Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswata Dev (18 August 1880 – 29 November 1935) taught the true spirit of Sanatan Dharma – the eternal path – through his unique message:
“Shankarer Mata and Gouranger Patha”,
which means:
“The philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya and the path of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.”
This idea brings together two powerful forces in spiritual life:
Jnana (knowledge or self-realization)
Bhakti (devotion or love for God)
Swami Nigamananda believed that in today’s time, the best way to reach self-knowledge (Atma Jnana) is through loving service and devotion (Bhakti).
He explained that the ultimate truth – “Jeeva is Brahma” (the soul and God are one), or “Aham Brahmasmi” (“I am the Supreme”) – was taught by Adi Shankaracharya, a great spiritual master of the 8th century.
But to truly realize this truth, we need to follow the simple and loving path of Bhakti, as shown by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great saint and incarnation of devotion from the 16th century.
So, Swami Nigamananda gave us a balanced way:
Use devotion to reach self-realization. Love and serve to know your true self and God.
Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa was an Indian yogi, guru and mystic well known in Eastern India. He is associated with the Shakta tradition and viewed as a perfect spiritual master of vedanta, tantra, yoga and prema or bhakti. His followers idealized him as their worshipped and beloved thakura.
Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswata Dev (18 August 1880 – 29 November 1935 ) had espoused the essence of the all-inclusive Sanatan Dharma in his ideological as well as methodological maxim ” ‘Shankarer Mata’ and ‘Gouranger Patha’ “. It speaks of a harmonious blending of highest enlightenment (Jnana) and universal love (Bhakti).
Attaining Jnana (Atma jnana) through Bhakti (devotion/seva) is the integrated ideal that has been reinforced by Swami Nigamananda Dev for the seeker in this age. ‘Jeeva – the individual soul, is Brahma – the Supreme Soul’ or “Aham Brahmāsmi” – this Vedantic doctrine of the 8th century spiritual reformist Sri Sri Adi Shankaracharya is what a man on the path of spirituality needs to realize to know himself and to know God. And according to him, the royal road to attaining this ultimate spiritual goal is the path of devotion adopted by Sri Chaitanya Dev, the 16th century avatara of devotion.
In the view of Swami Nigamananda Dev, Seva-brata or adoption to a life of ‘service to mankind’ is the greatest Dharma of human beings. And, this Dharma is truly pursued by the integration of ‘Jnana’ and ‘Bhakti”Seva’ or in other words with the integration of “Shankarer Mata” and “Gouranger Patha”. The perfect path to attain complete Knowledge or Purna Jnana is to attain Chitta-shuddhi (a cleansed Mind) through ‘Seva’ or service to mankind. He calls it the path of Sri Gauranga. So, he says a seeker’s aim should be – “Ahamtva ra Prasara” or “spreading of one’s Self” in the ‘self’ of the entire humanity. One has to learn to empathize and give priority to serve the cause of others. First, he/she is to practice this in the family and thereafter, spread this attitude gradually in the community, in the larger society and ultimately throughout mankind. This way one can experience one’s presence in every being.
Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Dev was born on 18 August 1880 in Kutabpur village of present-day Bangladesh, into a simple and pious family. His childhood name was Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay. From a very young age, Nalinikanta showed deep curiosity about the mysteries of life, often questioning the meaning of birth and death. His strong spiritual inclination set him apart from other children.
After completing his early education, he worked as a teacher and later joined the railway service, but his heart was restless. He felt that worldly life could never give him the eternal truth he was seeking. With an unshakable desire for self-realization, he left his home and job and started traveling across India in search of a true Guru.
During his journey, he met several spiritual masters. Under the guidance of Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, he mastered Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) and attained self-realization. Later, he also learned Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) from great Vaishnava saints, and Tantra from the revered guru Bhootnath Baba. By combining these paths, he understood that true spiritual growth comes from a balance of knowledge and devotion.
To spread this integrated spiritual message, Swami Nigamananda established Shanti Ashram in Assam, which became a center for seekers of truth. He taught that the highest knowledge (Atma Jnana) could be achieved through selfless love, service, and devotion to God. His famous principle, “Shankarer Mata, Gouranger Patha,” beautifully united the wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya with the loving path of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Swami Nigamananda wrote several books like Brahmacharya Sadhana, Yogiguru, and Tantrikguru to guide spiritual aspirants. He lived a life of simplicity, compassion, and deep spiritual insight. On 29 November 1935, he left his mortal body, but his teachings continue to inspire countless devotees across India and beyond.
Swami Nigamananda Dev Ashram in Puri is a quiet and holy place where people come to pray, learn, and find inner peace. It is inspired by the teachings of Swami Nigamananda Dev, a great saint who showed the path of combining knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti). Today, the ashram is looked after by Maharaj, a disciple in his spiritual lineage, who continues to guide devotees with love and wisdom.
Life in the ashram is simple and full of devotion. Each day begins with morning prayers, chanting of mantras, and meditation, which fill the ashram with peace and positivity. Maharaj encourages everyone to sing bhajans (devotional songs), join spiritual talks (satsangs), and read holy books to gain both knowledge and faith.
Helping others is a very important part of ashram life. Everyone – whether a visitor or a resident – takes part in seva (selfless service), like cooking, cleaning, and helping fellow devotees. Maharaj says that serving others with a pure heart is also a way to worship God.
The ashram is located in the holy city of Puri, the land of Lord Jagannath, which makes it a perfect place to relax the mind, learn spiritual values, and feel closer to God. Anyone who spends time here feels lighter, happier, and spiritually refreshed.
Swami Nigamananda Dev was not only a great saint but also a wonderful spiritual writer. Through his books, he explained deep spiritual truths in a way that ordinary people can understand. His writings focus on the importance of self-realization (knowing our true self), devotion to God, and living a simple and pure life.
Some of his most famous books are “Brahmacharya Sadhana,” “Yogiguru,” “Tantrikguru,” and “Premikguru.” These books guide seekers on the different paths of spirituality – knowledge, devotion, yoga, and tantra – and show how all these paths lead to the same ultimate truth.
Today, Maharaj continues to share this wisdom with devotees through satsangs, storytelling, and regular discussions at the ashram. The ashram also keeps these books and other spiritual resources for anyone who wants to read and learn from the timeless teachings of Swami Nigamananda Dev.
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