Yukteswar Giri

Yukteswar Giri Biography

Yukteswar Giri was one of the greatest saints of India who lived during the period – 1855 to 1936. He was also known as an astrologer and scholar who was a favourite disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, known for popularizing the techniques of Kriya Yoga, inherited from his guru Mahavatar Babaji. He was also a member of the Giri branch of the swami order, known by the title – Jnanavatar. His monastic name was Sriyukteshwar according to his Indian disciples.

He was born in Serampore as Priya Nath Karar. He lost his father at a young age and for the same reason, he had to take the responsibilities of his family. He was a brilliant student whose interest to learn Bible prompted to join Srirampur Christian Missionary College. He also attended Calcutta Medical College for two years. After studies, he got married and had one daughter. But his wife’s death prompted him to become a yogi. He changed his name to "Sri Yuktesvar Giri". He met Lahiri Mahasaya in 1884 and very soon became his disciple. He accompanied his guru for several years and preached the essence of Kriya Yoga. He changed his two-storied home to an ashram and gave it the name - "Priyadham". His second ashram was in Puri, named "Karar Ashram". He also started an organization named "Sadhu Sabha".

Throughout his life, he wrote only 2 books - The holy Science (1894) and a commentary upon the first chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita. Through the book ‘The holy science’ he told the hidden similarities that existed between Hinduism and Christianity. Through his work, he also stated with proofs that the world is still in Dwapara Yuga, not Kali Yuga.

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Updated: March 18, 2014