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Swami Vishuddhananda Paramahamsa – Gandha Baba (14 March 1853 – 14 July 1937) was a perfect Yogi. Through his austere Sadhana he acquired many super-natural spiritual powers, but he used to utilise these Siddhis only for the benefit of mankind. Although he lived a life of a man of the family, it did not stop him from performing his duty towards society as a spiritual leader. This master of Yoga and self-realisation lived in the first half of 20th century.
Born in west Bengal to a Chattopadhyaya Brahmin family, he was an embodiment of Yoga and knowledge of reality combined with compassion for one and all. He was proficient in natural sciences and was well known for his healing abilities; therefore, many were flocking under his wings seeking relief and solace. He would provide assistance without hesitation, and he could, only by his divine gaze upon those who were coming, treat various chronic and virulent diseases. He possessed the eight siddhis including Anima, Mahima, and others, which he demonstrated to his admirers. He had command over Surya-Vijnan, Chandra-Vijnan, Nakshatra-Vijnan, and Vayu-Vijnan. Gandha Baba performed miracles not for fame but to turn his admirers inward for self-realisation. He showed extraordinary miracles to emphasise that they are unreal and non-existent. He left a profound impact on those who encountered him during his lifetime. His teachings continue to inspire seekers on the path of self-realisation.
Yogirajadhiraj Shri Vishuddhananda Paramahamsadeva, or Gandha-Baba, the Perfume Saint, was a revered spiritual leader whose teachings continue to touch the hearts of many. His emphasis on inner peace, meditation, and fragrance as a means of connecting with the divine left a lasting impression on all who encountered him.
One notable attribute of Shri Vishuddhananda Paramahamsadeva was his body. As a result of his rigorous practice, he did not need to inhale polluted air from the outside atmosphere like ordinary humans do. Instead, he breathed self-purified air from within his body through his naval. His purified body emitted a continuous fragrance reminiscent of lotus flowers. This state is achieved when one can control the movement of their breath through Sushumna-Nadi. Shri Vishuddhananda Paramahamsadeva’s physical body was truly extraordinary, reflecting the purity and divinity within him. His spiritual practices were awe-inspiring, and his way of life set an example for others to follow.
In 1853, a son was born to Shri Akhil Chandra Chattopadhyaya and Shrimati Raj Rajeshwari Devi. From the moment of his birth, this child exhibited an extraordinary magnetism through his charming features, smile, and grace. His parents named him Bhola Nath, meaning innocent in Sanskrit. From a young age, Bholanath displayed remarkable spiritual and moral aptitude. His character exuded strength, determination, and fearlessness. Unlike his peers, he showed little interest in typical games and sports. Instead, he found solace in solitude, crafting idols of gods and goddesses from clay. Bholanath would lovingly offer flowers to his creations, recite stotras, and engage in rituals to worship them. This unique passion set him apart from his playmates and hinted at a deeper connection with the divine. His aloofness did not stem from a lack of social skills but rather from a profound spirituality that seemed to emanate from within him. While others reveled in the physical world, Bholanath sought solace in the ethereal realm of devotion.
Even in his early childhood, he performed extraordinary miracles. Following are few instances of such:
As he grew older, Bholanath’s spiritual gifts continued to blossom, but it all started when he met Swami Abhayanand, who belonged to the secret Gyanganj Yoga-Ashram in Tibet. He learned that a Sanyasi had come to his village and decided to visit him. He brought two friends of his alongside. Sanyasi told him they will meet some time later again. Their next meeting happened in Tibet, where they became brother-disciples. Several years after this meeting, when Baba was at the age of 13, he got bitten by a mad dog, and became very ill. Nothing helped and the family decided to bring him to the Ganga river, as it is an auspicious place to be at the time of death. Nonetheless, a Sanyasin happened to be at the river, gave cure to Baba and assured him of his long-lasting and very successful life. He foretold to Baba that he will become great Yogi. As the cure had a positive effect on him, Baba eagerly ran to Sanyasin to express his gratitude and ask to stay with him. Sanyasin taught him Yoga Asana, Bij Mantra and assured Baba that he would come to take him to his Guru after some time. Upon second meeting with this Sanyasi, Baba learned that it was no other than the great Siddha Yogi Swami Nimanand Paramahamsa. As Sanyasin promised, he came to take Baba to his Guru.
After transcending the state of Sanyas, his Gurudeva Shri Mahatapa Maharaj advised him that uplifting society is more important than self-upliftment. He ordered Vishuddhananda to go back into the world, marry and work for the good of the people. Vishuddhananda accepted his Guru’s command, although he didn’t initially like it. In order to sustain himself and his family, he asked his Guru what he should do since he had no skills in any trade. Shri Mahatapa suggested practicing medicine as a vocation. Vishuddhananda diligently studied Bengali literature on Ayurveda and gained a good knowledge of medicine and curing diseases. With the blessings of his Guru, he quickly grasped the system of Ayurvedic medicine. In addition to medicine, Shri Mahatapa also allowed Vishuddhananda to practice Yoga-Jyotish (Yoga-astrology) to increase his income. During his training at Gyanganj, Vishuddhananda had learned this art along with other subjects. Yoga-Jyotish enables a Yogi to accurately predict the exact time of conception using Yogic-Siddhi. By following his Guru’s guidance and utilising his skills in medicine and Yoga-Jyotish, Vishuddhananda embarked on a path to serve society and uplift others.
In 1891, at the age of 38, Swami Vishuddhananda married in Guskara under the guidance of Shri Bhriguram Paramhansa and the orders of his Supreme Guru Shri Mahatapa. Despite attaining the status of a Tirtha-Swami, he chose to spend the next 46 years as a householder, dedicated to uplifting society. His guru believed that serving humanity was more important than individual spiritual advancement. Swami Vishuddhananda’s commitment to this cause lasted until his death in July 1937.
Gandha Baba was part of Paramahamsa tradition. He was a Siddha Yogi from Gyanganj. He grew up and studied and acquired all knowledge in secret Yoga Ashram of Gyanganj. First ever transfer of spiritual energy and initiation, Baba received from revered Highness Shri Mahatapa Maharaj.
As initiated Bramachari, Baba undergo a Yoga training, so he could keep his body and mind disciplined. Shri Bhriguram Paramahamsa was Baba’s Yoga trainer. Since Baba had sharp intellect, he was allowed to study Natural sciences and Yoga simultaneously. His instructor of Natural sciences was Shri Shyamanand Paramahamsa. After Bramachari, He became Tirth Swami and then Dandi Swami. Later, he attained Hansa avashta (consciousness level where gross and subtle become one). He was a Surya Vigyan Sadhu, which is very rare. Also, he was a homeopath and Ayurvedic doctor. He mastered Jyotish as well. Baba was an ardent devotee of Maa Kali. As Shiva and Shakti manifest together, Baba was walking the path of Shiva and Shakti Tantra together.
Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, he honed his expertise at the prestigious Siddha Vigyan Ashram under the guidance of esteemed teachers like Swami Nemanandji, Shyamananda Paramhansa ji, Bhriguram Paramhansa ji, and Divyanand Paramhansa ji.
Driven by his passion for this advanced science, Swami Vishuddhanandaji established a scientific center in Varanasi. Here, he imparted knowledge on how any element can be transformed into another through these unique sciences. His teachings emphasised that nothing is destroyed but rather undergoes a transformation in its state. According to him, energy lies at the core of existence and knowledge finds its essence in science. With his profound understanding and practical approach, Swami Vishuddhanandaji captivated students eager to unravel the mysteries of the Sciences of the Sun. His teachings shed light on how this ancient wisdom holds the key to unlocking countless possibilities for mankind. Swami Vishuddhanandaji’s scientific center became a beacon for those seeking enlightenment and empowerment through this fascinating field. Students flocked from far and wide to learn from this distinguished master who had mastered an art form that bridges ancient wisdom with modern-day understanding.
Baba’s main Teaching—One cannot attain divinity without devotion and pure love. Real devotion gives rise to true love. However, purpose-oriented devotion for the fulfillment of a desire can never lead to true love. It is not even considered as true devotion. To achieve real devotion, one must evolve true knowledge, which cannot be obtained through empty and purposeless knowledge derived from scripture study. True knowledge is acquired when the mind gets purified, and mind-purification depends on the appropriate performance of religious rites and Kriya. By following the Kriya prescribed by the Guru with devotion, steadiness, regularity, and faith while maintaining a pure conduct and character, one can achieve true knowledge (Jnan). Yogis refer to this action as ‘Yoga’. Engaging in other types of work is not considered Yoga and does not contribute to Chitta purification either. Therefore, if one keeps their conduct and character unblemished and wholeheartedly practices Yoga without interruption for a long time, they are bound to achieve mind-purification and self-realisation. Through this process, the knot in the heart unravels, doubts disappear, and accumulated negative effects are eliminated. This leads to the attainment of divinity.
Sadhana
Gandha Baba as Dandi-Swami and Sanyasi
Baba taught that the path to attaining proficiency in Yoga involves both theoretical instruction and practical application. However, before one can fully utilise the means and methods of Yoga, they must first overcome five impediments: ignorance, egoism, attachment, hatred, and fear of death. To achieve liberation from these obstacles, a spiritual aspirant must diligently monitor their thoughts and actions in their daily life. Once the theoretical instruction has been completed, the Gyanganj Ashram prescribes a four-year period during which the Brahmachari holds a symbolic stick called a Danda and becomes a Dandi-Swami. After this phase, the aspirant renounces the stick and is initiated into Sanyas, entering the final stage of their spiritual journey. During the next four years as a Sanyasi, the practitioner leaves the ashram to live among people in society. This period allows them to practice controlling and eliminating the above-mentioned impediments while engaging with the world. Baba himself traveled extensively throughout India during this time, seeking solitude in caves nestled within mountains and forests.
Through deep meditation and intense practice, Bholanath made remarkable progress in his Sadhana. He experienced awe-inspiring manifestations of Yogic powers known as Siddhis. Additionally, he had the privilege of attending discourses by Gambhir Nath, a revered Yogi from the Nath-panthi tradition. Baba Vishuddhananda later shared stories of Swami Gambhir Nath’s extraordinary yogic achievements with his disciples. After his travels, Baba returned to Gyanganj. There he desired to learn the Nabhi-Dhauti Kriya technique. This practice involves swallowing a long piece of soft cloth and pushing it through the intestines, ultimately pulling it out of the anus. The purpose? To cleanse the entire intestinal canal system. Bhriguram Swami took it upon himself to teach Sanyasi Vishuddhananda the art of performing Nabhi-Dhauti Kriya. With unwavering determination and constant hard work, Vishuddhananda was able to master this arduous technique within a surprisingly short timeframe. This gave ability to expand or contract any part of his body, to make it bigger or smaller. Furthermore, Baba attained perfection in Kirat-Dhauti which is the advanced version of Nabhi-Dhauti, and afterwards Kirat-Khumbak (possibility to enter any body and read minds).
Baba as Tirtha Swami
During his stay in Guskara, Shri Baba, after becoming a ‘Sanyasi’, reached the advanced state of Tirtha-Swami. In this state, he acquired numerous Siddhis and achieved great spiritual progress. Tirtha-Swami Vishuddhananda, a dedicated yogi, embarked on a journey of intense penances during his time in Guskara. His yoga teacher, Shri Bhriguram Paramahamsa, was highly impressed and satisfied with his unwavering focus and determination. During his serious Sadhana, Baba learned to discriminate between the real and unreal and that knowledge granted him the title of Paramahamsa.
Baba as Paramahamsa
In 1910, Swami Vishuddhananda underwent a life-changing test at Gyanganj in front of the revered Swami Nimanand Paramahamsa. The purpose of this test was to determine his eligibility for the esteemed title of PARAMAHAMSA. Only after successfully passing this test was he bestowed with the honor. Following this significant milestone, Baba, as he was affectionately known, spent another year in Guskara until 1911. This marked a total of twenty years that he resided in Guskara, starting from 1891. The journey of Swami Vishuddhananda is one filled with dedication and spiritual growth. His qualification for the state of a PARAMAHAMSA exemplifies his deep understanding and connection to higher realms of consciousness. During his time in Guskara, Baba undoubtedly left an indelible impact on those around him. His teachings and guidance provided valuable insights into the path of self-realisation and enlightenment. It is through his wisdom and compassion that many found solace and direction on their own spiritual journeys. Throughout all of these years, Baba continued his stern practice of Poja-Kriya, whereas many miracles, witnessed by his devotees occurred, all the time.
Baba’s practices of Kumari Bhojan (virgin feeding) and Kumari Puja (virgin worship)
As previously stated, Baba worshiped Divine Mother profoundly, hence he developed the love for feeding and worshiping Kumaris. Kumaris, or virgins, hold a significant role in symbolising the all-powerful Supreme Goddess Mahashakti on Earth. This ancient tradition stems from the belief that these young girls possess a divine connection and are revered as living embodiments of the goddess. Shri Baba was known for performing miraculous acts. During these displays of power, an immense amount of heat would generate within his body. To alleviate this intense energy, he would offer food to the Kumaris, effectively calming the heat within him.
One of the main practices of Baba was Kriya Yoga
Based on the book of Baba’s life (Yogirajdhiraj Swami Vishuddhananda Paramahamsadeva) in his words:
‘You only keep performing your Kriya regularly. Do not deviate and look hither and thither. You will find that every thing will turn out well. Just as a child does not give a thought for his future and becomes carefree after surrendering himself entirely to the care of his parents, similarly you should also strengthen the feeling of surrender to God in your mind and you shall derive a lot of Peace and Strength. God always leads you on the right path. Even if on following the path inspired and motivated by Him, you come to grief or incur loss of money even then be firm in the belief that whatever. He had motivated you to do could not have been wrong and will surely lead to your welfare in due course of time. He will provide you protection all along and lead you on to the right path. Never be afraid. You will get what you want, once you whole-heartedly surrender to Him. Do not worry about any problem. With regular practice of Kriya, the feeling of dependence on God will develop by itself.’
Baba’s Devotion to duty-‘Karma’
Baba was a devoted practitioner of the concept of ‘Karma’, emphasising the importance of sincere service and unwavering commitment to one’s duties. He believed that simply reading scriptures or following rituals was not enough to attain true knowledge or self-realisation. Instead, Baba insisted on the continuous and dedicated performance of one’s duties. According to him, changing one’s destiny was possible through persistent and diligent practice. He considered the unceasing effort in pursuing Yogabhyas (spiritual practice) as the real purpose of life and the true form of Karma. Baba encouraged his followers to engage in daily Yoga Karma prescribed by their Guru with unwavering faith and discipline. By utilising and strengthening the spiritual energy imparted by the Guru during initiation, one could purify their mind, leading to a profound understanding of oneself. From this knowledge, devotion (Bhakti) would arise, followed by love (Prem). As an individual reached the stage of Prem, their heart would become pure and filled with compassion. It is at this point that an intense longing for the divine presence of Mahashakti Jagadamba would emerge.
Since his birth, Gandha Baba displayed many miracles. Here, we will look at some of them:
Transformation of one object into another
In a demonstration by Baba, he showcased how an ordinary Rose flower could be transformed into a Jawa flower. Using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the Sun onto the Rose, a gradual change took place. The Rose started disappearing, and in its place, a fully blossomed Jawa flower appeared. This transformation was not only an optical illusion but also had physical effects as the Jawa flower remained for several days before fading away naturally. Baba explained that he used Surya-Vijndn (knowledge of solar energy) to achieve this transformation. However, he also mentioned that other natural sciences like Chandra Vijnan (knowledge of lunar energy) or Vayu Vijnan (knowledge of air energy) could have achieved similar results, albeit at a slower pace. Baba stated that this transformation could also have been accomplished through pure Ichchha Shakti (will power) by a Siddha Yogi. This highlights the potential within human beings to shape their reality through sheer determination and focused intention.
Matter is indestructible
Shri Baba demonstrated this fact through practical examples. In the first instance, he asked Shri Gopinath to write something on a piece of paper, burn it, and pulverise the ashes. Then, miraculously, he resurrected the same paper with the sentences written on it.
In another instance, Baba threw a pail full of milk into the river Ganga in Varanasi. After a few days, he reclaimed the same pail-full of milk from another ghat in Varanasi.
Furthermore, Baba showed that even if someone passes away from the mortal world to heaven, a Yogi can bring them back through Yogic power. He brought his deceased father back into this world at Bondul upon his brother’s request.
The Materialisation of the Dead Father in Physical Form
Bhootnath approached his brother, Vishuddhananda, with a unique request. He had a deep desire to see their late father in physical form, believing that through spiritual practice and yogic powers, this could be achieved. Despite Bholanath’s attempts to dissuade him, Bhootnath persisted. Finally, Bholanath agreed to fulfill his brother’s wish. A room was prepared according to his instructions, with a cot and new bedding. At the appointed hour, their late father appeared in his usual physical form and interacted with them for about fifteen minutes before departing. However, this encounter had an unexpected consequence on Bhootnath’s psyche. Seeing their deceased father in bodily form left a deep and harmful impact on his mind. This incident raises an important question – what is gained by seeing our deceased loved ones in physical form? The soul is eternal; death only changes the external appearance of the body. Accepting the will of God and finding peace in what has already transpired may be more beneficial than seeking such encounters. Bhoolanath reminded Bhootnath that even Maharshi Vyasdeva had resurrected dead relatives after the battle of Mahabharat. However, he also emphasised that keeping one’s sanity intact when confronted with a deceased loved one is not easy.
Pre-knowledge of future events
Bholanath, now known as Swami Vishuddhananda, demonstrated his yogic power by curing his brother’s chronic disease with just a gaze. However, he warned his brother to avoid onions and eggs for his health. Ignoring the advice, Bhootnath resumed consuming these forbidden foods and soon fell ill again. From a distant location, Vishuddhananda sensed the deteriorating condition of his brother and the anguish of their mother. Distance held no barrier for the yogi, who instantly appeared in their village. He explained to their mother that due to Bhootnath’s disobedience, there was no hope for a cure. Astonishingly, he also predicted the exact date and time of Bhootnath’s death before disappearing. True to Vishuddhananda’s prophecy, Bhootnath passed away precisely as foretold. The mother was overcome with grief until Vishuddhananda returned once more. With a simple touch of his hand, he alleviated her sorrow.
Another instance is that in a fateful turn of events, Bhootnath’s daughter found herself at the center of an arranged marriage. Bholanath, her uncle, held a deep understanding of the divine will but remained silent on his thoughts about the proposal. Following the wedding, concerns arose about the future of Bhootnath’s daughter. Bholanath confided in his mother, revealing a chilling insight: his niece was destined to become a widow mere days after her marriage. It was an inevitable fate. Bholanath’s prediction proved true.
More instances: One more prophecy came true before the second world war when Italy attacked Abyssinia. Years earlier, Baba had foretold that war was imminent, and it had begun with Italy’s aggression. When disciple Sanyal reminded him of this prophecy on reading the news in the newspaper, Baba casually remarked that this was just the beginning. He predicted a great war in which even Britain would be involved. His prophetic words, spoken seven years prior, proved to be remarkably accurate as the second world war unfolded and Britain indeed became entangled in the conflict. (This incident highlights Baba’s high achievements and supernatural powers. It is exemplified by a letter he received from his Guru-bhai, Swami Gyananand from Gyanganj. In the letter, Swami Gyananand acknowledges Baba’s greatness and describes him as a highly developed Yogi, Gyani (knowledgeable person), householder, and Tydgi (ascetic)).
Baba made his body lighter
Once Baba Vishuddhananda visited his disciple, Shri Gauricharan Roy, in his native village Sunarhi. A palanquin was sent to transport him from the railway station, but it hadn’t been used in a while and had some defects. Despite this, no one noticed the issues during the empty journey. When Baba was about to sit in the palanquin, he pointed out the cracked bamboo to Gauri Babu’s son and the carriers. They apologised and offered to repair it, but Baba assured them it would be fine. Surprisingly, when they carried him back to the village, the palanquin felt even lighter than before and there were no more cracks. Baba explained that if he hadn’t lightened his body through Anima Siddhi, the palanquin would have broken. This incident showcased Baba’s Siddhis on demand.
© MyDattatreya 2021 All rights reserved
Designed by Tamara Lj.