PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj [1] Hindustan Times
Profession: Spiritual Leader
Known for: Being the 16th Head of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission
Date of Birth: Year, 1929
Birthplace: Andami, Madras Presidency, British India
Age (at the time of death): 95 Years
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Andami, Madras Presidency, British India
Age: 95 Years
Check Out Other Celebrities Biography
- amandeep sidhu biography
- dhanashree verma biography
- salman rushdie biography
- aditi tyagi news anchor biography
- rajani pandit biography
EDUCATION
School: Secondary education in Chennai (1946)
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 5′ 7″ (170 cm)
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Grey
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status (at the time of death): Unmarried
Wife/Spouse: N/A
OTHER INFORMATION
Order: Ramakrishna Mission
Philosophy: Vedanta
Guru: Swami Shankarananda
Predecessor: Swami Atmasthananda
Date of Death: 26 March 2024
Place of Death: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Death Cause: Age-related ailments [2] Hindustan Times
Death Date: 26/03/2024
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Swami Smaranananda’s journey into spirituality began early in life, marked by the profound loss of his mother. This personal tragedy shaped his character and laid the groundwork for a lifelong quest for meaning. Upon completing his school education in 1946, he relocated to Mumbai in 1949, where he initially took up a private job after moving from Nasik. Despite the demands of work, Swami Smaranananda found solace in literature, particularly drawn to the inspirational writings of Napoleon Hill. His reading habits were not just a pastime; they became a catalyst for introspection and spiritual awakening. Influenced by the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, he began to contemplate the deeper questions of existence.
In Mumbai, Swami Smaranananda engaged in a practice that would alter the course of his life: he took solitary walks to Worli Beach. It was here, amidst the vastness of the sea and the grandeur of the setting sun, that he experienced a moment of profound epiphany. Sitting on the rocks, he came to a striking realization of his place in the universe; he felt like a mere dot against the overwhelming backdrop of nature. Yet, simultaneously, he sensed a divine presence within himself, a realization that compelled him to explore the spiritual dimensions of life further. These contemplative moments became infused with whispers of spirituality, despite his lack of prior exposure to sacred texts like the Gita or the Upanishads.
During his time at a hostel in Mumbai, a pivotal conversation with a friend led him to the Mumbai branch of the Ramakrishna Order. This encounter opened a new chapter in his spiritual journey as he began visiting the Ashrama on weekends. Immersing himself in the literature of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, he found profound insights that resonated deeply within him. As the quest for answers to existential questions intensified, he began to repeat the mantra “Sri Rama,” a practice that further connected him to his spiritual aspirations. This spiritual yearning culminated in a transformative moment while traveling on a bus, where he felt an overwhelming desire to embrace monastic life, fostering a close bond with Swami Aparnanandaji of the Mumbai Ashrama.
In 1952, on the auspicious occasion of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday, Swami Smaranananda joined the Ramakrishna Mission as a Brahmachari at the age of 22. Shortly after, he received Mantra Diksha from Swami Shankaranandaji Maharaj, the seventh President of the Ramakrishna Order, marking a significant milestone in his spiritual journey. His first visit to Belur Math in 1954, accompanied by Swami Sambuddhanandaji, deepened his commitment to the mission. Over the years, he took on various roles within the Ramakrishna Mission, including serving as an assistant editor of Prabuddha Bharata, a monthly journal founded by Swami Vivekananda, and participating in outreach efforts such as drought relief operations in Aurangabad.
Swami Smaranananda’s dedication to service and education led him to various responsibilities, including a significant tenure as Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha, where he supervised educational and rural welfare initiatives. His leadership extended to the Kolkata branch of Advaita Ashrama, where he worked to enhance the standard of publications and contributed extensively to the journals of the Ramakrishna Order. In 2017, after ten years as Vice-President, he was elected President of both Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Notably, during his presidency, he inaugurated a toy train at Belur Math and initiated the construction of a new headquarters building. His literary contributions continued as well, with the release of “Musings of a Monk,” a collection of his spiritual writings, showcasing his reflections and travel experiences. Swami Smaranananda’s enduring legacy is not only in his administrative roles but also in the profound spiritual guidance he has offered countless seekers, underscored by a heartfelt visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent health crisis.
—
Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.