Mahamandaleshwar Nityananda

Who is Mahamandaleshwar Nityananda?

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda is a Hindu guru. He was trained from childhood by Swami Muktananda.

In 1980, he was initiated into the Saraswati order of monks and named after Bhagawan Nityananda, Swami Muktananda's guru. In 1981, Nityananda was appointed by Swami Muktananda as his successor. In 1982, Swami Muktananda transferred his power and knowledge to both Nityananda and Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. Nityananda stepped down in 1985 amid controversy about breaking his vows.

In 1987, Nityananda established Shanti Mandir, "a worldwide community of people from all walks of life who have the common aspiration of experiencing divinity, knowing the Self and recognising the sacred in all." The organization has three ashrams, between which he travels, sharing the spiritual practices of his Siddha lineage.

In 1995, Nityananda was installed as a Mahamandaleshwar of the Mahanirvani Akhara of Dasnami tradition established by Adi Shankaracharya at a traditional ceremony in Haridwar, India.