Trailanga

Trailinga Swami

Trailanga Swami (also known as Telang Swami and Trailingaswami) was a Hindu yogi and mystic famed for his spiritual powers and reported to have lived to the age of 280. He is a revered figure in Hinduism, particularly within the sects that focus on yoga and Tantra. Trailanga Swami spent the majority of his life in Varanasi, India, and is considered by many as a personification of spiritual living.

Early Life

Trailanga Swami was born in 1607 in the village of Holia at Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, with the birth name Shivarama. His parents were Narasingha Rao and Vidyavati Devi, devout followers of Lord Shiva. From a young age, Shivarama showed an inclination towards spirituality and asceticism. After the death of his parents, he renounced worldly life and began his spiritual quest.

Spiritual Journey

Shivarama traveled extensively across the Indian subcontinent, visiting many sacred sites and learning from various spiritual teachers. He eventually settled in Varanasi, which is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. It was in Varanasi that he became known as Trailanga Swami, a name that reflects his mastery over the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.

Trailanga Swami's teachings emphasized detachment from the material world and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. He was known for performing several miracles, such as levitation, telepathy, and spontaneous materialization, which attracted thousands of followers and the attention of many contemporary spiritual leaders.

Philosophy and Teachings

Trailanga Swami's philosophy was rooted in Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. He advocated for the realization of the self as one with Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism. His teachings were simple yet profound, focusing on the importance of self-realization, meditation, and the renunciation of ego and desires.

Legacy

Trailanga Swami left his physical body in 1887, but his legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers around the world. He is remembered as a symbol of renunciation, divine powers, and the timeless pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Many ashrams and spiritual centers in India are dedicated to his memory, and his life and teachings are the subject of numerous books and scholarly articles.

See Also

• Hinduism
• Yoga
• Tantra
• Advaita Vedanta
• Varanasi