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Bhagavan Nityananda, one of the most revered Gurus of the modern era, was a janma siddha – a being born with full awareness of his own divine nature. From an early age, Bhagavan Nityananda spontaneously manifested his mastery of atma jnana – knowledge of the Self.
Born in the state of Kerala, in the south of India, the young Bhagavan Nityananda crossed all India on foot. As his fame as an enlightened master and miraculous healer spread, his wisdom and blessings attracted crowds of seekers.
Finally, in the mid-1930s, he settled in the village of Ganeshpuri, in the state of Maharashtra. In homage and respect for him, his disciples proceeded to call him Bhagavan, a term which means “the Lord, the venerable, the great being.” He always asked people to go within and meditate.
Bhagavan Nityananda is also engaged in many philanthropic works. Over the next three decades, he transformed the village by educating villagers, distributing food and clothing, educating children, and providing for the construction of roads and local amenities. , like the very first hospital in Ganeshpuri.
In 1956, Bhagavan Nityananda asked Swami Muktananda, one of his main disciples who would later become his successor, to settle not far away in the village of Gavdevi. Swami Muktananda was nicknamed Baba; so the disciples began to affectionately call Bhagavan Nityananda: Bade Baba, which in Hindi means “Baba the elder”.
The main teaching of Bade Baba is:
“The Heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam.”
Bhagavan Nityananda
This fundamental teaching of Siddha Yoga has guided generations of students on the path of Siddha Yoga.