Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji Maharaj was born on January 26, 1946, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, in the household of Shri Vishwanath Shukla, a devout Brahmin of the Sanatan Dharma tradition. In his childhood, he was named "Kailashnath Shukla."
Renunciation: Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji renounced his worldly life at the age of 16 in pursuit of truth. He left his home and never returned, completely severing ties with his family. In the same year, he traveled to Dariya Pur village near Naimisharanya and met Swami Sadanand Paramhansa Ji Maharaj. There, he learned various forms of spiritual practices and excelled in them.
Education: Swami Ji studied grammar, philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, Nyaya Shastra, Vedanta, and other subjects at the Sannyasa Ashram in Ahmedabad under the guidance of Nirvana Peethadhishwar Acharya Swami Shri Krishnanand Ji Maharaj. Later, he pursued postgraduate studies in English at Delhi University.
Ascetic Life: At the age of 20, Swami Vishwadevanand embarked on a journey to the Himalayas, dedicating himself to relentless meditation, self-realization, and service to dharma. During this time, he endured extreme weather conditions with minimal clothing, and his daily routine included bathing three times, meditation, bhajans (devotional songs), and worship.
Initiation into Sannyasa: In 1962, Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji took formal sannyasa initiation from Param Tapasvi Nirvana Peethadhishwar Acharya Swami Shri Atulanand Ji Maharaj and became known as "Paramhansa Paribrajakacharya 1008 Shri Swami Vishwadevanand Ji Maharaj."
Travel and Teachings: Swami Ji undertook extensive journeys across India and abroad, spreading the message of dharma, spirituality, and universal welfare. He believed that all beings are divine manifestations of the Supreme Being and advocated for harmony, unity, and the well-being of all humanity. He gave lectures and discourses in various cities and emphasized the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family).
Elevation to Nirvana Peethadhishwar: In 1985, after the passing of Acharya Swami Shri Atulanand Ji Maharaj, Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji became the Nirvana Peethadhishwar (spiritual head) of the Nirvana Akhada. He continued to serve and guide his disciples and followers.
Construction of Shri Yantra Mandir: In 2010, he undertook the construction of the Shri Yantra Mandir in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari. This temple, made from red stone, stands as a testament to his dedication to global well-being and spirituality.
Disciples and Devotees: Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji had thousands of disciples and devotees across India and the world, including prominent figures like Shri Lakshmi Kant Tiwari Ji from Kolkata. Shri Anantbodh Chaitanya ji is living in Europe and promoting Sanatan Dharma all over the Globe. His teachings and guidance left a lasting impact on their lives.
Nirvana: On May 7, 2013, while en route to Haridwar, Swami Vishwadevanand Puri Ji Maharaj met with a tragic accident, and his physical body merged into the divine under a Rudraksha tree in the precincts of Shri Yantra Mandir.
His life and teachings continue to inspire and guide countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
