Padma Shri awardee, Guru Baba Sivanand passed away due to health complications His disciples claim he was 128. After being admitted to the BHU Hospital on April 30, he took his last breath on Saturday. As per the disciples, his last rites will be performed later in the evening today, May 4. Currently, his body has been kept at his residence in Kabirnagar Colony for the people to pay their last respects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X hailed the guru for inspiring generations and termed his death an “irreparable loss.” “It is extremely saddening to hear about the demise of Shivanand Baba Ji, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi. His life dedicated to yoga and sadhana will continue to inspire every generation of the country. He was also awarded Padma Shri for serving the society through yoga.

“Shivanand Baba’s departure to Shivaloka is an irreparable loss for all of us Kashi residents and millions of people who draw inspiration from him. I pay my tribute to him in this hour of grief,” he said.

Who was Baba Sivanand?

The 128 year old Padma Shri awardee was born in 1896 in present-day Bangladesh. Hailing from the Sylhet district, he had lost his parents to starvation when he was just six. Since then, he followed a life of austerity and discipline, eating only half a stomach of food, Baba’s disciples shared with PTI.

Omkarnand became his guardian and mentor following the demise of his parents. Guiding him through spirituality, Omkarnand was behind his exemplary life teachings and lessons. Recognised for his contributions to yoga and spirituality, Baba Sivanand was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022.

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His disciples credited his strong-will and robust health to his disciplined lifestyle. They shared that he would wake up at 3 am every day, practice yoga, and manage all his chores by himself even at the age of 128. He ate only boiled food and slept on a mat.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid his tributes to the yoga guru and prayed for his salvation via social media.”It is very sad that famous yoga guru of Kashi ‘Padma Shri’ Swami Shivanand ji, who made an unparalleled contribution in the field of ‘Yoga’, passed away. Humble tribute to him!” the Uttar Pradesh CM wrote on X.

“Your sadhana and yoga-filled life is a great inspiration for the whole society. You dedicated your whole life to the expansion of yoga. I pray to Baba Vishwanath to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved followers to bear this immense grief. Om Shanti!” he added.

(with PTI inputs)