Holy Body of Spiritual Guru Shri Shri 1008 Vedantacharya Swami Sugrivanand Ji Maharaj Immersed in the Five Elements, Thousands of Moist Eyes Bid a Final Farewell
Thousands of moist eyes bid final farewell to the spiritual guru
Una, March 3 – After the sudden demise of the revered head of Dera Baba Rudranand Nari Una, Param Pujya Shri Shri 1008 Vedantacharya Swami Sugrivanand Ji Maharaj on early Sunday morning, an atmosphere of mourning gripped the spiritual world and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. His passing shocked Una district and beyond, and thousands of people came out on the streets to bid a tearful adieu to the great social worker. His body was immersed in the five elements on Monday, fetching an end to an era for the devotees and the spiritual community who idolised him.
Swami Sugrivanand Ji Maharaj originally named Karamchand was born in 1928 in the Guglehar area of Una district. Yet, after starting his spiritual journey his Guru, Swami Atmanand Ji Maharaj, awarded him with the name of Sugrivanand. He dedicated his life to the people and that of Sanatan Dharma. In 1952, he was appointed Dera Baba Rudranand head and remained in charge until his death. His visionary leadership turned the ashram into not just a centre of growth but a beacon of spiritual education and social service.
The establishment of the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya at Ashram by Swami Sugrivanand Ji Maharaj is an act that has significantly contributed to the building blocks of infrastructure for the convenience of devotees. His tireless effort resulted in the construction of many buildings that addressed spiritual and educational needs through the use of millions of rupees. His life was a testament to his dedication to the material and spiritual welfare of his flock.
Swami Sugrivanand Ji was educated at the ashram in his early years and later moved to Banaras to study where he mastered the four Vedic scriptures along with the Upanishads. His extensive knowledge of Vedanta and spiritual philosophy made him one of the most revered gurus in North India.
In Himachal Pradesh, where the state government observed state mourning on the death of this revered saint, the entire state’s heart was heavy with the news of the passing of this revered saint. Maharaj Ji also paid rich tributes to Maharaj Ji’s contributions on Monday, the district administration declared a local holiday. Many local businesses or organizations were called upon to close in his memory and complied with the request, a testament to the respect people had for him in the community.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti and Chintpurni MLA Sudarshan Singh Bablu were some of the dignitaries who paid their last respects. Other important figures paid homage to the late spiritual leader include Scheduled Caste Commission Chairperson Kuldeep Kumar and former ministers Virender Kanwar and Rajesh Thakur.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri extended his heartfelt condolences, noting that Maharaj Ji devoted his life to illuminating the light of religion, service and harmony. “Swami Sugrivanand Ji Maharaj toiled selflessly in uniting society in mutual brotherhood and harmony. His death is an immeasurable loss, not only for the spiritual world but also for the world,” Agnihotri said.
Also mourning the loss of Maharaj Ji was former minister Virender Kanwar, who said it was a great shock for the entire Sanatan world. He lauded Swami Sugrivanand Ji for his efforts in disseminating Sanatan Dharma not just in India, but around the world, motivating millions to embrace spirituality.
Thousands of teary-eyed devotees watched a spiritual icon bid its final goodbye as the holy body was consigned to the five elements, signalling the end of a glorious chapter in the life of a man who taught the path of enlightenment and service to innumerable lives.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
