Sannyas Diksha: By the Grace of Gurudev

OM Ashram was recently blessed with a Sannyas Diksha ceremony. The ceremony coincided with the celebration of the 102nd birth anniversary of our revered Satguru, Hindu Dharma Samrat Paramahansa Shree Swami Madhavananda Ji Maharaj.

The initiation unfolded in two parts: first, a sacred yagya (havan) of renunciation at OM Ashram, followed by the formal initiation into the Sannyas order in Nipal (the Satguru’s birthplace).

Our beloved Gurudev, His Holiness Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramahansa Shree Swami Maheshwarananda Puri Ji Maharaj, initiated a long-time dedicated disciple into the life of renunciation.

Our yoga sister from Austria, now known as Swami Annapurna Puri Ji, has embraced the path of a sannyāsin (a yoga monk).

The beautiful ceremony was attended by many swamis, yogis, pandits, and devotees, who gathered from near and far.

An Ancient Tradition: The Sacred Yagya

This path of renunciation follows a timeless tradition. It was reformed by the great Saint Shree Adi Shankaracarya.

The great Saint established four monastic centers (maṭhas) and reformed the sannyāsa traditions in India.

Before his reforms, renunciation was only permitted after age 75.

Shree Adi Shankaracarya argued that those who attained virāgya (dispassion) earlier should embrace asceticism to better serve society.

Shree Adi Shankaracarya also revived the philosophy of non-duality (Advaita Vedānta).

The great Saint illustrated this truth with these words: “Ornaments vary in form, but their essence is one—gold. Similarly, bodies, colors, and creatures differ, yet their reality is singular: the divine light of Ātman.”