His Early Years
An extraordinary child
From the very beginning, it was clear that Paramahamsa Vishwananda was not an ordinary child. Instead of playing childhood games, He spent His time praying, visiting temples and acting out religious rituals, while always living in the presence of God. Even while very young, He enjoyed singing the Divine Names and inspiring all those around Him to love God. In truth, He has always been a living example of Bhakti Marga, the path of devotion.
1978 Born God-realised
Paramahamsa Vishwananda was born God-realised on 13 June, 1978, on the beautiful island of Mauritius, off the coast of Africa. Almost immediately, people could see that this child was someone special.
An Esteemed Brahmin Heritage
His parents belonged to the Bharadwaja Gotra, a noteworthy Brahmin family lineage that dates back thousands of years, even before the time of Krishna.
Age 5 Met His Guru
His Guru, Mahavatar Babaji, first appeared to Him when He was about five years old and in the hospital, recovering from eating some poisonous berries. As Paramahamsa Vishwananda tells of the experience, this was when He saw the Light of His true self, a light brighter than the sun. He was to see Mahavatar Babaji again and again as time passed.
Age 14 Experienced Samadhi
At the age of 14, He began to embrace His mission as a spiritual teacher after He experienced a state of Samadhi (complete absorption in the Divine).
Age 16 Attracted Attention
It didn't take long before His vibrant personality and unmistakable Realisation of the Divine began to attract more and more people seeking His blessings and advice. Much to His mother's dismay, visitors lined up at His home wanting to meet with 'the young saint'.
Age 19 Settled in Europe
At the age of 19, He visited Europe for the first time. Very quickly, spiritual seekers started to gather to see Him. At this point in time, the Divine Mother appeared to Him and asked Him to settle in Europe.
2004 Established the First Ashram
His first ashram was established in tiny village of Steffenshof, Germany when a handful of followers decided they all wanted to live together. What started with a single house, soon grew to four. After just three and a half years, as more and more devotees joined the group, it was clear they needed a larger place to call home.
2005 Launched Bhakti Marga
On His 27th birthday, He officially launched His public Bhakti Marga Mission. Bhakti Marga means 'path of devotion'. This meaning described His life perfectly, and through Bhakti Marga, His message and teachings could be spread throughout the world.
Little Guruji
Perfect for both children and adults, stories from Paramahamsa Vishwananda's early years have been beautifully illustrated in a children's book called 'Little Guruji'.