explanation of the seven major chakras*, and their role and influence upon us. Participants also learn seven simple but potent meditation techniques, drawn from the world's great religions, to cleanse and energise the seven chakras. The program concludes with a session of music and merriment, a celebration of Life. From the youngest to the oldest, participants join in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's contagious laughter and soak in the rejuvenating energies of his divine ecstasy.

Above all, as the participants remain, meditate and celebrate in his powerful buddhafield, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM works silently and intensively upon every single individual, at every level from the physical to the spiritual. Not surprisingly, it is common for participants to experience miraculous transformations in their health and life within days after attending the ASP. As THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM remarks, the ASP is indeed the shortcut to Eternal Bliss!

The ASP is usually held only on weekends, for the convenience of the public. The first ASP was held in Bangalore only in October 2002, for a small but eager batch of no more than fifty participants. Just a year later, at the time of writing this book, over 45 ASPS have been conducted in Bharat and abroad. And next year, every single weekend that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is available to the public has already been booked for an ASP somewhere in the world!

In July 2003, Dhyanapeetam launched 'Ananda Proksha', a one-year residential program for students and spiritual aspirants below 30 years of age.

The program aims at the rapid expansion of personality and enhancing of abilities in all fields, by the effective harnessing of our latent potential. Participants are trained in various meditation techniques and given an exposure to world religion

The Healers' Meet is a forum for healers to discuss the running of the centers, share experiences and spend precious intimate moments with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

A Healers' Meet usually starts with a discourse by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, followed by the Healers' Pooja, where the healers themselves are worshipped. In THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's words, "You are my people, you are the representatives of the Divine. When you are worshipped, people are worshipping the Me in You!"

The most poignant moment of the meet is when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself prostrates at the feet of the healers – an eloquent statement about the divinity hidden

deep in each of us.

A special meditation practised only by healers is also performed, followed

by Energy Darshan.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM quotes Swami Vivekananda's beautiful insight: "Aatmano mokshaartham jagat hitaayache". (Although one may attain Enlightenment, to harness its power for the benefit of society is true spirituality.)

Ananda Healing was born of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's passion to carry his healing touch to millions of people worldwide. A unique technique formulated by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, the beauty of Ananda Healing is that it effectively combines the equally important principles of healing and meditation.

Once initiated by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, the Ananda Healers become open channels of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's own Divine Healing energy. During healing, the healers simply place their hands upon affected organs / parts of the patient and enter into the simple but powerful 'healing meditation'. Instantly, healing energy is transmitted from their hands to the patient's body, and both physical and mental ailments are effectively cured.

The healing process itself is refreshingly simple, and requires nothing more than an open mind on the part of both healer and patient. One of the obvious advantages of Ananda healing over other techniques is that healers can focus on their own spiritual development, even as they render an important service to society.

Ananda Spurana Program (ASP) The Flowering of Bliss

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM ascends the stage saluting the participants, marking the opening of the twoday ASP.

ANANDAM, ANANDAM! : THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM loses himself in an ecstasy of bliss during the

singing of his most beloved keertans

ENERGY DARSHAN: The high-point of the ASP is Energy darshan, where THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM places his thumb upon the Ajna (forehead) chakra of participants and literally 'pushes them inwards'. This technique is so powerful that many participants instantly experience a sense of weightlessness or 'boundarilessness', while others see glorious visions of the chakras or of their ishtadevtas (favoured deities).

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM puts on the mala for a little devotee

THE DANCE OF THE DIVINE : THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM whirling in a state of divine ecstasy. Whirling is a powerful technique to circulate subtle energies in the immediate environment. During the ASP, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM employs his technique to peak the energy levels of the participants within his buddhafield.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM speaks at a public functions in the city

At a talk in one of the city's major hospitals, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM stresses the need for modern medicine to join hands with alternative therapy and meditation. Apollo is among the pioneering hospitals to actively expand its expertise to include alternative methods of healing.

This article in The Hindu was the first to formally introduce THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM and Dhyanapeetam activities to the English-speaking public in Bangalore and Chennai.

Over a year ago, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM began to pen aseries of crisp and thought-provokingarticles on simple living and high thinkingfor the general public.

Titled Kadavai torai, kaatru varattum..! (Open the door, let the breeze in..!), these articles are being published in the Tamil magazine Kumudam, targeted at the youth and women. The response to the articles has been terrific, exceeding all expectations by topping the review charts fortnight after fortnight. Now into its 40th issue, these articles are certainly mirroring a shift towards deeper spirituality among today's generation.

ASP in progess: Discourse and meditation

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is invited to address a select gathering in a church in Fremont

Participants listen to a discourse at the ASP

Every year, lakhs of devotees flock to Thiruvannamalai to witness the Karthika Deepam, the sacred flame lit atop Arunachala during the Karthika festival in November/ December.

According to legend, it was on this day and in this very place that the goddess Parvati became enlightened after a period of arduous penance. On a small hillock facing Arunachala, a shrine dedicated to Devi (Parvati) stands even today.

This year, a small group of devotees, led by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, made our way to Thiruvannamalai to witness the event. Braving the crowds thronging Thiruvannamalai's narrow streets, fighting traffic, clambering up a rocky hillock, we finally got to the small Dhyanapeetam ashram, beautifully positioned with Arunachala to its west, and the Devi shrine to its east.

A sight like we never imagined awaited us at the top. As the sun set behind Arunachala, washing the western sky in a pink blaze, a luminous moon rose into the deep blue sky behind the shrine. We entered silently into meditation, guided by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

Suddenly the air was filled with ecstatic cries of Arunachala harohara!, and we saw that the Karthika Deepam had burst into life at the crest of the towering Arunachala. Below us, the temple towers, and the entire town, were illumined in fairytale lights.

It was an incredibly beautiful experience - that became still more precious and unforgettable by the divine presence of the Master.

Witnessing the Flame of Shiva: Karthika Deepam

Part 2: the formless in form - A pictoral biography of Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda Swami_English_part_2.md

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM locates thE exact rock upon which he had his first spiritual experience (satori) at the age of twelve.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM steps out for a moment onto the street where he spent his childhood years.

Stepping out was a bad idea..! THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is recognised, and a huge crowd gathers, eager for his blessings and his touch.

A NOSTALGIC MOMENT: THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM recounts the thrilling experience to a group of disciples.

The Formless in Form

Smt. S. P. Chithra 6, Krishna Apartments 7, III Floor, Pull Avenue Shenoy Nagar, Chennai.

Smt. Meyyammai Murugappan 'The Laurels", 9, Chittarajan Road Teynampet, Chennai – 600 018

Smt. Dr. P. Padmavathi 7/4, Damodaran Street T. Nagar, Chennai 600 017

Sri V.R. Ramanathan Smt. V.R. Annapoorni Smt. Valli Ramanathan 1/283 "Sripuram", Thoraipakkam Chennai-600 096.

Sri S. Ramanarayanan Smt. R. Lakshmi 39, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony

Offerings from Dhyanapeetam

Titles in English

The Formless in Form A pictorial biography of Swamiji

The Gossip Of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM A collection of Swamiji's most memorable quotes

A Small Story... Swamiji's best-loved parables

The Many Moods of Swamiji Swamiji captured on camera

From Pain to Bliss Insights from Swamiji

From Worrying to Wondering Insights from Swamiji

Question + Swamiji + Answer! Your questions answered

The Simple Truth, Straightaway! A public address by Swamiji

Is Spirituality relevant in our time? A frank talk with the press

Om Mani Padme Hum 27 ways to approach the Master

Discovering Love Insights from Swamiji

Open the door... let the breeze in! Swamiji's guide to simple living & high thinking

Ananda Healing : Your shortcut to God! An introduction to healing initiation

A Garland of Memories Devotees' reminiscences of time spent with Swamiji

Voices of Gratitude Testimonials about healing miracles

Nithyasmaran A printed collection of devotional songs

6, Vivekananda Avenue K.A.S. Nagar, Salem – 636 004 Sri Oshomani A Classic Acu Touch Clinic 55A, Ayyavu Strteet Udayar Palayam, Attur, Salem.

Sri S.K. Prasad Smt. Vani Prasad Advocate & Notary Panel Advocate 23, Sriram Nagar Behind Premier Roller Flour Mills Reddiyur, Salem – 636 016

Sri R.M. Palaniyappan 25, Kannara Street, Shevapet Salem – 636 002

Sri A.V. Prakasam Kumar Shirts, 142, 1st Agraharam Salem – 636 001

Dr. K.K. Rajagopal Kamala Hospital 256, 2nd Agraharam, Salem

Sri T. Rangaraj 24, Salai Road, Salem – 636 001

Sri P. L. Ramasamy 76 / 7, Shankar Nagar Salem – 636 007

Smt. Sivashakti Leela W/o. P. Ganesan 4/96, Kathavarayani Koil Thalavaipatti Post, Sithanoor Salem – 636 302

Sri P. Suriya Kumar Anbazhagan 173, Gnana Subramanya Nagar Thoppukadu, Fairlands, Salem – 636 016

Sri Sridhar 9, Krishnan Koil Street, Salem – 636 001

Sri M.P. Sekar 19-A, Sannadhi Street Subramaniya Nagar, Salem – 636 005

Sri Saluja Anand Kumar 33, Vidyalaya Road, Salem – 636 007

Sri Sudhakar Tower House, 80, Cherry Road Salem – 636 007.

Dr. Sridhar 7A, Sankar Nagar, Salem – 636 007

Sri Thangavelu Sri T. Senthil Kumar Smt. Punidavathi 94, Greenways Road Fairlands, Salem – 636 016

Smt. R. M. Sigappy 76/7, Shankar Nagar, Salem – 636 007

Sri M.S.P. Subramaniam Smt. Lalitha Subramaniam Srilakshmi 2B, Sarada College Road

Salem 636 007

Sri R. Shashidhar 4/93, Greenways Road, Fairlands Salem 636 016

Smt. K. Sumathi 1A/1, Yercaud Main Road North Side of Collectors Bungalow Salem 636 007.

Sri.Tholkappiam 5-D, Kasakanoor Salem 636 005

Smt. K. Unnamalai Mettupatti Thathanoor (PO) Ayodhyapattanam (Via), Salem.

Smt. Vasantha 26, Marimuthu Street, Ammapet Salem 636 003. TRICHY Sri. A Sheik Mohammad 5, 2nd Floor,Tab Complex Cantonment, Trichy.

YERCAUD Smt S.P. Geetharaj House of Peace, Ram Road Yercaud.

Smt. Madhavi Kannappan Marylands Estate, Pattipali Yercaud – 636 660

Sri L.R.M. Valliappa Smt. V. Vasantha Vasambadi Estate, Yercaud 636 601

Smt.Ellen Elisabeth Ramsoey Hans Aanrudsuei 18B 2618 Lillehammer, Norway

Smt. Radhika Vadiraja 4, Chestnut Court 37, Bath Road, Hounslow Middlesex TW3 3BP United Kingdom

Smt. Ana Ahluwalia 4525, Olde village CR Edmond, OK - 73013, USA

Sri. Chowdappa Ramakrishnan 108 APT 'G' West Constitution Norman OK 73072 Sri. Niranjan Krishnamoorthy

10340, Maya Linda Road B-106, San Diego CA 92126

Dr. R. G. Krishnan M.D., F.R.C.S. 31, Snowberry Guide, Venitia - PA 16367 Sri. Ram Vairavan

1647, Andorre Glen, Escondido CA 92029.

Smt. Rashmi Ramaprasan 939, Azure Street, Apartment 4 Sunnyvale, CA 94087.

Smt. Sharmila Mackallor 5788, Rochester Court San Jose, CA 95123.

Sri Subu Subramanian Smt. Nacha Subramanian Krishna Subramanian Nachi Subramanian 41816, Mission Cielo Court Fremont, CA 94539.

Sri. Siva Vallabhaneni 1009 Caines Hill Road, Edmond OK 73034

Dr. Swarna Reddy 869, Floros De Oro S.Pasadena, CA 91030

Smt. Vijaya L Malpani 1617 Queens Town RD Okla City OK 73116.

Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Smt. Seetha Muthaiah 11, South Avenue, Srinagar Colony Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015

Smt. Sivagamasundari 4/4, Appaswamy Street 7th Avenue, Harrington Road Chetpet, Chennai – 600 031

Smt. R. Umayal 24, Arunachalam Road, Kotturpuram Chennai – 600 085.

Smt. Visalakshi Ramasamy 20, Ganapathy Colony Alwarpet, Chennai – 600 018

Sri. Valliappan 14, Nathamuni Street Shenoy Nagar, Chennai 600030

Smt. R.M. Valliammai New No. 21, Ambadi Road Kotturpuram, Chennai 600 085

Sri D. Vasudevan AH 204, 3rd Street, Annanagar Chennai.

Sri. Krishnamurthy N' Block, 3-A, Kovalpudur Coimbatore - 641 042. Smt. Mathaji Ruckmani Devi 253, Balaji Nagar, Chikkaram Palayam P.O. Coimbatore Dt – 641 104 Sri. R. Subramaniyan Nature Cure Center, I.O.B. Colony Marudamalai, Coimbatore - 641 046.

Sri. K . Somasundaram Devarajapalayam, Bairanathan (Post),Pappireddipatty (TK) Dharmapuri - 636 905. Smt. K. Vasuki 152/2, G.K. Road Papayapatti Pudhur(Post) P.R. Patti TK, Dharmapuri

Sri.P.Ramanathan 16,Karuppanna Swami Koil Street 1st Floor, Surampatti Road, Erode-638009. Sri. P. Muruganandham 129, Muthusamy Street Fort, Erode 638 001. Tel:

Smt. Amutha & Sri. Nitty 1/120, Polytechnic Road Gandhi Nagar, Gudiyatham-632 604

Smt. Nirmala Flat No: 315 - 316, B BlockMay Flower Park Nacharam Road Hyderabad - 500 076.

Smt. S. Umadevi Shankara Vidyalaya Opp.R.T.O., Kolar 563101.

Smt.Mala Sridhar 44, Bhagirathi, Afghan Church Colaba, Mumbai-400005 Sri. Suresh Uberoi Smt.Yashodhara Uberoi Meghna Uberoi 5,Golden Beach Society Ruia Park, Gandhi Gram Road Juhu, Mumbai - 400049 Sri. Satish & Ritu Panjabi 508, 'Mansarovar', Mt. Pleasant RoadMalabar Hill, Mumbai- 400006.

Dr. G. Anbuganapati 25G, Vengamedu, Velur Namakkal Dt. - 638 182. Sri. R. Thiagarajan Mrs.Soundaram Thiagarajan 35 Kamarajar Nagar, Pattam Road Rasipuram, Namakkal (D.T) - 637408

N.Jagannathan S/O K.M Nanjan, Kilkavatty PO Nilgiris-643004.

Sri N. Ganesan 101-Canteen Street, Pondicherry – 605 001

Sri D.M. Chinniah & Smt. C. Adaikammai 108, Nizam Colony, Pudukottai – 622 001 POLLACHI Smt. Sitaa Kalingarayar, 'Aranmanai' Zamin Uthukuli Pollachi - 642004.

Sri G. Aribaskaran Smt. Yasotha Govindrarajan 4/218, V. K. N. Colony, SwarnapuriSalem – 636 006. Sri S. Appusamy 9B/4, Om Sakti Illam Tharamangalam Road, Salem – 636 052 Sri P.L. Alagappan Sabari Illam, 38/376 Kandappa Colony New Street, Annathanapatti, Salem. Sri D. Rajaram & Smt. Thilagavathi Sri Balaji & Sri Kannan 53/30, 6th Cross, Narayana Nagar Kithchipalayam, Salem – 636 015 Sri K.P. Everest 2, Sannadhi Street, Subramanya Nagar Salem 636 005 Smt.K.Gomathi 9B 4th Pillayar Koil Street, Guhai Salem 636006. Dr. K. Jegadeesan 68, Anbu Nagar, Manakkadu Salem 636 007. Sri N. Kannan C-20, Tamil Nadu Housing Board Phase II, Iyamperumalpatti Salem 636 008. Sri P. N. Kandaswami 77-J, Kaveri Avenue Amirithanantha Kudir M.D.S. Nagar, Hausthumpatti Salem 636 016. Sri R. Krishnaraj Chettiyar 52/7, Sanyasi Gundu Extn Kitchipalayam, Salem – 636 015 Smt. K. Mangayar Karasi 77-I, Kavery Avenue Amirithanantha Kudir M.D.S. Nagar, Hasthumpatti Salem – 636 016 Sri B.S.S.Mani Smt. M. Kalpana 15, Lakshmi Chetty Road Shevapet, Salem – 636 002 Sri P.L. Mohan 3/398 B Ittery Road, Nethimedu Salem – 636 002. Sri A. Muralidharan 34, Ramu Illam, Five Roads State Bank Colony, Salem Sri M.Manickam Smt. M. Bharathi S/o. Muthu Gounder Koottathupatty (PO), Salem 636 139 Sri R. Mathu (Sweet Merchant) Junction Main Road Tharamangalam, Salem–636 016 Sri M. Murali Murali Coffee Bar 5 DD Road,Opp. Alankar Theatre, Salem. Sri H. Noble Maria Regis 24, Indra Nagar, Narasethipatti

Salem – 636 004.

Smt. R. Nalina

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is a truly revolutionary spiritual master of our century.

Swamiji embarked upon his spiritual journey at a very young age. He traversed the length and breadth of Bharat on foot, studying with great masters in Bharat and Nepal and practising intense tapasya with extraordinary vigour. He experienced the final flowering of consciousness on 1st January, 2000 - the sacred day of his Enlightenment.

With a pragmatic yet compassionate approach to life and spirituality, and an enlightened insight into the core of human nature, Swamiji has reached out to touch millions of hearts across the world.

Swamiji's mission is simple - to awaken the divinity that lies latent in man. To this end, he inaugurated the worldwide movement for meditation - Dhyana Peetam - on 1st January, 2003. With its spiritual nerve centre in Bidadi (near Bangalore in Bharat) and over 100 centres around the world, Dhyana Peetam works towards the transformation of humanity through the inner transformation of the individual. Swamiji's divine healing powers and simple, practical meditation techniques help you blossom in every sphere of life - be it physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual.