Nigamananda Paramahansa

Gurudham

Maharaj SwamiNigamananda

Nirbikalpa Sidhi Sthal of Swami Nigamananda Nilachal Hills Kamakhya Assam

Sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera

Cygnus olor 2 (Marek Szczepanek)

Nigamananda Paramahansa (1879–1935) was a prominent Hindu saint, yogi, and guru in early 20th-century India. He is revered as a significant figure in the realms of spirituality, yoga, and Vedanta. Nigamananda's teachings and life work continue to influence his followers and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Early Life

Nigamananda was born as Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay in the village of Kutabpur in Meherpur district, now in Bangladesh. His quest for spiritual knowledge began early in life after the tragic death of his wife, which led him to renounce the material world in search of enlightenment.

Spiritual Journey

Nigamananda's spiritual journey led him to learn from several gurus across different paths. He first became a disciple of a Sannyasi named Srimat Swami Bhaskarananda Saraswati, from whom he learned the principles of Advaita Vedanta. His quest for knowledge then led him to the path of Bhakti under the guidance of a Vaishnav saint named Srimat Sachchidananda Paramahansa, where he deeply explored the devotional aspects of spirituality.

In his pursuit of yoga, Nigamananda was guided by a yogi named Sumeru Dasji, who introduced him to the practices of Raja Yoga. He also sought the teachings of Tantra under the tutelage of a master named Bamakhepa, who was a renowned tantric of Tarapith.

Teachings and Philosophy

Nigamananda's teachings were a synthesis of the four major paths of Hindu spirituality: Karma Yoga (the path of action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), Raja Yoga (the path of meditation), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). He emphasized the importance of a guru in one's spiritual journey and advocated for the integration of spiritual practices with daily life.

He founded the Saraswata Matha (monastery) to disseminate his teachings and also established the Nilachala Saraswata Sangha to organize his followers and promote spiritual practices among them.

Literary Contributions

Nigamananda authored several influential works in Bengali and Sanskrit, including Yogi Guru, Jnani Guru, Tantra Guru, and Bhakta Guru, which detail his experiences with his four gurus and his insights into the respective paths. His autobiography, Amar Jivani, provides a detailed account of his spiritual journey and philosophical understandings.

Legacy

Nigamananda Paramahansa's legacy is preserved through the continued activities of Saraswata Matha and Nilachala Saraswata Sangha. His teachings and life story continue to inspire spiritual seekers and practitioners of yoga and Vedanta. Annual gatherings and festivals are held in his memory, where his teachings are discussed and celebrated.

Death

Nigamananda Paramahansa left his physical body on November 29, 1935. His followers commemorate this day as his Mahasamadhi.