Venerated Shivapuri Baba (vegetarian): Wandering Sannyasin and Right Life Teaching, Part 1 of 2

Venerated Shivapuri Baba (vegetarian), or Sri Govindananda Bharati, was a Hindu Saint, Mystic, and itinerant Ascetic. He imparted the teachings of Swadharma, which means the “right living,” an ancient way of life. His pilgrimage around the world, mainly on foot, earned Him the title of Malayali Magellan.

Born as Jayanthan Nambudiripad, Sri Govindananda Bharati came into the world with a smile, even with His first breath. According to His grandfather, Achyutam, this was a sign that a great sannyasin had come into this world. “Sannyasin” is a Sanskrit word that refers to a renunciant or ascetic.

At the age of five, Jayanthan Nambudiripad began the Brahmacharya (bachelor student) stage of life. By the time He was 12 years old, He had already mastered the four principal Vedas, as well as the Dhanurveda and the ancient medicine system Ayurveda. His grandfather, who was in the third Vanaprastha (retired) phase of his life, was His guru and completed Jayanthan Nambudiripad’s studies by 1840.

Before leaving this world, His grandfather had predicted that Jayanthan Nambudiripad would be enlightened in this lifetime. His grandfather made Him promise that after enlightenment, He would travel around the world to help those seeking spiritual guidance. With that, His grandfather handed over a bag of precious stones to help pay for travel expenses, informing Him that no one in their family had ever begged. After performing the death rituals for His grandfather, Jayanthan Nambuiripad visited the Sringeri Sharada Peetham monastery to receive initiation as a Sannyasin. It was then that He took the name of Govindananda Bharati. He began His meditation along the Narbada River. In the end, He chose a well-secluded place deep in the Narbada Forest, sheltered from visitors.

In the depth of the forest, He survived on wild berries and root vegetables. His only companions were the animal-people who had become His friends. The arduous journey to enlightenment took 25 years. Upon attaining enlightenment, at the age of 50, Sri Govindananda Bharati commenced a 40-year journey around the world, predominantly on foot.