Nigamananda Paramahansa

Not to be confused withNigamananda Saraswati.

Swami Nigamananda Saraswati
(Paramahansa Shrimad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva)
Personal
Born	Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay (1880-08-18)18 August 1880 Kutabpur, Nadia,Bengal,British India
Died	29 November 1935(1935-11-29)(aged 55) Kolkata,Bengal,British India
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
School	Vedanta
Organization
Order	Self-realization
Philosophy	Advaita Vedanta Bhakti yoga Tantra
Religious career
Guru	Bamakhepa,Sachidananda Saraswati, Sumerudas Ji aka Koot Hoomi, Gouri Maa
Disciples Durgaprasanna Paramahansa Durga Charan Mohanty Anirvan
Honors	Paramahansa,Sadguru

Quotation

My dear children! Life in the household is beset with many trials and tribulations. In spite of all these turmoils it has one advantage to provide – it can bring opportunities for realization of God and self

Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa(bornNalinikanta Chattopadhyay;18 August 1880– 29 November 1935) was an Indianyogi,guruandmysticinEastern India.He is associated with theShaktatradition and a spiritual master ofvedanta,tantra,yogaandprema or bhakti.His followers referred him asThakura.

Nigamananda was born into aBengali Brahminfamily in the hamlet ofKutabpurinNadia district(at present,Meherpur districtBangladesh). He was asannyasifromAdi Shankar'sdashanami sampradaya. After his ordination as a sannyasi, he came to be known asParibrajakacharya Paramahansa Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva.

Nigamananda achievedsiddhi(perfection) in four differentsadhanas(spiritual disciplines): tantra, gyan, yoga and prema.Based on these experiences, he wrote fiveBengali languagebooks:Brahmacarya Sadhana(ब्रह्मचर्य साधन),Yogi Guru(योगिगुरु),Gyani Guru(ज्ञानीगुरु),Tantrika Guru(तांत्रिकगुरु), andPremik Guru(प्रेमिकगुरु).Nigamananda reportedly experienced the state ofNirvikalpa Samadhi.

In 1912, on the eve ofAkshaya Tritaya,an event took place with the laying of the foundation ofShanti Ashramat Kokilamukh, Assam. Within the ashram, Thakur himself founded the space known as theGurubrhama Gaadi,which served as a focal point for devotees. Adherents from any religious tradition could come together to engage in their spiritual practices.

As an ascetic affiliated with the title ofSaraswatiunder theSringeri Math,Thakur named his ashram as "Saraswat Math". This nomenclature supported his spiritual lineage and also conveyed his reverence for the goddessSaraswati.

After retiring from Saraswata Math, Nigamananda spent the last fourteen years of his life inPuri.Durga Charan Mohanty,a school student, met him atNilachala Kutirin 1930 and recognized him asSadguru.

Life

Childhood, studies and service life (1880–1901)

कुतबपुर-Kutabpur(Gurudham), the birthplace of Swami Nigamananda indist. Nadia

At his birth, Nigamananda was named Nalinikanta (নলিনীকান্ত, ନଳିନୀକାନ୍ତ, नलिनीकान्त - inHindumeaning is: Lotus, water),per the wishes of his father, Bhuban Mohan and the advice of his father's guru,Swami Bhaskarananda Saraswati.At the age of thirteen (1893), Nalinikanta lost his mother Manikya Sundari Devi tocholera,pushing him into depression.In 1894–95, he passed the student scholarship examination and studied atMeherpur High School.

In 1895, he enteredDhaka Asanulla Engineering College.In 1897, his father married him to a thirteen-year-old girl named Sudhansubala Devi ofHalisahar.He completed his study in 1899, and joined a service in theDistrict Board of Dinajpur,the estate ofRani Rashmoni.At the end ofVadra,1901 (approximately five years after marriage) when he was serving as the supervisor of theNarayanpurEstate (Zamindari),Nalinikanta saw the shadowy image of his wife standing at the table glowering and silent while she was away atKutabpur(Nalinikanta's village). He went to Kutabpur to inquire and learned that she had died just an hour before his vision. He unsuccessfully attempted to reach his wife throughoccult science.

Turning point

Until he lost his wife, Nalinikanta had seen death as the end, but losing her led him to believe that there must be life after death.Nalinikanta became obsessed with this question. His inquiry took him toMadras(now Chennai) to studytheosophyat theTheosophical Society at Adyar.Through amedium,he was able to talk to his wife, but remained unsatisfied. His discussions at the society led him to search for ayogiwho could fulfill his desire to meet his dead wife and educate him in the true philosophy of "life after death".

Spiritual experience (1902–1905)

"Nalinikanta" took to asceticism and named after Nigamananda in 1904 (on the 11th Vadra in 1309 BS)

I had ramble like a mad chap caring little for bodily comforts for god andguru(master). God never descended for a moment to assist me. The day I traced myguruand received His blessings, things turned in my favour. Prior to that although I had undertaken various practices they did not yield any result. As soon as I come under the guidance of mygurudev(master) whatever practices I followed, I got success in each of them. It is therefore very importance thata blessing ofguruis very essential for success in spiritualsadhana-SWAMI NIGAMANANDA

One night, Nalinikanta dreamed of asadhuwith anaura.He woke up to find the sadhu standing beside his bed. The sadhu handed him abaelleaf with amantrawritten on it and then vanished. Nalinikanta asked many to help him understand its meaning. Finally he metBamakhepa,atantrikofTarapith,Birbhum district.Nalinikanta took initiation (dikhshya) from him and was directed to chant his mantra for 21 days.Under Bamakhepa's guidance he had physicaldarshanofTara Deviin the form of his wife.This darshan led him to another mystery. He saw Tara Devi coming out of his body and mingling with him. To solve this mystery,Bamakshepaadvised Nalinikanta to attain the knowledge ofAdvaitafrom avedanticguru. In 1902, he searched for ajnaniguru.He met guru Satchidananda Saraswati at the holy place ofPushkarin the Indian state ofRajasthan.He realized that Satchidananda Saraswati was thesadhuwho had given him theTaramantrain his dream. Nalinikanta became hisdisciple,and learned the theories ofBrahman(god as the formless one),Brahma sutrasandvedanta.He was initiated by the Satchidananda into renunciation and according to that principle changed his name to Nigamananda.

Satchidananda directed Nigamananda to undertake pilgrimages to the four institutions (Char Dham) of religious seats and to realize the significance of each, as the Hindus held these places of worship sacred.After these pilgrimages, he returned to the ashram.

On his arrival at the ashram, Sachidananda reviewed Nigamananda's pilgrimages and stated: "My boy, you have travelled widely and seen the religious places and acquired knowledge and experience. All that I had to teach you has been accomplished but it is for you now to put my teachings into practice. You have to experience for yourself the truth of your being and this can only be done through concerted efforts as well as the practice and observance ofyogicprinciples. Thus, you now have to seek out a guru who will provide you with proper guidance in this line ".

Gauhati(Assam)-Kamakhya Hill:This is the place, where Nigamananda experienced Nirivikalpa Samadhi (निर्बिकल्प समाधि)and the place is identified by government ofAssamin 2012.

Nigamananda then went out to seek a guru. In 1903, he met a "yogi guru" (yogamaster), whom he called "Sumeru Dasji" (otherwise known asKoot Hoomi Lal Singhor Kuthumi). Nigamananda was accepted as his disciple. Under Das's guidance he learned yoga.After hard practice, in the month ofPoushin 1904, Nigamananda was able to masterSavikalpa samadhi(the trance in which the yogi loses his body consciousness and acquires a transcendental consciousness while retaining his individual identity). Soon after Nigamananda desired to experience the state ofNirvikalpa,an advanced yogicsamadhisatKamakshya,GuwahatiAssam(Nilachal Hill).Nigamananda followers believe that he did enter by way of this samadhi and returned into his body with the residual consciousness of "I am the master or guru", and in yoga he had visualized and understood in his own body, his guru'svedicknowledge.

(The place where the "Nirvikalpa samadhi" was experienced by Swami Nigamananda has been identified. Assam Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik inaugurated the Nirbikalpa Sidhi Sthal of Swami Nigamananda at Nilachal Hills in Kamakhya Dham, Guwahati on 20 December 2012.)

In 1904, he was in Kashi (now known asVaranasi), whenGoddess Annapurnaappeared in a dream and stated thathis knowledge was limited to formless god and not gone beyond that, hence he was still incomplete.He accepted her challenge and traveled to Gouri devi (aSiddhaYogini) to learnBhavaSadhana.Gouri devi accepted him as disciple and taught himbhakti or prem(eternal nature of divine love play) to understand the physical world as the transformation of god in bhava sadhana.

Nigamananda's long and continued search for his guru, resembled the search undertaken by his future disciples to find him.

Recognition as paramahamsa (1904)

In 1904, Nigamananda went toAllahabadto seekumbha melaand learned that his master Sachidandand was in the area, staying with Sankaracarya ofSringeri Matha.He found Sankaracarya (Mahantor superior) sitting on a throne surrounded by 125monks,including his guru. Seeing him, Nigamananda went to pay his respects to his guru, and then to the higher-ranking mahant. The sadhu was upset by this perceived disrespect in not honoring the "mahant" first, but in response, Nigamananda quoted the scripture: "Mannatha shri jagannatha madguru shri jagadguru madatma sarvabhutatma tasmai shri gurave namaha (मन्नाथ श्री जगन्नाथ मदगुरु श्री जगदगुरु मदात्मा सर्वभूतात्मा तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः)", meaning, "My guru is highest in whole world, hence I should respect my guru first".Nigamananda further explained to the sadhu assemblies that "on the basis of thevedanta philosophythere was no difference between his 'Guru' (Shri Sachidanand Saraswati) and 'Jagadguru' (Shri Shankarcharya) ".

Jagadguru Sankaracarya endorsed this response and recognized Nigamananda as one who had achieved spiritual enlightenment.Jagadguru conferred him with the title "Paramahamsa"and was known as" Paribrajakacharay Paramahansa Shree Mad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva "(परिब्राजकचार्य परमहंस श्री मद स्वामी निगमानंद सरस्वती देव).

Maha Samadhi (1935)

Nigamananda spent the last fourteen years of his life inPuri.He taken Maha Samadhi inCalcuttaon 29 November 1935.In memory of Nigamananda, his followers gather at annual congregations (sammilani),and other ceremonial occasions.

His ashram at Halisahar,Saraswata Matha (previously Shanti Ashram) inJorhatand Sundarbans are places of pilgrimage.

Mission

Nigamananda's mission was to propagatesanatana dharma(सनातन धर्म), the spiritual foundation of the Hindu religion, to spread the "right kind of education"(सत् शिक्षा विस्तार) among people, to publish spiritual literature with emphasis on character building and to provide" service to all created beings "(नर देहे नारायण सेवा), with the attitude of serving the indwelling God.

In order to realize these objectives he enjoined his devotees to "lead an ideal family life" (आदर्श गृहस्थ जीवन गठन), to combine the power of spiritual associations (संघ शक्ति प्रतिष्ठा) and "to share or exchange spiritual feelings among the disciples" (भाव विनिमय).

Jayaguru (जयगुरु ଜୟଗୁରୁ জয়গুরু)

To achieve the above objectives, he initiated thousands of interested men and women of all walks of life and taught them his spiritual practices. They were devoid of sectarian bias in that they did not provide a complete package of worship, prayer and meditation. He encouraged his disciples to meet periodically in groups (sangha) of three or more to offer prayer and worship to the guru, to exchange spiritual experiences and to chant "jayaguru" (जयगुरु ଜୟଗୁରୁ),a non-sectarian word he invented, meaning "Glory of, by, and for the Master".

He instructed them to read spiritual books and devise ways and means for managingmathaand ashrams and pledging to lead the life of a spiritually inspired ideal householder. He advised his disciples that the glory of God or Guru is experienced through the medium of the word "Jayaguru". One can reach at God through this name, since God is the Guru or Master of the Universe. People belonging to any sect or creed can accept this name without any risk to their progress in the religious life.

Philosophy and teachings

Krishnahad toldArjunaabout the relationship between Guru and God during the course of His teaching. He had used the word "AHAM" when He meant Himself as Guru and "TAT" when He meant God. He mentioned God in the following verses:tat-prasadat param santim sthanam prapsyasi sasvatam(Bhagvad Gita 18.62).

Nigamananda was asanyasiof theAdi Shankaraorder. He studiedvedanta philosophydue to Shankaracharya after he was initiated as a sanyasi of that order.

Nigamananda's teachings were that guru andisthaare identical and that disciples should adopt ideals ofLord Shankar(i.e. the principles ofgyan) and ideals ofLord Gaurang(i.e. the path ofbhakti). He indicated that Shankar's disciplines were difficult and that Lord Gaurang offered an easier path. According to Nigamananda, Shankar and Gaurang provide a combination of Gyan and Bhakti to lead the world in the right way.

Nigamananda's philosophy and teachings as perChetanananda Saraswatiare explained here:

Avatar and Sadguru

Nigamananda never admitted that he was God-incarnate or anAvatar(अवतार) although many disciples fancied him as one.He stated that an incarnation is a descent of God on earth to uphold spiritual order. Although he could, the Avatar does not enlighten or guide individuals. Nigamananda wanted to be treated as a Sadguru (a perfect spiritual Master) who, on account of his quest over a succession of births and deaths, attained the knowledge of his Swaroop स्वरुप (true or potential nature, i.e., supreme universal consciousness). Scriptural evidence shows that Gautam himself had to pass through many births before realising the truth and becoming theBuddha.Nigamananda further pointed out that an Avatar does not remain in the state allowingleela(divine play.)

Sadguru, Jagadguru and God

According to Nigamananda the disciple should take his Guru to be the Jagadguru (or the World Master, thePurushottama) and not an ordinary human being, in tune withKrishna's statement in theBhagavad Gita:

He who truly knows My birth and activities to be divine is not born again but attains to Me–Bhagavadgeeta (4.9).

Patanjali'saphorism expands this idea: "By contemplating on the form of one who has no attachments, concentration of mind is attained", Nigamananda advised his disciples to meditate on his physical form such that all the admirable qualities and attributes in him would get automatically transferred into their beings and fashion their souls.Further he assured that because he had, by employing three modes of spiritual practice, simultaneously experienced the nature of Brahman (ब्रह्म), Paramatma (परमात्मा) (supreme universal self) and Bhagawan (भगवान) (personal and universal Godhead.) He proclaimed that his disciples would simultaneously have such an experience. That, he said, "was his only expectation from his disciples and he would love to wait for the day to see that fulfilled".

Order of spiritual attainments

According to Nigamananda, the theory of self-realization requires expanding the individual self to the status of the universal self. The expansions can be practiced only by the competent among the aspirantsanyasisby means of intellectual inquiry, analysis and meditation, although service to the Master is the key to success in such pursuits as well.However, Nigamananda pointed out that transcendental divine love and ecstasy could be experienced by the fortunate ones only after they had attainedmonisticrealization of the supreme as declared byLord Krishnahimself in the Bhagavad Gita:

Having realized the state of oneness with the supreme self or Parabrahman and attaining tranquility in spirit, the aspirant neither grieves nor desires and regarding all beings as alike he attains supreme devotion to Me-Bhagavadgeeta (18.54).

Reconciliation of monistic and dualistic pursuits

Unlike saints who recognized and preached a diversity of doctrines for self / God realisation and offered multiple paths to attain them, Nigamananda suggested the realisation of the oneness of self and the supreme universal self (orParabrahman-परंब्रह्म) as the true and the highest goal of human life.

For most aspirants, the path is one of devotion to the spiritual master (Sadguru) who initiates them. Rendering personal service to the Master and invoking his grace through prayers, chanting and simple meditation are the modes of spiritual practice for them. They will acquire non-dualistic realization that their Master is a realized soul (Brahmajnani-ब्रह्मज्ञानी) and experience bliss due to intense love for him over the course of time, when they are enabled to participate in his Leela (love play-लिला) for helping others.

Nigamananda pointed out that the path shown byGauranga,who practiced and preached unconditional devotion and love for God, was rather narrow, inasmuch as it was directed toSri Krishnaas the only God. In order to broaden that path, Nigamananda suggested taking the master as an embodiment ofSri Krishna(or any other deity whom the aspirant loved), in which case the guide himself becomes the goal.

In this way, Nigamananda reconciled the two contradictory creeds ofShankaracharyaandGaurangawho advocated the principle and practice of apparent duality between the devotee and God. Nigamananda pointed out that in the path of devotion and love the aspirant has to subdue or tame his ego and hence he attains to the same stage as that of the monastic aspirant whose ego loses its identity on attaining to his goal. In the former case, the devotee's individuality is reduced to a trifle, overpowered by personal god-consciousness, whereas in the latter the aspirant loses his self-consciousness in the ocean of impersonal universal consciousness.

Jnanachakra

Nigamananda pointed out that although the doctrine of monastic vedanta philosophy treats the supreme reality in terms of oneness of individual and universal consciousness, it does not explain the structure of the material creation that is addressed bySamkhya philosophy.

This latter does not treat the supreme reality as well. Similarly, whereas Christianity emphasizes service and surrender as means to God realization, the Indian philosophy ofPoorva Mimamsaprescribes various rituals for the attainment of personal and collective happiness despite cycles of birth and death.

By means of a Jnanachakra (ज्ञानचक्र)chart (the spheres of spiritual cosmology) which he presented in a pictorial form, Nigamananda identified different layers of consciousness inter-woven in the microcosm (body) and the macrocosm (the universe) and pointed out the levels that aspirants ultimately attain. In this chart he placed Sri Krishna andSri Radha(or the Guru-गुरु and Yogamaya-योगमाया) in the transition between thenon qualified (Nirguna) Brahman(निर्गुण ब्रह्म)andqualified (Saguna) Brahman(सगुण ब्रह्म),which he called Nitya or Bhavaloka (भाव लोक).(Yogamayais a form of divine power,which incessantly attracts earth-bound souls and helps them realise their true blissful nature and participate in divine play).

AParamahamsacan be accepted as a perfect man and is to be considered as the God-man. At this he remains in "Chinmaya" form i.e. eternal body and becomes the fountain of love (Prem).

Other key teachings

Other key teachings of Nigamananda as stated byChetnananda Saraswatiare:

• Spiritual liberation requires the help of a liberated person (a Master Sadguru or simply Guru). In the Hindu scriptures that person is known as Guru. Without his grace or favor none can make progress. He who has attained the ultimate reality (Paramatman or Brahman) as one and the same as himself (the Atman) is the Guru.
• The Guru cannot be equated in importance to formal learning, pilgrimage or divinity. No other is more worthy of respect.
• The Guru is the embodiment of what the Vedanta teaches – the individual self (the Atman) is one and the same as the cosmic self (Paramatman or Brahman).
• A Sadguru never curses anyone. Even his anger helps the disciple. The advantage of depending on a Sadguru is unique and is superior to depending on God because God never materializes to give instructions.
• The Guru and the disciple are inseparable in a way. The Guru cannot exist without being a part of a true disciple's personality or character.
• The two pathways to liberation are by initiation into and observation of the austerities ofsannyasayoga or by service to a Sadguru. The former is extremely arduous – the disciple must in a sense die. In other words, he must lose body consciousness. But if one unconditionally loves the Guru by way of rendering service to him sincerely, spiritual liberation may be obtained relatively easily.
• Nothing substantial can be achieved without Guru's grace.
• The mantra that Guru gives during initiation and the disciple's chosen divinity (orIsta) are the same. Unless the Guru becomes the chosen divinity, the mantra received loses its power.
• Acquisition of disciples is not Guru's profession; it is his heart's inspiration. The Guru cares for and guides the disciple hoping that one day the disciple will get spiritually enlightened.

Yoga, theories and techniques

The following theories are collected from the Oriya bookShri Shri Thakur Nigamananda(श्री श्री ठाकुर निगमानंद) and the writer, Durga Charan Mohanty-Banamali Dash:

Theory of jibanamukta upasana

One of Nigamananda's major precepts was the theory ofJibanamukta Upasana(जीवनमुक्त उपासना), which he believed could lead thesadhakato quick self-realization.

Karmic theory

According to Nigamananda,karmais of three kinds viz.kriyaman,sanchitaandprarbdha. Enjoying the results of one's labour while alive is kriyaman; death before enjoyment produces sanchitakarmaor accumulated labour. Enjoying accumulated karma after rebirth is prarbdha. By virtue of sadhana, the effects of kriyaman and sanchita can be wiped out during a life but it is not possible to erase prarbdha. A person possessed with worldly ambitions is sure to continue the endless journey of birth and death.Jivatmaleaves the gross body to travel in the spirit world orpret lok(ghost world). After undergoing karmic effects, it returns to the physical world with a body for the fulfillment of desires from its prior incarnation. How it moves from one world to another is a mystery. Yogis can perceive the mystery and tell the pastsanskarof jiva.

On death

Nigamananda said that one should remember that death is coming. Before working on good or evil deeds one should also remember that death is not far off. Contemplating death drives away the desire for sensual pleasure and evil thoughts and stops acts of injustice. Attachment to wealth and relations will then diminish. Earthly matters remain even after departure from this world. Only spiritual wealth remains as an asset to the individual. Those who have puffed with pride on account of their accomplishments will submit to the God of death when that hour comes. Drunk with pride, some persons ill-treat their brethren. They will be left in the deserted crematory ground with the beasts and birds waiting to feast upon their flesh. Thinking of this will drive evil thoughts from the mind.

Yoga

Nigamananda wrote a great deal onYoga.His theories and techniques can be found in his book "Yogi Guru".Samples:

Hatha yoga and Laya yoga

Hatha yogacan be carried out when the body is made fit for the purpose. The body should be cleansed first of impurities through sat sadhna, the six elementary practices of yoga. Hatha yoga is completely different fromlaya yoga.Hatha yoga can make the body strong, enabling it to survive for four hundred years or more, whereas laya yoga helps the aspirant to attain union with the supreme. If the body is not kept purified both externally and internally with hatha yoga, attempting laya yoga would yield no result.

Dharana and dhyan

Nigamananda taught that the breathing system is connected with the intricate workings of the mind. Therefore, practice ofpranayamaleads to calmer breathing and thereby maintains tranquility of mind. Mind is subjected to forces of disturbed thoughts owing to irregular breathing. He said "I had applied myself to the higher practices of yoga, thereafter, i.e.dharanaanddhyan(meditation) ". The sadhaka is likely to peril his life if he does not take assistance of another during these advanced practices. DuringDhāraṇā,the sadhaka experiences his own progress and when the estimated height in sadhana is achieved, he enters into successive steps of progress. While being absorbed in the practice ofdhyan,the sadhaka may cross over to the state of samadhi. When he achieves this state of consciousness is not predictable. Until samadhi, the sadhaka gropes in the darkness aided by Guru.

Sampragyant samadhi

Nigamananda pointed out that if earlier practices are perfected, the succeeding steps yield lasting results. The sadhaka enters samadhi as a matter of his own experience, including the awakening ofkundalini.The upward and downward motion of kundaliniis calledSampragyant Samadhi(सम्प्रज्ञात समाधि).

Works

Institutions founded

Garohill Yoga Ashram

Nigamananda founded his first Yoga Ashram in 1905 (1312 BS) at Kodaldhoa inGaro Hills,which is called now "Garohill-Yogashrama" (गारोहिल योगाश्रम). His famous book "Yogi Guru" (योगिगुरु), was written and composed here in 14 days.

Saraswata Matha

Main article:Shanti Ashram

Nigamananda foundedShanti Ashram(शांति आश्रम) in1912at Jorhat to fulfill his three missions, to propagate Sanatana Dharma (spreading eternal religion), spreading true education and serve everybody as god incarnate.

He took a plot of land of Jorhat inSibsagar districtand founded this ashram there onAkshaya Tritiya,in the month ofBaishakh(in 1319 BS according to Bengal calendar). This was called“Shanti Ashram”or Saraswata Matha (सारस्वत मठ), which went by the name ofAssam-Bengal Saraswata Matha(आसाम बंगीय सारस्वत मठ) in the later years. RishiVidyalayawas an important school founded under this matha for yoga training.

Retirement

Nigamananda initiated ten devout disciples intosanyasin the tradition of the "Saraswati" by order due to the great Sankaracharya, the juniormost among whom was "Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati"(an erudite scholar, philosopher and writer who became famous as Anirvan later on) and "Swami Prajnananda Saraswati". Swearing in Swami Prajnanandaji as themahantand Trustee of the "Saraswat Matha and Ashrama Establishments".Swami Nigamananda retired and resided inNilachala Kutirin Puri for several years, until 1935.

Swami Nigamananda's monastic organizationAssam Bangiya Saraswata Mathaat Kokilamukh,Jorhat,Indiacompleted 100 years in 2011

100 Years of Saraswata Matha (1912–2011)

ThisInstitution (Shanti Ashram)or "Saraswata Matha" founded by Swami Nigamananda in 1912 (1319 BS) reached its hundredth anniversary onAkshaya TritiyaBaishakh,2011 (1418 BS), i.e. 6 May 2011.

Nigamananda said, this matha is very dear to my heart, I can sacrifice my life hundred times for the sake of this matha.

Nilachala Saraswata Sangha

Main article:Nilachala Saraswata Sangha

Nigamananda accepted Jagannatha culture and advised his disciples to worship him according to their state/country's culture. He believed that Lord Jagannath is the "symbol of truth".

The daySravanPurnima (full moonday), on24 August 1934Friday,Nilachala Saraswata Sangha(NSS - नीलाचल सारस्वत संघ - ନୀଳାଚଳ ସାରସ୍ବତ ସଂଘ ପୁରୀ ) was established by Nigamananda at Nilachala Kutir (नीलाचल कुटीर-ନୀଳାଚଳ କୁଟିର), Puri.The Oriya devotees gathered there to celebrate his birthday. He advised them to form a religious circle. As per his wishes devotees started an association for religious talk and thusNilachala Saraswata Sangha(theSangha)came into existence to fulfill his tripartite objective: (1) leading an ideal family life, (2) establishment of combined power and (3) sharing of feelings.

Guru Braham Ashrams

Nigamananda established Guru Brahama Ashrams (गुरु ब्रह्म आश्रम) where people from any faith can come and pray in their own ways.

He instituted five Ashrams in five divisions ofundivided Bengal.They are Purba Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Moinamati, Comilla (Bangala Desh), now atTripura,Madhya Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Kalni,Dacca,nowPurbasthaliBardhaman district,Uttar Bangala Saraswat Ashram atBogra,Paschima Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Kharkusama,Midnapore,Dakhina Bangala Saraswat Ashram at Halisahar, 24 Paragans.

Nigamananda installed Jagat Gurus Ashan (जगत गुरु आसन), in 1915 at Kokilamukh, Jorhat, Assamand established many ashrams and made thousands of disciples in theguru-shishya tradition.

Other foundations

Followers of Nigamananda run Nigamananda Education Centers in Orissa,alsoschools and educational institutionsaround India.

Publications

Saraswata Granthavali

Sanatana Dharma Patrika-Arya Darapan

Nigamananda wrote and published a series of books, known collectively asSaraswata Granthavali(सारस्वत ग्रंथावली). These areBrahmacharya Sadhan(ब्रह्मचर्य साधन),Yogiguru(योगिगुरु),Tantrikguru(तांत्रिकगुरु),Jnaniguru(ज्ञानीगुरु), andPremikguru(प्रेमिकगुरु) which dealt with the fundamentals of almost all modes of sadhana (spiritual practice) prevalent inSanatan Dharma.Nigamanananda's followers believe that these books are useful to any faithful person and if practiced carefully will lead to success in spiritual pursuits. By Mohanty's efforts these books were translated from Bengali to Oriya.

Arya Darpan

Nigamananda also publishedArya Darpan(आर्य दर्पण),a monthly magazine onsanatana dharma,intended for disseminating non-sectarian spiritual knowledge among the masses. Many essays on important topics relating to religious and scriptural matters were included in this magazine.

Thakurer Chithi

Advising his disciples, Nigamananda wrote letters, from which one hundred are collected in a book calledThakurer Chithi(ठाकुरेर चिठी). This information was published in a Calcutta magazineModern Review,founded byRamananda Chatterjee,on 26 December 1938.Other Nigamananda collections areMaayer Kripa(मायेर कृपा),Vedanta Vivek(वेदांत विवेक)andTattvamala(तत्वमाला).

Bhakta Sammilani

Swami Nigamananda (in middle) along with disciples in Bhakta Sammilani 1922

Nigamananda conducted an annual conference calledBhaktaSammilani(भक्त सम्मिलनी) for householders andsanyasis.This was formed to strengthen prayer groups, discuss the importance of having a guru, review the well-being of sanyasis living in the ashrams, help solve problems as a whole, provide welfare, such as schools, communities and to hold lectures by enlightened speakers on public spiritual life.

Nigamananda categorized Bhakta Sammilani into "Sarbabhouma" (Country wide or सार्बभौम भक्त सम्मिलनी) and "Pradeshika (State wide or प्रादेशिक भक्त सम्मिलनी.) The first" Sarbabhouma Bhakta Sammilani "was established by him at Kokilamukh in 1915.The first "Pradeshika Bhakta Sammilani" was held in 1947 by Nilachala Saraswata Sangha, Puri at Ankoli in the district ofGanjamduring full moon day ofmaagha.

Swami Nigamananda'sUtkal Pradeshika Bhakta Sammilani-No.61 (उत्कल प्रादेशिक भक्त सम्मिलनी),held in villageBiratungaon 6,7,8 Feb 2012.

Nigamananda set a different prayer day for women disciples where they alone could participate and exchange their views.

He said in one sammilani, "my devotees are fully aware that I am pleased to see them congregated in this sammilani, once in a year duringX-mas.Such gathering would bring fame to the maths and it would also do good to the world at large ".

Legacy

Mohanty became Nigamananda's disciple and wrote books for Nigamananda's establishmentNilachala Saraswata Sanghaand translated Nigamananda's Bengali books intoOdia.Under Mohanty's encouragement, more than 100ashramsoperate inOdisha.Mohanty continued to spread the message of Nigamananda until his death on 7 December 1985.

Nigamananda's birthday is celebrated every year onSravan Purnimaday at Nilachala Kutir inOriya culture.On 10 August 2014 his 134th Birthday was celebrated at Nilachala Kutir.The 63rd Bhakta Sammilani was celebrated in February 2014 at Bhadrak.

See also

• Indian Yogis
• Sri Anirvan
• Durga Charan Mohanty
• Nigamananda Bidyapitha
• Modern Review

Further reading

Books

Bengali

• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.Yogī guru(in Bengali).
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.Gyānī guru(in Bengali).
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.Tantrika guru(in Bengali).
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.Premika guru(in Bengali).
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.Vedanta Viveka(in Bengali).
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1910).Bramhacharya Sadhan(in Bengali).

Odia

• Banamali Dash; Durga Charan Mohanty.ଶ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ଠାକୁର ନିଗମାନନ୍ଦ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ଯୋଗୀଗୁରୁ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ଜ୍ଞାନୀ ଗୁରୁ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ତାନ୍ତ୍ରିକ ଗୁରୁ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ପ୍ରେମିକ ଗୁରୁ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ବେଦାନ୍ତ ବିବେକ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ବ୍ରହ୍ମଚର୍ଯ୍ୟ ସାଧନ(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa.ତତ୍ତ୍ଵମାଳା(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Chidānanda.ମାଆଙ୍କ କୃପା(in Odia). Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.

English

• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1989).Tantrika guru.Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1989).Gyānī guru.Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1989).Premika guru.Nilachala Saraswata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1963).Yogī guru.Nilachala Sarasvata Sangha.
• Swami Nigamānanda Paramahansa (1969).Brahamacharya Sadhana.Nilachala Sarasvata Sangha.

Libraries

English Literature

• The divine universal gospels of Sri NigamanandaNational Library, Ministry of Culture, Government of India (Call No. E 294.598 D 496)
• Sadguru Nigamananda: a spiritual biography / Moni BagcheeHathi Trust Digital Library
• Sadguru Nigamanandaopenlibrary.org

Bengali Literature

• Premika GuruAuthor: Paramhansa, Nigamananda, West Bengal Public Library Network
• Yogi GuruAuthor: Paramhansa, Nigamananda, West Bengal Public Library Network

Letters

• Thakurer Chithi (ठाकुरेर चिठी)A collection of 100 letters written by Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa to his disciples,The Modern review (page 337)

External links

• Works by or about Nigamananda ParamahansaatInternet Archive
• Nigamananda,A site developed by absmath.org, dedicated to his life, works, teachings and philosophy.
• Sri Sri Thakur NigamanandaNigam Sudha, A site dedicated to his Life,vaani,Ideals, Philosophy,Sammilani,Sangha,Written Books and aboutABS Math(Assam Banigiya Saraswata Matha, Jorhat).
• Sri Sri Thakur NigamanandaNSS, A site dedicated to his Life,vaani,Ideals, Philosophy,Sammilani,Sangha,Written Books and aboutABS Math(Assam Banigiya Saraswata Matha, Jorhat).