Guruji’s Jeevani (Pages 1-50)

From the book YOGESHWAR GURU GANGESHWAR by Smt. Ratan Behn Fojedar

Ideal Parents and Birth

Guruji was born on December 27, 1881, in Punjab, under the Uttarabhadra Nakshatra in the Meen rashi. His parents, Pandit Ramduttji and Smt. Sarladevi, were deeply spiritual and generous, welcoming all guests and dedicating themselves to the study of scriptures and service to saints. Despite their material abundance, they longed for a child, believing that spiritual progress and fulfillment of ancestral duties required a worthy heir. Sarladevi was troubled by the idea that without a son, there would be no progress in the cycle of birth and death, and Panditji felt incomplete, unable to pay his debt to his ancestors. This longing for a child left Panditji feeling detached, even as he lived as a householder.

Blessings and Birth of Gurudev

In 1879, the couple visited Haridwar to seek blessings from Swami Ramanandji, a saint renowned for his spiritual powers. Swamiji recognized their worthiness and assured them that they would be blessed with a son if they performed certain spiritual practices. Following Swamiji’s guidance, Sarladevi gave birth to Chandreshwar, whom Panditji believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The birth was celebrated with gifts and sweets, and on the eleventh day, the child was named Chandreshwar. An astrologer, Pandit Laxmandasji, predicted that Chandreshwar would achieve worldwide fame, live as a celibate, and attain God-realization even before completing his spiritual studies. These predictions astonished Pandit Ramduttji, who saw both joy and sorrow in his friend’s face—the chart promised spiritual greatness but not worldly joys.

Childhood and Spiritual Growth

Chandreshwar’s childhood was marked by brilliance and tranquility, attracting admiration from those around him. Sarladevi affectionately called him “Chand,” the moon sent by the gods. Tragically, he lost his mother at a young age, which was seen as a divine plan to foster detachment. Raised by his grandmother, Chandreshwar displayed extraordinary memory and spiritual inclination, quickly mastering everything his father taught him. He enjoyed solitude and often wandered into the forest, where a peacock once sheltered him, reminiscent of Lord Krishna’s childhood. By the age of five, he had memorized all that his father had taught him, and his grasp and memory were astonishing.

Spiritual Experiences and Guidance

Panditji regularly shared stories from sacred texts with his son, nurturing Chandreshwar’s devotion to Krishna. Their journey to Vrindavan included a stay at Sant Ram’s ashram, where Chandreshwar learned the importance of serving saints. During meditation, Sant Ram foresaw the child’s spiritual destiny and instructed him to prepare for a divine vision. Chandreshwar eventually experienced a profound encounter with Lord Krishna, who blessed him with spiritual powers and the promise that his wishes would be fulfilled, and that he would uplift others and attain global recognition. This experience left Chandreshwar quiet and introverted, and his father was unaware of the depth of his spiritual transformation.

Trials and Divine Insight

Soon after, Chandreshwar suffered from smallpox, losing his eyesight. Phalhari Baba comforted Panditji, explaining that this was not a punishment but a special blessing—Chandreshwar had received divine vision and would become a legendary figure in devotion and wisdom. This reassurance helped Panditji accept his son’s fate, trusting in the predictions of greatness. Chandreshwar’s suffering was seen as a divine scheme to grant him spiritual insight, and Phalhari Baba predicted that he would become a legendary figure in the field of bhakti and gyan.

Pilgrimage and Meeting the Guru

Father and son traveled to Vrindavan, where Chandreshwar immersed himself in spiritual practices and was transformed by the holy atmosphere. Later, a divine message urged him to attend the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, promising he would meet his destined Guru. At the festival, they reunited with Swami Ramanandji, who recognized Chandreshwar’s spiritual progress and encouraged him to continue his studies and devotion. Swamiji asked them to stay until the last bath of the Kumbh, and Chandreshwar expressed his desire to remain with his Guru, but Swamiji advised him to return home for now, promising that they would meet again when the time was right.

Spiritual Training and Initiation

Back home, Chandreshwar continued his spiritual practices, guided by Pandit Laxmanduttji, who predicted that circumstances would eventually lead him to leave home for deeper spiritual training. Swami Ramanandji later visited Punjab and took Chandreshwar to Haridwar, promising initiation only when he was fully prepared. Chandreshwar spent years in intense spiritual discipline, including chanting the Gayatri Mantra millions of times and worshipping five main deities—Ganesh, Surya, Devi, Shankar, and Vishnu—to cultivate happiness, peace, and divine energy. The Panch Dev Upasana was emphasized as a means to achieve contentment and direct the mind toward Brahman.

Gayatri and Panch Dev Upasana

Chandreshwar’s spiritual journey included the intense chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, which culminated in a vision of Ved Maata Gayatri, who blessed him with good memory, intellect, and the ability to master scriptures quickly. He was also blessed to achieve fame for spreading Sanatan Vedic Dharma. Swami Ramanandji then instructed him to worship the five main deities—Ganesh, Surya, Devi, Shankar, and Vishnu—by visiting their temples and shrines. This practice was meant to bring happiness, peace, and divine energy, and Chandreshwar traveled to various sacred sites to perform these rituals.

Yoga Sadhana and Deeksha

Chandreshwar’s spiritual training continued with the practice of Yoga Sadhana, guided by Swami Ramanandji. He was instructed to stay in the Himalayas and practice yoga, not just for personal realization but to protect and spread Vedic Sanatan Dharma. The training included various forms of yoga—Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Raj Yoga—each with its own techniques and goals. Chandreshwar spent years in the Himalayas, living on roots, vegetation, and sometimes just air, undertaking strict yoga sadhana and mastering both worldly and higher knowledge.

Initiation and Name Change

After completing his spiritual training, Chandreshwar returned to Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela, where Swami Ramanandji initiated him into the Udaseen Sampradaya, giving him the name Gangeshwaranand. This name had a history, as Chandreshwar had once asked his father about the meaning of “Gangheswar” after a dream in Vrindavan. The initiation was a significant event, marking his entry into the spiritual lineage and his role in continuing and uplifting the tradition.

Advanced Studies and Debates

Gangeshwaranand pursued advanced studies in Kashi, mastering various scriptures and engaging in scholarly debates. He studied under renowned teachers and quickly gained proficiency in Sanskrit grammar, Vedanta, Mimasa, and Kavya. His exceptional intellect and spiritual accomplishments earned him respect among scholars and saints. He participated in major religious gatherings, spreading the message of Sanatan Dharma and contributing to the revival of spiritual traditions. His debates were not just about winning but about increasing knowledge, entertaining learned people, and creating unity among different traditions.

Service and Legacy

Throughout his life, Guru Maharaj dedicated himself to serving others, teaching, and debating to promote unity and protect Vedic culture. He established schools, ashrams, and food distribution centers, and inspired many through his lectures and writings. His journey illustrates the transformative power of devotion, discipline, and the guidance of a true Guru. He was motivated to serve the country, and his contribution to the study of scriptures and spreading Sanatan Dharma was seen as the best way to serve the nation. He was recognized as a Maha Mandaleshwar and became a jewel in the crown of the Udaseen Sampradaya.

Miracles and Blessings

Guru Maharaj witnessed many miracles in the company of saints, such as the story of the snake and the jackal who returned stolen shoes. These anecdotes illustrate the benevolence of saints and the transformative power of spiritual practice. He received blessings from Mahatma Harinarayandasji, who predicted that Gangeshwaranand would spread the glory of Sanatan Dharma and groom many Mahatmas with his knowledge.

Political Awareness and Social Service

During the British Raj, Guru Maharaj was aware of the political movements and participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement by boycotting government exams. He was advised by senior saints and national leaders to focus on studying and spreading the message of the Vedas, which was seen as the best way to serve the country. He diverted his energy from political activism to promoting Bharatiya Samskriti and spiritual knowledge.

Conclusion

Guru Maharaj’s life was a journey of spiritual growth, service, and leadership. From his birth and early trials to his advanced studies, initiation, and service to society, he exemplified the qualities of a true disciple and Guru. His legacy continues through the institutions he established, the knowledge he spread, and the lives he touched. The Jeevani is a testament to the transformative power of devotion, discipline, and the guidance of a true Guru.