Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj (1896–1941) was a towering spiritual leader, visionary reformer, and the founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, an organization devoted to selfless service to humanity and spiritual awakening. Revered as a Yugacharya (Prophet of the age), he dedicated his life to both personal spiritual realization and the upliftment of society, particularly the poor and the oppressed.
🧬 Early Life
- Born: January 29, 1896, in Bajitpur, (Madaripur District) in what is now Bangladesh on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima.
- Birth name : Binod, Budho, Joynath
- Known Locally : Sadhu, Brahmachari
- From an early age, he showed signs of deep spiritual insight and an unusual detachment from worldly life.
🌄 Spiritual Awakening
- Attained Self-realization at a very young age (20 years only) in 1916 on the very auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima after intense spiritual practices.
- Renounced worldly life and became a monk to serve humanity and Nation Building.
- Believed in the idea that spiritual progress and social service go hand in hand.
🕊️ Founding of Bharat Sevashram Sangha
- Founded in 1917 on the holy occasion of Maghi Purnima, at Bajitpur in present Bangladesh, with the mission of:
- Serving the poor and distressed
- Spreading the ideals of Sanatana Hindu Dharma
- Promoting national unity and strength through character-building and spiritual and nationalistic education
- The Sangha became a platform for both monks and lay people to work together in humanitarian efforts.
🌍 Vision and Philosophy
- Advocated a non-sectarian, non-political and non-communal inclusive approach to spirituality and serving humanity.
- Emphasized the importance of discipline, celibacy, selfless service, and spiritual education.
- Encouraged youth to rise as strong, moral individuals and work toward the betterment of society.
✊ Contributions
- Organized massive relief work during natural disasters like floods, cyclones, religious fairs and earthquakes.
- Worked actively in India's freedom struggle and got imprisoned, though the Sangha remained non-political.
- Initiated reformation of the holy places of pilgriamges.
- Founded numerous Ashrams, schools, hostels, health centers, and vocational institutions under the Sangha’s banner.
🕉️ Legacy
- Passed away on January 8, 1941 at Kolkata Head Office of the Sangha, but his life’s work lives on through the Sangha’s worldwide activities.
- Devotees celebrate Pranavananda Jayanti> (his birth anniversary on the occasion of Maghi Purnima) with spiritual programmes, discourses, Bhajans, mediutation, service activities, and reflections on his teachings.
Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj is remembered as a spiritual revolutionary, blending inner awakening with outer action. His famous saying, "Be a hero. Always say, I have no fear," continues to inspire seekers and servers across the globe.