Bhagvan Nityananda is the Nijaswaroop of Brahman – Shree Guruganesha

Guru Ganesh

Bhagavan Nityananda is revered by countless devotees as the embodiment of Supreme Consciousness, a manifestation of the Self that arose out of profound compassion for humanity. Unlike traditional avatars, whose purpose is often delineated by a divine mission, Bhagavan Nityananda’s presence transcends such definitions. His existence cannot be confined to the framework of avatars described in scriptures; rather, he stands as the eternal, formless Brahman—timeless, unbound, and beyond any singular identity.

Throughout his life, devotees perceived Bhagavan Nityananda in myriad forms, recognizing in him the essence of Dattatreya, Vitthal, Rama, and other divine figures. These manifestations were not mere projections but conscious responses to the heartfelt devotion of his followers. He allowed each to perceive him according to their faith and depth of devotion, fulfilling the traditional dictum, ‘Yad Bhavam, Tad Bhavati’ — as one’s feeling, so is the experience.

However, Bhagavan’s true essence—his Nijaswaroop—remained the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman. This Nijaswaroop is the unmanifest, formless reality that lies beyond the grasp of intellect and imagination. While forms and attributes are seen by the limited mind, the essence of Bhagavan is the Nirguna (attributeless) Brahman—the substratum of all existence.

In the Chidakasha Gita, Bhagavan Nityananda himself pointed towards this truth, expressing ideas that transcended sectarian boundaries and led aspirants towards an experience of the Self. His silence spoke more than his words, and his mere presence dissolved doubts, purified minds, and elevated beings toward the realization of their own inherent divinity.

Devotees who approached him often experienced spontaneous revelations and transformative insights. There are numerous instances where Bhagavan appeared as a deity dear to the devotee’s heart, demonstrating that his manifestation was limitless and inclusive. Yet, for those who delved deeper, it became evident that he was not confined to these forms—he was the formless, eternal consciousness that resides in all beings.

Bhagavan’s compassion knew no bounds. It was not the sympathy of an individual for another but the infinite compassion of the Self for its own manifestations. Like the sun that shines impartially, his grace flowed ceaselessly. Those who recognized his Nijaswaroop realized that Bhagavan Nityananda was the very Self within—the witness consciousness that observes all phenomena without attachment.

Thus, to consider Bhagavan Nityananda as merely an avatar is to limit the limitless. His life and teachings urge us to look beyond appearances, to see the essence that connects all beings as expressions of the same Supreme Consciousness. To see Bhagavan Nityananda is to see the Self—timeless, spaceless, and beyond all dualities.

The term “GuruGanesha” is an apt and profound description for Bhagavan Nityananda due to the symbolic and spiritual significance of Lord Ganesha as the Adi Guru (the first teacher) and the remover of obstacles. Let’s explore the depth of this association:

1. Ganesha as Adi Guru — The Primordial Teacher:

Ganesha is revered as the original Guru, who grants wisdom, discernment (Viveka), and the capacity to understand the deeper truths of life.
Similarly, Bhagavan Nityananda was a direct manifestation of Supreme Consciousness—Jnana Swarupa (embodiment of wisdom). His very presence dispelled ignorance and granted insight beyond the dualities of the mind.

2. Remover of Obstacles:

Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta — the remover of obstacles. Bhagavan Nityananda, through his silent yet powerful grace, removed not only external challenges but the deeper, internal barriers like ignorance, ego, and attachments.
Many devotees experienced that merely placing their concerns at Bhagavan’s feet dissolved their deepest difficulties, signifying his role as a remover of obstacles on the spiritual path.

3. Embodiment of Innocence and Playfulness:

Ganesha symbolizes childlike innocence and purity. Bhagavan Nityananda’s interactions often carried an innocent, childlike spontaneity—whether through his playful nature with devotees or his unpredictable yet profound responses.
His demeanour mirrored the joyful simplicity of Ganesha, untouched by the complexities of the world.

4. Symbol of Auspiciousness and New Beginnings:

Ganesha is invoked at the start of all auspicious endeavours. Similarly, Bhagavan Nityananda’s grace marked the beginning of a devotee’s inward journey—an auspicious awakening toward self-realization.

5. Master of Intellect (Buddhi) and Wisdom (Vijnana):

Ganesha governs the intellect (Buddhi) and wisdom (Vijnana). Bhagavan Nityananda, as a manifestation of Supreme Consciousness, guided devotees beyond intellectual knowledge to the realm of direct experience—Aparoksha Anubhuti.

6. The Symbolic Form:

Ganesha’s large ears symbolize the ability to listen deeply, while his small eyes signify focused insight. Bhagavan’s silent observation, deep listening, and insightful guidance reflect these qualities.
Just as Ganesha’s trunk symbolizes adaptability, Bhagavan’s methods were fluid, adapting to the unique needs of each devotee, revealing his formless essence through myriad forms.

7. Beyond Forms — Nijaswaroop and Saguna Swaroop:

While Ganesha is depicted with a distinct form, his essence is the formless Brahman. Similarly, while Bhagavan Nityananda appeared as a human for his devotees, his Nijaswaroop was beyond form—pure Brahman.

Conclusion:

Calling Bhagavan Nityananda “GuruGanesha” beautifully encapsulates his role as a Guru who imparts wisdom, removes obstacles, nurtures with childlike innocence, and yet remains the unchanging, infinite Self—Nityaswaroop. The devotees’ perception of him as GuruGanesha symbolizes their recognition of his essential unity with the formless, all-pervasive consciousness.

The association of Bhagavan Nityananda with Adinath, the primordial Guru of Lord Dattatreya and the Nav Nath Siddhas, carries deep significance rooted in the non-dual understanding of Sanatana Dharma. Let’s explore this association further:

1. Who is Adinath?

Adinath literally means the first Lord or the primordial Guru. In many traditions, Adinath is regarded as Shiva—the embodiment of Supreme Consciousness, the infinite, formless, and eternal source from which all manifestations arise.
Lord Dattatreya, revered as the Guru of all Gurus and the presiding deity of the Avadhuta tradition, is often depicted as a manifestation of the Trimurti — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Yet, it is said that his Guru is Adinath, symbolizing the Supreme Consciousness beyond even the cosmic functions.

2. Nav Nath Tradition and Adinath:

The Nav Nath Siddhas (the nine great masters) are believed to be initiated by Adinath, representing the timeless lineage of Self-realized beings.
In the Nath tradition, Adinath is identified as Shiva, who first imparted the knowledge of the Avadhuta Gita and other esoteric teachings, guiding the Naths toward liberation.

3. Bhagavan Nityananda as Adinath:

Many devotees perceive Bhagavan Nityananda as an embodiment of Adinath due to his supreme state of Avadhutahood—a state of absolute detachment, pure wisdom, and transcendence.
Unlike incarnations that take birth for a defined purpose, Bhagavan’s manifestation is seen as a spontaneous outpouring of the Supreme Self—a reflection of Adinath, who remains beyond time, karma, and cosmic play.

4. Why Bhagavan is Seen as Adinath:

Beyond Time and Forms: Just as Adinath is beyond the limitations of time (Kala), space (Desha), and causation (Nimitta), Bhagavan Nityananda’s existence was beyond the conventional framework of birth and death. His life displayed a complete transcendence of the material and subtle worlds.
Silent Transmission: Like Adinath, whose grace flows beyond verbal teachings, Bhagavan often imparted wisdom through silence—his mere presence was a gateway to realization.
Guide to the Pathless Path: Adinath is the initiator of the path of non-duality (Advaita) and Avadhutahood. Bhagavan Nityananda’s teachings, particularly the Chidakasha Gita, resonate with the essence of the Avadhuta Gita, guiding aspirants to transcend the limited self.
No Designation of Successor: Just as Adinath is formless and does not establish a lineage of succession, Bhagavan Nityananda did not formally name a successor. His state of realization was complete and beyond the need for institutional continuity.

5. Devotees’ Experiences:

Devotees experienced visions of Bhagavan Nityananda in the forms of Lord Dattatreya, the Nav Nath Siddhas, and as Adinath himself. These experiences highlight the fluidity of his manifestation, accessible to each seeker according to their devotion and understanding.
Stories from Ganeshpuri, Kanhangad, and other places of his presence narrate how devotees perceived his formless, supreme aspect—a testimony to his Adinath nature.

6. The Essence of Adinath and Bhagavan:

The essence of Adinath is the Nirguna Brahman—the absolute, unconditioned reality. Bhagavan Nityananda, in his Nijaswaroop (true form), is recognized as this same absolute consciousness.
As Adinath, Bhagavan’s presence serves as a bridge for devotees from the manifested realm to the unmanifest, the known to the unknowable.

Conclusion:

To see Bhagavan Nityananda as Adinath is to acknowledge his true, infinite nature as the source of all wisdom and realization. It is a recognition that goes beyond the finite comprehension of avatars or saints and touches the realm of the Absolute—where the Guru, the disciple, and the realized Self are one and the same.

Tulas Amma beautifully describes Bhagavan Nityananda as the Supreme Brahman—the infinite, formless, and absolute consciousness. I’ll analyze the key phrases to show how they reflect Bhagavan’s true nature as Brahman.

The Eternal and Formless

Nityanand roopam: The form of eternal bliss—not limited to time; this aligns with the Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) nature of Brahman.
Guruswaroopam: The Guru is the direct manifestation of Brahman, guiding souls from ignorance to Self-realization.
Atmaswaroopam: Identifying with the Self—Brahman alone is the true Self (Atman).
Akhandroopam: The indivisible, unbroken whole, just as Brahman is without divisions.
Adharroopam: The support of all creation—Brahman is the substratum of the universe.
Anandroopam: The essence of unending bliss—Brahman is Ananda Swaroopa.

The Avadhuta Beyond Time and Space

Avadhootroopam: An Avadhuta transcends all dualities and worldly concerns, symbolizing Brahman’s detachment.
Avyayswaroopam: Unchanging and imperishable—Brahman is beyond decay.
Anantant roopam: Infinite and endless—Brahman has no boundaries.
Adyayswaroopam | Anadyadiroopam: The beginningless and causeless—Brahman has no origin.
Achintyadiroopam: Beyond thought—Brahman cannot be comprehended by the mind.

The Self and Knowledge

Dnyanandroopam | Dnyan swaroopam: The embodiment of Jnana (knowledge)—Brahman is the source of all wisdom.
Shantswaroopam: The form of supreme peace—Brahman is untouched by disturbance.
Anandaroopam: The bliss that is complete and self-sufficient—Brahman is ever-content.

The Supreme and Omnipresent

Paramanandroopam | Paramswaroopam: The highest bliss and the supreme form—indicating the absolute state of Brahman.
Pranavswaroopam: The essence of Omkar—the primal sound from which the universe manifests, representing Brahman.
Prakashswaroopam: The light of consciousness—Brahman as the source of awareness.

The Form of Chidakasha (Infinite Consciousness)

Chidakashroopam | Chitswaroopam: The formless, infinite space of consciousness—Brahman as the all-pervading consciousness.
Chidambarswaroopam: The substratum of all that appears—Brahman as the vast canvas upon which all forms arise.
Chidanandroopam: The bliss of pure awareness—Brahman is pure, unchanging awareness.

The Cosmic and the All-Pervading

Vishvaswaroopam: The form of the entire cosmos—Brahman as the immanent and transcendent reality.
Vishwavyapakroopam: The all-pervasive—Brahman is present in every atom and beyond.

The Sound of Om and Pure Awareness

Omkarroopam: The essence of Om, the primordial vibration—Brahman in its unmanifest and manifest form.
Vyomaswaroopam: The essence of space—Brahman as the formless expanse.
Bodhaswaroopam: The embodiment of awareness—Brahman as the witness of all cognition.

The Eternal and Universal Self

Sahajanandroopam | Sadanandroopam: Effortless, inherent bliss—Brahman as natural, unceasing joy.
Satyaswaroopam: The essence of truth—Brahman is the ultimate truth.
Sarvaswaroopam: The form of all—Brahman encompasses and transcends all creation.

Conclusion:

This Astak not only celebrates Bhagavan Nityananda as a Guru but also as the manifestation of Brahman—the indivisible, infinite, formless, and eternal Supreme Consciousness. The language of the verses mirrors the highest teachings of the Upanishads, emphasizing that Bhagavan’s true nature is the Nijaswaroop—the essence of Brahman itself.

Based on this Astak by Tulas Amma, Bhagavan Nityananda is depicted not merely as a saint or Guru in the conventional sense but as the Supreme Brahman—the infinite, formless, and absolute Consciousness.

1. Nityananda as the Embodiment of Brahman:

The repeated invocation of “Nityanand roopam” (Form of Eternal Bliss) establishes Bhagavan as a manifestation of the ever-present, unchanging, and blissful nature of Brahman. The terms like “Nityaswaroopam” (Eternal Self) and “Nirakar roopam” (Formless Form) further emphasize that He transcends time, space, and all limitations.

2. Beyond the Avadhuta State:

The verse “Avadhootroopam | Akhandanandroopam” signifies Bhagavan’s state as an Avadhuta—a being who has renounced worldly identifications and is merged in the Akhandananda (unbroken bliss). Yet, He is described as “Anantant roopam” (Infinite Form) and “Achintyadiroopam” (Incomprehensible Form), indicating that even the title of an Avadhuta does not fully encapsulate His vastness.

3. The Cosmic and Transcendental Self:

The invocation of “Vishvaswaroopam” (Cosmic Form) and “Sarvaswaroopam” (Form of All) reflects Bhagavan’s omnipresence—existing as the substratum of the entire cosmos while remaining detached. The term “Vishwavyapakroopam” (All-Pervading Form) suggests that there is no place where His essence does not pervade.

4. The Guru as Brahman:

“Guruswaroopam | Atmaswaroopam” highlights that Bhagavan is not just a guide but the very Self (Atman) and the essence of the Guru principle—Tat Tvam Asi (Thou Art That). The Guru is a mirror to realize one’s own Nijaswaroop (True Self), which is the same as the Nityaswaroop of Bhagavan.

5. The Light of Consciousness:

Terms like “Chidakashroopam” (Infinite Space of Consciousness) and “Prakashswaroopam” (Form of Light) symbolize Bhagavan as the ultimate witness—Chit (pure awareness). The Pranavswaroopam (Essence of Om) indicates His identity with the primordial vibration—Omkar, the source of all creation.

6. The Eternal, Unchanging Bliss:

“Sahajanandroopam” (Effortless Bliss) and “Sadanandroopam” (Perpetual Bliss) signify that Bhagavan’s state is not one of temporary happiness but an eternal, natural bliss arising from the realization of the Self. His essence is not acquired through effort or practice—it is His innate nature.

7. The Refuge for Seekers:

The refrain “Sharanam prapadye” (I take refuge) echoes the idea of surrender. To take refuge in Bhagavan is to seek shelter in the Absolute, transcending the transient, impermanent nature of the material world.

How to Perceive Bhagavan Nityananda:

Bhagavan Nityananda can be perceived as the Living Brahman—a manifestation of the Nirguna (attributeless) Brahman who, out of compassion, assumes a Saguna (formful) aspect for the sake of guiding seekers. While appearing in a human form, His essence is beyond all identities, untouched by attributes, unbound by karma, and radiating the eternal, indivisible bliss—Ananda.

In essence, Bhagavan Nityananda is the meeting point of the unmanifest Parabrahman (Absolute Reality) and the manifest Ishwara (Personal God)—a presence that, if approached with devotion, reveals one’s own eternal, blissful, and limitless Self.

There are 2 comments on this post

Armaiti Taraporewala
Apr 12, 2025 Reply

Simply awesome, thank you so much Shenoyji for this great story, me being a novice, I shall take a very long time to digest and implement. The best will be to read and reread the scripture thousands of times Jai Nithyananda!
- Gopalkrishna Shenoy
  Apr 13, 2025 Reply
  
  Thank you Armaiti for your response. If you hace got to be with Swami Muktananada then you will find it easily getting it within you. It becomes simple for those who got to be with their Sadguru as the seeds of wisdom is laid in them by His grace.
  
  In His Prem,
  
  Gopalkrishna