The 1961 Gurupurnima talk 

By August 1959, Bhagavan Nityananda’s health had begun to deteriorate. On Bhadrapad Ashtami (August 26th), Shree Shaligram Swami performed a grand Vishwarpan (cosmic offering) ceremony in honour of Bhagavan Nityananda. The occasion was marked by a rare astrological event that occurs only once in 60 years, making the day highly auspicious. Shree Shaligram Swami chose this moment to celebrate his Guru as Jagadish—the Lord of the Universe—offering Him all that is essential for life in this world.

It was likely on August 26th, 1959, that thousands of devotees gathered at the foot of the Vajreshwari Temple for this sacred event. 1,200 baskets filled with vegetables, fruits, clothes, precious metals, gems, and jewels were carried by the devotees on their heads as they proceeded toward Ganeshpuri, accompanied by a variety of musical instruments.

Upon reaching the Bhadrakali Temple, they were welcomed by the priest, Narayan Bhat. The air was filled with the sounds of drums, bells, and conch shells, while lai (Indian popcorn) was showered from the temple roof onto the gathering of devotees. As Narayan Bhat performed the aarti of Goddess Bhadrakali, the atmosphere was charged with energy, and the crowd was stirred to fervently chant the name of Bhagavan Nityananda.

With the devotees energized, the procession moved toward Kailash Bhavan, Bhagavan Nityananda’s residence. The music and chants, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and clashing of cymbals, echoed through the streets. Bhagavan stepped onto the terrace of Kailash Bhavan to give darshan to the crowds of devotees below. Upon seeing their beloved Guru, the crowd erupted into loud chants and danced in a divine frenzy, their devotion reaching a fever pitch.

In response to the overwhelming devotion, Bhagavan Nityananda, moved by the love of His devotees, assumed the form of Lord Sadashiva and performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, on the terrace. The sight of Bhagavan dancing filled the hearts of the devotees with ecstatic joy, and they too danced in unison, their love for Him flooding the entire village of Ganeshpuri.

In that sacred moment, Shree Shaligram Swami, overwhelmed with reverence, surrendered all his spiritual powers and the fruits of his penance at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Nityananda. I was fortunate to witness this divine event firsthand, as one of the 1,200 baskets of offerings was placed on my head. I had the privilege of participating in the Vishwarpan Pooja, joining the procession that made its way into Kailash, where Bhagavan sat on His favourite chair.

With great reverence, I placed the basket at His Lotus Feet and bowed before Him. As I was being gently ushered toward the exit with the rest of the crowd, an attendant noticed me. In an almost playful gesture, he lifted me out of the queue like a lamb and handed me back to my father.

It was probably on Friday the 25th 1959. Shree Shaligram Swami held the Vishwarpan Pooja.

27th April 1961Friday  Dwadashi Phalgun, Shree Shaligram took Mahasamadhi.

8th Aug 1961 Dwadashi

Bhagavan Nityananda took Mahasamadhi on August 8th, 1961. Just eleven days earlier, his final Gurupurnima was celebrated in Ganeshpuri. Devotees flocked in large numbers to receive his darshan, though none knew how close Bhagavan was to the end of his earthly journey. Recently, Bhagavan moved from Kailash Nivas to Bangalorewalla, a place specifically built by Shri Laxman Shah Khoday for Bhagavan’s Mahasamadhi. The location was well-designed, with a larger capacity to accommodate the increasing crowds of devotees expected for the event.

Though Bhagavan was very weak at this time, his close attendants worried that he might be unable to give the much-anticipated Gurupurnima darshan. Yet, on the day itself, despite his frailty, Bhagavan rose early and gave uninterrupted darshan from 6 a.m. until late in the afternoon, showing his unwavering commitment to his devotees.

Typically, Bhagavan did not give formal discourses, but on this occasion, he spoke for forty-five minutes. Although recordings exist of his voice, this particular talk was not recorded. Only Bhagavan seemed to grasp the full significance of the moment. In the awe of the moment, no one thought to take detailed notes, but several themes from his talk have been pieced together through accounts shared by various devotees, particularly my parents and Padiyar Swami.

As mentioned, Bhagavan rarely gave organized lectures or spoke on predefined topics. His words were often spontaneous, prompted by the devotees who gathered around him, asking questions on various subjects. Bhagavan would respond in his cryptic, insightful style. However, during this last talk, there seemed to be a deeper, more deliberate purpose behind his words, as though he had specific points he wanted to convey before his departure.

As a boy, he was called Rama—or Raman, as is typical in South India. Later, during his time as a renunciant, he became known as the Kala Sadhu (the Dark Monk). Eventually, people began addressing him as Swami, and we, too, always called him Swami. Even today, the Shenoy family continues to refer to him as Swami.

The term “Baba” emerged when he settled in Maharashtra and became surrounded by many small children in Ganeshpuri. They affectionately called him Baba, meaning Father. There was no distinction of “Bade Baba” or “Chote Baba”—to them, he was simply Baba. When we addressed him, we called him Deva, meaning God.

As time passed and he moved to Kailash, he became known as Bhagavan, a title that reflected his elevated spiritual stature. All these names were bestowed upon him by his devotees, who recognized his divine nature and spiritual greatness. He never claimed any title for himself. It was his immense spiritual presence—his status as a Mahavatar—that earned him these various titles.

In those days, a true saint did not seek or organize ceremonies to acquire titles. They were recognized simply through their being.

Young Swami Nityananda in South Karnataka. Wherever He went, a crowd of devotees gathered around Him

He would share his wisdom in short bursts. But on this particular day, weakened by illness, his demeanor was different. Baba spoke slowly, using long, deliberate sentences.

Bhagavan Nityananda almost revealed what was about to unfold. He explained to his audience that after shedding the gross physical body, the subtle form becomes far more powerful and effective in reaching devotees. He reassured them that it is easier to offer help in the subtle (nirguna) form than in the gross form. These words brought both comfort and apprehension to the attentive listeners.

He also spoke about the Balbhojan program—his initiative to feed and care for children, which was very dear to his heart. He expressed his deep desire for this program to continue even after his passing.

He placed great emphasis on spiritual practices, but equally on the importance of fulfilling one’s worldly responsibilities, or dharma. He taught that our duties must come first, and only when they are properly handled should we fully dedicate ourselves to sadhana and spiritual pursuits.

Above all, he spoke of the boundless grace of the Guru—Guru Kripa. He said that surrender to the Guru is the ultimate step on this path. Once the Guru takes your hand, he will never let you go. The Guru’s concern for his disciples is like that of a tortoise for its young. Though the tortoise may float in the deep sea, its attention is always fixed on the eggs left on the shore—a concept known as Kurma Dristhi. This unwavering concern and love guide the eggs to hatch, leading the newborns safely to the sea.

He also said, “This One is the engine driver. Attach your bogie (wagon) to the train driven by this One, and rest assured—you will be delivered.”

Finally, he addressed the crowd, reminding them that everyone who takes birth must eventually leave the body. This truth applied even to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. It was clear that Baba was speaking directly to the deepest fears of his devotees. No one wanted to accept how near the final act truly was.

Picture of the last Guru Purnima (27-07-1961)