The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Andhra Pradesh): In the rich tapestry of Indian spiritual history, Sri Trailanga Swami (1607-1887) emerges as a towering figure, revered for his profound wisdom, mystical powers, and unwavering devotion. Born in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, Trailanga Swami’s life spanned nearly three centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of India, particularly in the holy city of Varanasi. This article explores the life, teachings, and extraordinary feats of this spiritual luminary, drawing upon historical texts, British chronicles, and the accounts of his contemporaries.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
According to the “Sri Sri Trailanga Swami Vijayam,” a Telugu biography written by his disciple Sri Umamaheshwara Swami, Trailanga Swami, originally named Shivarama, was born into a pious Brahmin family. From a tender age, he exhibited a deep inclination towards spirituality, often immersing himself in meditation and scriptural study. At the age of 40, he renounced worldly life and embarked on a pilgrimage across India, visiting sacred sites mentioned in the ancient Puranas, such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Kanchipuram. During this journey, he encountered several enlightened masters, including the renowned yogi, Bhagirathananda Saraswati, who initiated him into the secrets of yoga and tantric practices.
Philosophical Teachings and Spiritual Practices
The core of Trailanga Swami’s teachings revolved around the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which asserts the non-duality of the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman). He often quoted from the Upanishads, such as the Isha Upanishad, which declares, “All this, whatsoever moves in this moving world, is enveloped by God.” Trailanga Swami’s life exemplified the principles of detachment, self-discipline, and unwavering devotion. The British author, William Godwin, in his book “The Theosophist” (1880), described Trailanga Swami as “a living monument of penance and holiness,” known for his prolonged fasts, extended periods of silence, and ability to endure extreme weather conditions.
Trailanga Swami’s spiritual practices were rooted in the ancient traditions of yoga and tantra. According to the “Shiva Samhita,” a classical text on yoga, he was adept in the practice of “Khechari Mudra,” a technique involving the insertion of the tongue into the nasal cavity, believed to bestow spiritual powers and longevity. The “Gheranda Samhita,” another yogic text, mentions Trailanga Swami’s mastery over the “Vajroli Mudra,” a practice said to grant control over the sexual energy and awaken the Kundalini Shakti.
The British Orientalist, Sir John Woodroffe, in his book “The Serpent Power” (1918), discusses Trailanga Swami’s profound understanding of the Kundalini Yoga and his ability to guide his disciples through the complex process of awakening the dormant spiritual energy. Woodroffe quotes Trailanga Swami as saying, “The Kundalini is the primordial energy that lies dormant in every human being. It is the source of all spiritual experiences and the key to the realization of the Absolute.”
Miracles and Legends
Trailanga Swami’s life is shrouded in a veil of miracles and legends, attesting to his extraordinary spiritual powers. One of the most well-documented miracles, reported in the “Prabuddha Bharata” journal (1907), involved Trailanga Swami’s ability to survive underwater for extended periods. According to the account, he once remained submerged in the River Ganges for three consecutive days, leaving onlookers astonished when he emerged unscathed, with his body completely dry.
One incident, reported in the “Madras Mail” newspaper (1880), describes how he astonished onlookers by drinking large quantities of deadly poison without any adverse effects.
Another account, mentioned in the “Prabuddha Bharata” journal (1898), narrates how Trailanga Swami was seen levitating in a sitting posture during his meditation on the banks of the River Ganges. The British magistrate, H.D. Sandeman, in his book “Selections from the Calcutta Gazette” (1878), recounts an incident where Trailanga Swami allegedly appeared in two places simultaneously, a feat known as bilocation.
Another remarkable incident, narrated by the British civil servant, J.C. Oman, in his book “The Mystics, Ascetics, and Saints of India” (1903), describes Trailanga Swami’s supernatural ability to control the elements. During a severe drought in Varanasi, he was reported to have caused a torrential downpour by merely dipping his foot into the River Ganges, providing relief to the parched city.
The Indian historian, R.D. Ranade, in his work “Mysticism in Maharashtra” (1933), recounts an event where Trailanga Swami allegedly resurrected a disciple who had died from a snake bite. According to Ranade, Trailanga Swami placed his hand on the deceased disciple’s forehead and chanted a powerful mantra, miraculously bringing him back to life.
The “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda (1946) narrates an incident where Trailanga Swami demonstrated his ability to read minds. When a skeptical visitor, doubting Trailanga Swami’s powers, mentally asked him a question in English, Trailanga Swami, who had no formal education, responded fluently in the same language, leaving the visitor utterly astonished.
The spiritual master, Swami Sivananda, in his book “Lives of Saints” (1941), recounts a legend where Trailanga Swami, during a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, encountered a fierce Tibetan mastiff. By merely gazing into the dog’s eyes, Trailanga Swami subdued the animal, transforming its aggression into docility and devotion.
The “Trailanga Swami and Shankari Mataji” by Swami Chetanananda (2004) narrates an incident where Trailanga Swami, through his spiritual prowess, miraculously saved a sinking boat filled with his disciples during a severe storm in the River Ganges. By extending his staff over the turbulent waters, he calmed the waves and guided the boat safely to the shore.
These miraculous accounts, though subject to historical verification, have become an integral part of Trailanga Swami’s legacy, inspiring faith and reverence among his devotees. They serve as a testament to the extraordinary spiritual heights attained by this remarkable saint.
Devotees and Disciples
Trailanga Swami’s magnetic personality and spiritual charisma attracted a wide array of disciples and devotees, including influential figures such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. Ramakrishna, in his conversations recorded in “Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita,” spoke reverently of Trailanga Swami, describing him as a “real Paramahamsa” and “a man of supreme spiritual attainment.” Swami Vivekananda, in a letter to his disciple, Sister Nivedita, wrote, “Trailanga Swami was the greatest Yogi of the 19th century, and his influence was felt all over India.”
Trailanga Swami’s legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers across the globe. The Trailanga Swami Math, a monastic order established in his honor, preserves his teachings and maintains several ashrams throughout India. The renowned spiritual teacher, Sri Anandamayi Ma, often mentioned Trailanga Swami in her discourses, emphasizing his role in revitalizing the spiritual traditions of India. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, recorded in “Young India” (1927), “Trailanga Swami’s life is a reminder that the path of self-realization is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are willing to surrender everything for the sake of the Divine.”
