Mahayoga Lineage

Swami Meva Puri Ji was associated with the Dashnami Sanyas sect established by Adi Shankaracharya. At that time, the main Ashram of this sect was located at Village Ladana (now in District Kaithal, Haryana). Swami Tota Puri Ji, the sage who conferred Nirvikalpa Samadhi Deeksha to Ramkrishna Paramhansa, also belonged to this ashram.

Swami Meva Puri Ji lived a very devout life, mostly in seclusion. He had decided beforehand that he shall renounce his body by attaining Jal Samadhi at a specific time in the river Ganges. During those days one had to walk due to lack of modes of transport. Plus Ganges being far away, about 240 km from ashram Nanduana (at village Raipur, District Ludhiana), and also His body being at the age of about 109 years, people started doubting His intentions. He replied that ‘if one cannot have any control over one’s death then what is the worth of attaining sainthood (that aims to have full control over one’s body-mind-soul or life in totality)’. He then walked to Haridwar at the declared time accompanied by His followers, including His most revered disciple – Swami Dev Puri Ji (fondly known as Kali Kambliwale Maharaj). It was the time of the Kumbha festival in Haridwar, after which He voluntarily took Samadhi in the Holy Ganges – alive and fully conscious. It is important to clarify that He had taken Jal Samadhi and had not abandoned His gross body out of any compulsion. To establish this He re-appeared after three days to fulfill some specific task, which has been described in detail in Part I of the Book titled ‘Gurudev Charitawali’ published by Ashram.

Swami Dev Puri Ji was the exalted Disciple of Swami Meva Puri Ji who undertook rigorous Tapa that lasted for seven long years, without any arrangements for food-water, means of protection from summers-rains-winters, etc. Throughout these seven years, he was clad with a piece of black cloth or shawl (Kambli) and subsequently became famous as Kali Kambliwale. During this period, white ants had made His body their home; rats had bitten His foot fingers, and even snakes would run over His body following the rats. However, Dev Ji remained engrossed in his sadhana; as freedom he had attained from the bondage of the physical body.

Such rigorous Tapa resulted in a divine declaration from the space heard within, exhorting him to set out for the welfare of the world since he had consummated his task. Initially, He ignored that voice. However, on repeated pronouncement, He shared with Gurudev Swami Meva Puri Ji, who further advised him to keep on ignoring that voice, and to continue with his Sadhana since his aim was not to secure salvation for himself but to relieve the masses at large from misery, transforming his body into an instrument of the divine, manifesting the ultimate (shiva–shakti) in his gross body itself.

With such arduous Sadhana, the essence of Shastras revealed itself to Him; all Siddhis (miraculous powers) manifested themselves in His body; His heart drenched with the nectar emanating from all Sadhnas. Every pore of his body percolated with the Triveni of Bhakti (Devotion), Jnana (the ultimate Knowledge), and Yoga (union with the Supreme Consciousness). Eventually, thousands of devotees benefitted themselves by taking a plunge in this great confluence.

Swami Dayalu Puri Ji came in contact with Gurudev Swami Dev Puri Ji at a tender age. Upon reading the forehead in a flash, Prabhu Kambliwale declared that He (the child who later became renowned by the name of Swami Dayalu Puri) was a Mahapandit (a great scholar) in His previous birth. As such He was sent to Kaashi for further studies.

Swami Dayalu Puri Ji was the epitome of Jnana (wisdom). In deference to the command of Gurudev Kambliwale, He dedicated His entire life to studying as well as teaching. The knowledge of scriptures that He had was not merely bookish, but His whole life and behavior reflected the same. Though He kept visiting Harisar Ashram every now and then but most of His time was spent in Kaashi. Varanasi’s Kashidevi Matha and Kankhal’s Haribharati Vidyalaya received special affection from Him. The lucid style of His teachings, and the clarity and depth of His knowledge attracted many seeker students from far and wide, to study. Having a storehouse of in-depth knowledge, He never refused to teach anyone, even if it meant taking eight lectures a day. The strain on His eyes kept on increasing so much so that ultimately His eyesight dwindled, turning Him almost blind. He had to quit teaching. Many of the students taught by Him adorned the exalted positions of Mahamandaleshwara, Mathadhish, Shankaracharya, etc.

Gurudev Kambliwale chose Swami Dayalu Puri Ji to steer ahead the lofty Parampara, which He had been propagating Himself. After Kambliwale Maharaj left the physical body in 1942, Deeksha (Naam Daan), Satsangs, Spiritual guidance, etc. continued to be taken care of by Swami Dayalu Puri Ji.

In 1983, after the attainment of Nirvaana by Swami Dayalu Puri Ji Maharaj, the Sangat (devotees) unanimously decided to make Mahayogi Swami Buddh Puri Ji (the only Parampara Deekshit disciple of Swami Dayalu Puri Ji), the Head of the Ashram as well as the Ashram Trust.

This lineage of the Puri sub-sect of Dashnami Sanyas sect established by Adi Shankaracharya starts with Swami Saraswati Puri Ji of Baluwatta (Patiala District). The second was Swami Raj Puri Ji of village Ladana, the third was Swami Bhandar Puri Ji and the fourth was Swami Baan Puri Ji. The fifth, Swami Amar Puri Ji set up his tenement at Nanduana village of Kila Raipur District. The sixth of this order was Swami Meva Puri Ji who has taken ‘Jal Samadhi’ i.e. He entered the river Ganges consciously to leave His gross body. And after few days, He had reappeared on request of his dearest disciple Dev to accept a due gift. Swami Dev Puri Ji, famed as Sant Kali Kambliwale, was the seventh Yogeshwara of the Puri Order. Next was Swami Dayalu Puri Ji, an unparalleled scholar and a renowned teacher of his time.

Swami Buddh Puri Ji Maharaj being the ninth in the lineage of the edifying messengers, is looked upon as the dispeller of the mist of ignorance in this world of chaos and turmoil. ‘The whole form of spiritual therapy’, His enduring contribution is to open the window of conditioned mind to visualize the sky of freedom and infinity. The means He chooses is mostly by pen, but sometimes He does reach out and directly addresses the aspirants giving them all the freedom to ask questions just to clear their long-accumulated doubts and confusions.

In 2014, post the inauguration of “Tripur Shiva Peetham” and Prana Pratishtha of Shree Yantra (the magnificent actualization of the divine plan for the benefit of seekers), when He decided to reside mostly in the higher reaches of Himalayas, utilizing most of his time engrossed in still deeper contemplation, devising ways to make esoteric sadhanas easily accessible to the seeker disciples (in accordance with their respective spiritual levels), He passed on the responsibilities of the Ashram -including the onerous Seva (service) of propagating the Sadhana streams of the exalted lineage- to eminent disciples Swami Suryendu Puri Ji and Sadhvi Yoganjali Chaitanya Puri Ji, who are already progressing on this path under the kind guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji.

While staying in total seclusion all by Himself, at times, He does entertain true seekers and thus, earnestly shares His experiences.

To explore more about this ‘beyond imagination’, living Mahayogi, please click on “Gurudev”

Swami Ji, born and brought up in a pious middle-class family of Northern India, started as a quiet and introverted person. Nonetheless, these times were mingled with a dream of bringing happiness and prosperity to the world. Post His graduation in science, He worked as a Programmer Analyst in Bangalore. The shy-timid person here gave way to a dynamic and influential one and soon He found himself the master of all worldly luxury. However, coming to know of these experiences as a mere repetition that brought nothing new, He frantically searched for a path to lasting happiness and purpose. Meandering through seeking experiences with noted authorities from diverse fields, He finally landed a firm ground with Swami Buddh Puri Ji – a prolific researcher of the inner sciences, an ex-IITian, and a representative of a rich spiritual lineage of the present times. And since then Swami Ji has wholeheartedly thrown himself into the path, which He deems as a sure way to lasting strength, energy, and happiness.

The richness and clarity of Swami Ji’s inner life are reflected in His remarkable traits as a masterful orator, a cogent debater, and a loving counselor to all. In this capacity, He was involved as the primary researcher in the project of Mission Immortality – a grand initiative that aims at unraveling the potential of man in its totality.

Swami Ji has conducted several camps, workshops, and seminars in various parts of India and also Canada, on various topics, focused on strengthening of body-mind-soul viz., Yoga & Meditation, Role of Sun in our Life, Science & Religion, Spirituality in Daily Life, Stress Management, Team Management, Efficiency & Productivity Enhancement, Life & Relationship Management, Leadership, Living with Ambitions, Harmonizing Work & Home, etc. He has personally trained thousands of people in Siddhamrita Surya Kriya Yoga (SSKYoga) – a renaissance of the powerful practice of the Vedic seers for the complete well-being of man at levels: physical, mental, and spiritual.

Since September 2017, He spends all His time researching the inner path, and thus resides in seclusion.

Sadhvi Ji’s life is a living example of love and devotion towards the master and the path. She was born and brought up in a very simple but sincerely devout family of Punjab. Though Her family was set up in a small village, Her father worked for the Indian army, therefore every time he visited home there were countless experiences and stories in his bag to be shared with the family in addition to gifts & souvenirs from all corners of the country. She, being the youngest of all the children, was loved most. She was always a bright student and a keen observer but this did not bring Her any solace as Her observations raised many questions to trouble Her innocent mind. And none could answer all Her queries so She was told by her mother to seek the help of the divine. Her innocence made Her believe that the divine will solve all Her queries and show Her true light. And lo, it happened!

She was still in school when Bhagat Jagat Singh Ji (the major inspiration behind setting up Ashram in village Malke) visited Her village. A living incarnation of Dharma as He was, He guided all the people in living a life of righteousness. When Her mother told about Him, she liked His teachings but all of Her queries about God and His creation were not answered yet. Then one day, when She came back from school Her mother was getting ready for Satsang. She also joined her so that She could find direct answers to Her queries. But on reaching there, She found a sannyasin sitting next to Bhagat Ji. It was Her first encounter with a Hindi-speaking sadhu. A student of 6th standard who had barely learned to frame proper sentences in Punjabi felt at home with His Hindi jeweled with Sanskrit quotes from scriptures. Mesmerized as She was, She could not turn Her face away from Him. This sannyasin was none other than Swami Buddha Puri Ji Maharaj. Recalling that day She says, “When the Satsang was over and Maharaj Ji was leaving the stage, He had a fleeting look over me but my heart was seized by that slight glance. In that fraction of a second, I felt as if my heart had thawed out and was rushing towards Him. This surging sensation became an intimate part of my being since then.”

Thereafter, there were noticeable changes in Her lifestyle. She took more interest in scriptures and writings of saints than in school books; She was happier at Satsang and spiritual gatherings than with Her friends or a social gathering. Passing time only helped intensify this craving and She could not stop herself from committing completely to this mission. While continuing Her worldly education, She studied Upanishads, Vedanta, various texts on Yoga and Bhakti, and on top of all the divine language, Sanskrit directly from Maharaj Ji. Her sincerity and devotion were proven when She was asked to teach these subjects to all others. But She did not limit herself only to intellectual business but regressively practiced different methods of yoga.

She had accompanied Maharaj Ji in most of His mountain retreats including Satopanth, Tapovan, and Muktinath before being formally initiated as a Brahmacharni in the year 2006. Since then She was responsible for all the household affairs of the Ashram in addition to conducting yoga camps and workshops worldwide.

In 2014, post the inauguration of “Tripur Shiva Peetham”, when Gurudev decided to reside mostly in the higher reaches of Himalayas, responsibilities of the Dera Harisar & Shabad Surat Sangam Ashram -including the onerous Seva (service) of propagating the Sadhana streams of the exalted lineage- were passed on to eminent disciples Swami Suryendu Puri Ji and Sadhvi Yoganjali Chaitanya Puri Ji, who are already progressing on this path under the kind guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji.

Since September 2017, when Swami Suryendur Puri Ji entered in seclusion for solitary sadhana under the gracious guidance of Gurudev, Sadhvi Ji has been taking care of all the activities and events held at both Dera Harisar & Shabad Surat Sangam Ashram.

“People never find spirituality, spirituality finds them” – is perfectly valid in the life of this avid spiritual practitioner and guide. Born in the traditional setting of a Punjabi Village (Northern India), He led a life of extreme hard work and responsibility (being the eldest of the three sons), right through His teens and early youth. However, even before He knew anything about the spiritual path as such, He was graced with many spiritual experiences (an indication of having followed the path in previous births). On occasions when hectic work schedules at home got the better of Him, He would). His innate nature, would many times lead Him to listen to the Quran being streamed on the radio from Lahore (in Pakistan) in the early set out for the Golden Temple in Amritsar (nearly 200 Km), unconcerned about anything, clad in his simple Indian dress (kurta-pyjamas) and sit there in the temple complex 24 hours, for days on end, listening to the Gurbani Keertan (devotional hymns addressed to the Creator).

On two occasions, He had near death experiences as a result of an electric shock (on both occasions). These experiences brought him great clarity about life and since then an inner restlessness and search ensued about deeper processes of life. Reading the very deep and prolific interpretations of the Japuji Sahib (the essential philosophy of the saint Guru Nanak) by Swami Buddha Puri Ji Maharaj (which used to be published on a weekly basis in the Punjabi daily, Jagbani) struck an immediate chord with Him. Maharaj Ji resided at a place which was in proximity (Shabad Surat Sangam Ashram is about 50 km from Charik- birthplace of Swami Guru Chaitanya Puri Ji), and well He landed up to be in Maharaj Ji’s company at the first opportunity. Coming into contact with the Master, the mysteries of many experiences which had pursued him since childhood were disclosed and a bright possibility for the future (the path of Mission Immortality) was well in sight. It was but a matter of few months, that Gurtej Singh made his decision for life and devoting himself whole-heartedly to the spiritual ascent of all, came to live at the Master’s feet. Shortly He was ordained as Brahmachari Guru Chaitanya, and eventually as a sanyasin namely, Swami Guru Chaitanya Puri Ji.

Swami Ji’s lifestyle is a constant source of inspiration to fellow practitioners. His one-pointed devotion to spiritual practice is inspiring for all. Those who have come into contact with Him marvel and appreciate and also try to emulate His continuous focus on His path – 24 hours a day. He ventures out to live in tough solitary retreats which have in the past included a two month long stay at Satopanth (25 km above Badrinath), and various retreats in the forests of Gujarat and Rajasthan (near Mount Abu). Swami Ji has also visited various places, from time to time, servicing people through Siddhamrit Surya Kriya Yoga and other meditative camps. Presently, Swami Ji spends most of His time, living with the Master, practicing under His guidance, at Angira Siddh Peetha.