Popular Yoga guru and Padma Shri awardee Swami Sivananda Saraswati passed away at the age of 128 in Varanasi on Sunday, April 4, 2025. The news of his death has sent shockwaves across the country, with political leaders expressing grief, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a social media post, PM Modi paid him tribute, saying, “It is extremely saddening to hear about the demise of Shivanand Baba Ji, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi. 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.”
Who Was Swami Sivananda Saraswati?
Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born on August 8, 1897, in the Sylhet district of undivided India (Now Bangladesh). After losing his parents at a young age, he was brought to Guruji’s ashram in West Bengal’s Nabadwip. Thereafter, he was raised by Guru Omkaranand Goswami, who imparted all the practical and spiritual knowledge to him, including Yoga, without formal education.
In 2022, then President Ram Nath Kovind conferred Swami Sivananda with the prestigious civilian award of India, Padma Shri, for his exceptional contributions in the field of yoga. In 2025, Swami Sivananda once again grabbed the headlines after it was discovered that he had been participating in the Mahakumbh mela for the last 100 years.
Besides his significant contributions in other fields, Swami Sivananda served 400 to 600 leprosy-affected beggars. He met them in their hutments, setting an inspiring example. Additionally, he has been honoured with various awards during his life, including the Yoga Ratna Award in 2019.
CM Yogi Expresses Grief At His Demise
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also mourned the death of Swami Sivananda Saraswati through a post on X. He wrote, “The demise of Kashi’s renowned yoga guru ‘Padma Shri’ Swami Shivanand ji, who made an unparalleled contribution in the field of ‘Yoga’, is extremely sad. Humble tribute to him! Your spiritual practice and life of yoga are a great inspiration for the entire society. You dedicated your entire 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 sorrow”.
