From the very beginning, it was clear that Paramahamsa Vishwananda was not an ordinary child. Born on June 13, 1978, on the beautiful island of Mauritius, off the coast of Africa, He was God-realized from birth. Almost immediately, people recognized that this child was special. Instead of engaging in typical childhood games, He spent His time praying, visiting temples, and acting out religious rituals, always living in the presence of God.
His parents belonged to the Bharadwaja-gotra, a noteworthy brahmana family lineage dating back thousands of years, even before the time of Krishna. At the tender age of five, while recovering in the hospital from eating poisonous berries, Paramahamsa Vishwananda met His guru, Mahavatar Babaji. During this encounter, He saw the Light of His true Self, a light brighter than the sun. This marked the beginning of many such experiences with Babaji.
Spiritual Awakening and Early Mission
By the age of 14, Paramahamsa Vishwananda experienced samadhi, a state of complete absorption in the Divine, and began to embrace His mission as a spiritual Teacher. His vibrant personality and unmistakable realization of the Divine quickly attracted people seeking His blessings and advice. Despite His mother’s initial dismay, visitors lined up at His home, eager to meet the ‘young saint.’
At 19, He visited Europe for the first time, where He quickly garnered a following of spiritual seekers. It was then that the Divine Mother appeared to Him, asking Him to settle in Europe.
Establishment of the Bhakti Marga Mission
In 2004, Paramahamsa Vishwananda established His first ashram in the small village of Steffenshof, Germany. Initially starting with a single house, the community soon expanded to four houses as more devotees joined. Recognizing the need for a larger space, He continued to build His spiritual community.
On His 27th birthday in 2005, He officially launched the Bhakti Marga Mission. Bhakti Marga, meaning ‘path of devotion,’ perfectly encapsulated His life and message. Through this mission, He began to spread His teachings and message of devotion across the globe.
Global Influence and Teachings
Paramahamsa Vishwananda is a living example of bhakti-marga, the path of devotion. From a young age, He enjoyed singing the Divine Names and inspiring those around Him to love God. The Bhakti Marga mission embodies this spirit of devotion, offering a path for those seeking a deeper connection with the Divine.
The mission was further solidified with the introduction of Atma Kriya Yoga, a form of daily meditative and yogic sadhana (spiritual practice). As a kriya-yoga Master and a direct disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, Paramahamsa Vishwananda, together with Babaji, brought forth kriya-yoga techniques that develop bhakti and allow practitioners to experience their unique relationships with the Divine.
To support and strengthen communities, and to help people stay connected with practices that elevate them, Paramahamsa Vishwananda has inaugurated 30 temples around the world. These temples welcome visitors who wish to celebrate the Divine in the company of bhaktas.
Initiations and Community Building
Devotees who wish to formalize their commitment to following His teachings and guidance may take initiation into the Bhakti Marga Spiritual Order. These initiations include devotee, brahmachari and brahmacharini (monks and nuns), rishi (teachers), swamis, and swaminis (masters). Through these initiations, Paramahamsa Vishwananda has built a global community dedicated to the path of devotion.
Personal Encounters and Miracles
My own journey with Paramahamsa Vishwananda began with a series of divinely orchestrated events. After following Mahavatar Babaji for many years, it was Babaji’s guidance that led me to India to become a sannyas. During a profound experience at the Ujjain Kumbh Mela, Babaji walked past me, whispered His name in my head, and sent a massive energy surge through my body. This marked the beginning of my transition to Paramahamsa Vishwananda.
After years of living in remote parts of India and enduring numerous tests, a miraculous invitation brought me to meet Paramahamsa Vishwananda. He casually asked about my guru, and upon learning that I had not communicated with Him in years, He seemed pleased. I later discovered that Paramahamsa Vishwananda had been looking for me, and our meeting was predestined.
Conclusion
When you are graced with meeting a Being such as Paramahamsa Vishwananda, it is beyond all dogmas and rule books. It is a meeting that happens in the heart, Bhakti, and no one can tell you it’s not true. His life and mission continue to inspire and guide countless devotees worldwide, leading them on the path of devotion and love for the Divine.