Swami Chetanananda, Swami Vivekananda

Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa, born Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay in 1880, was a prominent Indian yogi, guru, and mystic deeply rooted in the Shakta tradition of Eastern India. He is recognized for his profound spiritual mastery across Vedanta, Tantra, Yoga, and Bhakti (prema). His life was marked by a profound spiritual quest, initiated by the loss of his wife, which led him to explore the nature of life after death and the existence of the soul.

Nigamananda's journey involved significant spiritual disciplines and initiations. He achieved perfection in four distinct sadhanas: Tantra, Gyan (knowledge), Yoga, and Prema (devotion). His experiences culminated in the writing of five Bengali books detailing these practices. He is also reported to have attained the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi. He established Shanti Ashram, later known as Saraswat Math, which served as a spiritual center open to adherents of all traditions. He spent the final years of his life in Puri, passing away in 1935. His mission focused on propagating Sanatana Dharma, promoting education, publishing spiritual literature, and serving all beings.

Nigamananda's spiritual awakening was profoundly influenced by personal tragedy, particularly the death of his wife, which ignited a deep inquiry into life after death. This quest led him to various spiritual teachers and traditions. He received initiation from Bamakhepa, a Tantrik, and under his guidance, experienced the divine presence of Tara Devi. Seeking further understanding, he pursued Advaita Vedanta under Satchidananda Saraswati, who initiated him into renunciation and gave him the name Nigamananda. His spiritual development continued with pilgrimages and further guidance from Satchidananda, emphasizing the importance of yogic principles for self-realization. He later studied yoga under Sumeru Dasji, achieving Savikalpa Samadhi and subsequently Nirvikalpa Samadhi. His spiritual path also included learning Bhava Sadhana from Gouri Devi, focusing on understanding the divine in the physical world through divine love.

Nigamananda's spiritual depth and understanding were recognized by the Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Matha during the Kumbha Mela in Allahabad. When questioned about his reverence for his guru over the Shankaracharya, Nigamananda eloquently defended his position based on Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the ultimate unity of the guru and the divine. This response earned him the title 'Paramahamsa,' signifying his spiritual enlightenment. He was then known as 'Paribrajakacharay Paramahansa Shree Mad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva.' He established Saraswat Math, a spiritual center that welcomed practitioners from all religious backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment for spiritual growth. His teachings and the institutions he founded continue to be places of pilgrimage for his followers.

Based on his profound spiritual experiences in Tantra, Gyan, Yoga, and Prema, Swami Nigamananda authored five significant books in Bengali: 'Brahmacarya Sadhana,' 'Yogi Guru,' 'Gyani Guru,' 'Tantrika Guru,' and 'Premik Guru.' These works encapsulate his insights into various spiritual disciplines. His overarching mission was to spread Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the importance of character building through education and spiritual literature. He advocated for 'service to all created beings,' viewing this service as an act of devotion to the divine residing within every individual. He encouraged his followers to lead exemplary family lives and to foster spiritual connection through shared practices and exchanges.