Today we lovingly mark the anniversary of the mahasamadhi of the great spiritual master, Sri Yukteswarji. While in India I came across a biography, entitled Swami Shriyukteshwar—incarnation of wisdom; by Paramahansa Prajnanananda, a disciple of Harihariananada, who in turn was a disciple of Sri Yukteswarji. There are many interesting details about the master’s life in this short volume, he begins the biography with the scene of his mahasamadhi. Jai Sri Yukteswarji!
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It was March 9th, 1936, a Monday afternoon. In the Karar Ashram at Puri, Swami Shriyukteshwar called out to his disciple, a young monk, “Narayan! Narayan!” Narayan, who was always present at the feet of his master, came to him. Shriyukteshwar declared, “It is time to depart from the world, Narayan!” Today I will leave this body! Hearing this Narayan was greatly disturbed and could not control his sorrow. Shriyukteshwar repeated, “Can you get me a glass of water?” Narayan quickly brought a glass of water, but as he gave it to the master it fell down on the floor.
Shriyukteshwar remarked, “Have you noticed how I am being separated from you Narayan? But do not be upset. Your love, service and devotion to the Guru are beyond comparison. I was very contented with your service. Our relationship is truly eternal.”
Dusk fell and the day was about to pass. The sun was setting. Shriyukteshwar called on a person named Krutivasa and said, “Krutivasa! Immediately go the Puri railway station and ask Prabhasa to inform Yogananda, who is now in Calcutta, that I am leaving my body this evening. He can come to Puri by the night train. It is my time to depart.” (Prabhas Ghosh was a cousin brother of Paramahansa Yogananda and an executive officer in the railway department. In those days there were no direct telephone connections and messages had to be sent from station to station. As soon as Prabhas at Kharagpur received the message he informed Paramahansa Yogananda and also made all arrangements for his journey to Puri on the same night). But Yoganandaji was not informed about the declaration of Shriyukteshwar of leaving his body.
Sitting on a small bed in lotus posture, Shriyukteshwar asked Narayan to hold his chest and back with two hands. Narayan followed the master’s direction. The great master and yogi went into deep meditation. His body seemed calm and sedate. A mild vibration passed from his heart to the fontanel producing a divine sound resembling the ‘Om’ sound. As that sound merged into the cosmic sound, the great master left his gross body and the body became a little stiff. Not noticing this, Narayan continue his massage.
In the meantime, Krutivasa returned from the railway station, Swami Narayan asked him to sit near the master and himself went to fetch a doctor disciple by the name of Dr. Dinakar Rao, who lived next door to examine the master. After a thorough examination the doctor declared that the master must have left his body about half an hour earlier.
Swami Narayan stood motionless in great despair with tears rolling down his face. “Oh Great Master,” he sobbed, “Your play on this earth was remarkable. Whoever came into contact with you was fascinated by you and was transformed by your divinity and boundless eternal wisdom. Your tall body, long arms, wide forehead and strong chest, your bright, star-like eyes always in sambhavi mudra and your tranquil bearded face live on forever in the hearts of all who had the privilege of meeting you.”
The divine child born in Serampore on the banks of river Ganga ended his physical existence of 81 years in Puri by the seaside. But his teachings live on in the hearts of millions of spiritual seekers all around the world.