Discover Ashram ( Math ) of Tailang Swami (Walking Shiva of Varanasi)

Shri Shri Tailang Swami was a great Kriya Yogi and one of the rare saints whose miraculous life was historically documented and verified. People in Varanasi mostly used the name Tailang, which reflects the Telugu language, his mother tongue.

Trailanga Swami – Life, Miracles, and Teachings

Trailanga Swami, also known as Swami Ganapati Saraswati, is one of the most revered saints in Indian spiritual history. Often remembered as the “Walking Shiva of Varanasi”, he is regarded as a living embodiment of Bhagwan Shiva. His life, miracles, and teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth and devotees across the world.

Trailanga Swami (also spelled as Tailang Swami or Telang Swami) was a revered Hindu yogi celebrated for his extraordinary spiritual powers, miraculous life, profound wisdom, and teachings rooted in Advaita Vedanta.

This non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy emphasizes the unity of the Atman (soul) with Brahman (Ultimate Reality).

Trailanga Swami Facts

• Monastic Name: Swami Ganapati Saraswati.
• Devotees: His followers were largely from Bengal, though his influence spread far beyond.
• Incarnation of Shiva: Widely believed to be an incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva.
• Walking Shiva of Varanasi: Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa described him with this title.
• Birth & Timeline: His exact date of birth is unknown, but many significant events in his life occurred during the 17th century.
• Spiritual Practice: His mother gave him a Kali Mantra, and he spent nearly 20 years as a recluse near cremation grounds, chanting the mantra.
• Guru & Initiation: He was initiated into sannyasa by Guru Bhagirath Ananda Saraswati. Around 1737, he is believed to have settled in Kashi (Varanasi).
• Dashanami Order: In Varanasi, he joined the Dashanami order and received the name Trailanga Swami. He lived there until his death in 1887.
• Lifestyle: He spoke very little, lived without clothes, never begged, and accepted whatever came his way with complete contentment.
• Trailanga Swami Cause of Death: No Body knows, some local says that he took Jal Samadhi in the Ganges.

Trailanga Swami Miracles

Trailanga Swami’s life is filled with extraordinary events that devotees consider divine miracles:

• Floating on the Ganga: He was often seen floating or sitting on the waters of the Ganga River. Sometimes he disappeared underwater for hours and later reappeared on the banks unharmed.
• Living Shiva: Devotees performed abhisheka on him, considering him a living manifestation of Lord Shiva, while he sat motionless for hours.
• Rare Eating Habits: Despite eating very little, he maintained a body weight of over 150 kgs.
• Mind Reading: It is said he could read people’s thoughts as easily as reading a book or newspaper.
• The White Paint Incident: To test him, a skeptic gave him white paint instead of milk. Trailanga Swami drank it without harm, while the man who tricked him immediately suffered severe stomach pain.
• Beyond Authority: He roamed naked in Varanasi and was considered a nuisance by authorities. Even when jailed, he would mysteriously be found sitting on the police station rooftop.
• Trailanga Swami Real Age: Even critics and skeptics acknowledged that Trailanga Swami lived for more than 280 years.

Trailanga Swami Teachings

The wisdom of Trailanga Swami continues to guide seekers even today. His core teachings emphasize detachment, contentment, and spiritual knowledge:

• Cause of Suffering: Worldly attachment is the root cause of suffering and bondage. True happiness and liberation come when one renounces attachment and sees no difference between the world and God.
• Heaven on Earth: A person without desires experiences heaven even while living on earth.
• End of Suffering: True suffering ends only through spiritual knowledge.
• Detachment as Cure: Attachment is like a chronic disease, and the only cure is detachment.
• True Wealth and Poverty: A greedy person is truly poor, while one who is content is truly rich.
• Friend and Enemy: The uncontrolled senses are man’s greatest enemy; controlled senses are his true friend.
• Greatest Pilgrimage: The pure mind itself is the holiest place of pilgrimage.
• True Guru: A genuine Guru is free from ego, attachment, and delusion.

Early Life and Longevity

According to a popular account, Trailanga Swami was born as Shivaram in 1607 in Holia, Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh). He reportedly attained Mahasamadhi on December 26, 1887, in the holy city of Varanasi, at the remarkable age of 280 years. However, his biographers and followers differ regarding his exact birth date and the span of his longevity.

Renunciation and Spiritual Path

At the age of 40, Trailanga Swami renounced worldly life and took sannyasa (renunciation) after years of intense penance and spiritual discipline. Upon initiation, he adopted the name Trailanga Swami (or Tailang Swami).

He is believed to have lived in Prayagraj for some time before settling permanently in Varanasi, where he spent the final years of his life and passed away in 1887. Many devotees believe that he resided in Varanasi for nearly 150 years, blessing the sacred city with his divine presence.

Early Life and Divine Birth

Shri Tailang Swami was born in a Brahmin family in Andhra Pradesh, in a small village near Vizianagaram. His father, Narisinghandar, was a devout and generous man.

Together with his wife, Anushtana, he lived a deeply religious life. Their inability to conceive brought them sorrow, and Narisinghandar eventually married another woman. This decision saddened Anushtana, who prayed fervently to Lord Shiva.

During one of her prayers, her child crawled into the room, and a brilliant light emerged from the Shivalingam and entered his body. His astonished parents realized that their son was holy and named him Shivaram.

Spiritual Journey and Initiation into Kriya Yoga

Shivaram’s first teacher was his mother, who initiated him into the Shiva mantra when he reached adulthood. He loved her deeply and stayed close to her until her death.

After cremating her body according to tradition, Shivaram renounced worldly life and dedicated himself entirely to spiritual practice. After twelve years of sadhana, he undertook a pilgrimage to Pushkar, where he met the yogi Bhagiratananda Saraswati.

The yogi accepted him as a disciple, initiated him into the secrets of Kriya Yoga, and gave him the name Gajanan Saraswati, though he became widely known as Tailang Swami.

To complete his initiation, Tailang Swami traveled to Nepal and later to Tibet. He wandered from place to place, maintaining a vow of silence for many years, and miracles often occurred in his presence. Eventually, he arrived in Varanasi, though the exact date is unknown, and he remained there for the last 150 years of his life.

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Miraculous Powers and Spiritual Influence

Tailang Swami was both a spiritual giant and a man of extraordinary physical stature. Though he ate very little, he weighed more than 150 kilos, a fact that added to his mystical aura.

He ignored all health rules deliberately, for reasons known only to him. Great masters who transcend Maya and realize the divine nature of the world can command their bodies at will, treating them as vessels of pure energy.

In 1869, the great yogi Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa traveled to Varanasi to meet Tailang Swami. After their meeting, he declared: “I saw God using this body as a vessel to manifest itself.”

Teachings and Legacy

Tailang Swami lived with simplicity, love, and restraint. He embodied generosity, compassion, and progressive thinking. He welcomed disciples from all castes and religions, including those from the lowest backgrounds. With wisdom and love, he taught them the essence of devotion to God and service to humanity.

His greatest philosophical contribution was the Mahavakya Ratnavali, a profound work on the philosophy of religion.

Final Years

Shri Tailang Swami entered Mahasamadhi in 1881, on the full moon of the month of Pusha (December). Out of his 280 years of life, he spent 150 years in Varanasi, blessing the sacred city of Lord Shiva with his divine presence.

Trailanga Swami Ashram Varanasi

The Legacy of Trailanga Swami

Known as the “Walking Shiva of Varanasi,” Trailanga Swami was a 17th-century Hindu ascetic and a great yogi revered for his wisdom, miracles, and deep devotion to Lord Shiva.

He spent most of his life meditating on the ghats of Varanasi, where devotees regarded him as a living embodiment of divine consciousness. His spiritual legacy continues through the Trailanga Swami Ashram, which serves as a center of learning, meditation, and devotion.

Exploring Trailanga Swami Ashram

The Trailanga Swami Ashram in Varanasi offers a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and introspection. Visitors can spend time in its peaceful meditation hall, which invites seekers to connect with their inner self.

A beautifully maintained temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands within the ashram, radiating divine energy. The ashram also hosts yoga classes, satsangs (spiritual talks), and discourses that attract seekers from across the world.

Significance for Devotees

For followers of Lord Shiva and admirers of Trailanga Swami, the ashram holds immense spiritual importance. Devotees believe that meditating here enhances mental clarity, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Pilgrims and seekers visit to learn about Trailanga Swami’s life and his teachings on devotion, renunciation, and self-realization.

Spiritual Activities at the Ashram

The Trailanga Swami Ashram serves as a hub for daily spiritual practices. Activities include:

• Meditation sessions to calm the mind.
• Bhajans and kirtans (devotional music) that uplift the spirit.
• Spiritual discourses on the life and teachings of Trailanga Swami.
• Ceremonies and rituals honoring the saint’s legacy.

Visitors often practice yoga, pursue self-realization, and immerse themselves in the ashram’s tranquil environment.

What you expect there

The ashram reflects simplicity and purity in its architecture. It houses residential quarters for monks and seekers, a central meditation hall, and small temples for worship. The fragrance of incense, the sound of bells, and the quiet ambiance create an environment perfect for reflection and spiritual awakening.

Importance in Hinduism

The Trailanga Swami Ashram stands as a living reminder of the saint’s extraordinary spiritual journey. His teachings emphasize discipline, devotion, compassion, and surrender to God. On auspicious occasions like Makar Sankranti and Guru Purnima, thousands of devotees gather at the ashram to perform rituals, chant mantras, and seek blessings.

Trailanga Swami Mantra for Meditation

“OM Namah Shivaya Trailangaya Guruve Namah”

This sacred chant invokes Trailanga Swami’s blessings and connects seekers with the energy of Lord Shiva.

How to Plan Your Visit

If you plan to visit the Trailanga Swami Ashram in Varanasi, here are some tips:

• Start your day early to absorb the spiritual energy of the ghats.
• Carry essentials like a meditation mat and water.
• Dress modestly and maintain silence in meditation areas.
• Respect the ashram’s rules, as photography is not allowed on the premises.
• Preserve the experience in your heart through reflection rather than pictures.

Conclusion

The Trailanga Swami Ashram is more than just a place of worship—it is a place of peace and wisdom. Its calm setting, devotional atmosphere, and deep spiritual energy make it a must-visit destination in Varanasi. Whether you are a follower of Trailanga Swami, a seeker of truth, or a traveler exploring India’s sacred heritage, the ashram offers a transformative experience of inner peace, devotion, and enlightenment.

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