Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 128-Year-Old Yoga Guru Swami Shivanand Saraswati Inspires Devotees in Prayagraj

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is going to witness an overwhelming turnout, as more than 45 crore devotees are expected to gather in Prayagraj. The religious congregation, centered at the Sangam-the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati-now extinct-offers pilgrims the chance to take a holy dip in its sacred waters. One of the most talked-about figures this year amid grandeur is Swami Shivanand Saraswati: an extraordinary yogi who claims to be a mere 128 years old yet has been going to the Kumbh Mela for nearly a century.

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, a revered yoga guru, has devoted his life to spiritual pursuits, and his presence at the Maha Kumbh has captivated thousands. Hailing from Kashi, where he practices and teaches yoga at the ghats, Swami Shivanand’s lifestyle is as simple as it is inspiring. His discipline and unwavering commitment to serving others make him an exemplary figure for devotees who come to seek blessings and enlightenment.

I have known Baba (Swami Shivanand) since my childhood. His lifestyle is very simple. He bows down to everyone, and people do not approach him with any worldly desires. He has not taken any donations from anyone and has lived a life free of material possessions. Baba did not touch money until 1977,” shared Sharmila Sinha, one of Swami Shivanand’s devoted disciples.

Swami Shivanand Saraswati is the oldest person to receive this prestigious award as he was conferred with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in March 2022. Millions have been inspired by his journey, and his daily routine has been a proof of his discipline and dedication. At the age of 128, he wakes up at 3.00 every morning and meditates for an hour, followed by a bath and then an hour of doing yoga exercises. He eats only boiled food, sans oil, salt, or sugar.

“I wake up at 3:00 AM, take a bath, and then do yoga for one hour. Everyone should practice yoga, even if it’s for just half an hour,” Swami Shivanand shared during an interaction with ANI.

His longevity, he believes, comes from his life free of desires, entirely dedicated to the service of others. “My birth name is Swami Shivanand, and I was born on August 8, 1896. I come to every Kumbh Mela because holy people gather here, and I benefit from their blessings. The reason behind my long life is my lack of desires – my only desire is to serve the poor,” he emphasized.

A host of important bath rituals will take place during this period, commencing from January 13 through February 26. These rituals include the Shahi Snan on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). The presence of Swami Shivanand at Kumbh Mela symbolizes hope and inspiration for all devotees visiting to seek their spiritual guidance.

Preparations are being made for the grand Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. The life of Swami Shivanand Saraswati reminds the world of the depth of selflessness and devotion through his teachings and disciplined life.