"Trailanga Swami, the 'Walking Shiva of Varanasi': A 280-Year-Old Mystic Yogi with a Legacy of Spiritual Wonders and Enlightenment."

Trailanga Swami, often referred to as Telang Swami and Tailang Swami, was a distinguished Hindu mystic and yogi known for his extraordinary spiritual abilities. Residing in the holy city of Varanasi, India, he was linked to numerous miraculous events and legends. There are claims that he was born in 1607 in Kumbilapuram, now known as Kumili in Andhra Pradesh, bearing the name Shivarama. However, the exact details of his birth are subjects of historical contention.

Early stories tell of a young Shivarama who was naturally drawn to spirituality. He started his spiritual journey after his parents and the family member who looked after him passed away. His mother revealed to him an intriguing family belief: that at the time of passing, her own father had expressed the wish to be reborn to her and further his spiritual practices dedicated to the deity Kali for humanity's betterment. She believed Shivarama to be the reincarnation of her father (making him his own grandfather in a past life) and encouraged him to undertake Kali sadhana (spiritual practice). Receiving a sacred Kali Mantra from her, he immersed himself in devout practices in the vicinity of Kali temples and sacred sites, while staying close to his mother. Following her passing in 1669, he preserved her cremated ashes, decorating himself with them and intensifying his spiritual devotion to Kali. For some time, he led a solitary life in a cottage, constructed by his half-brother, situated near a crematorium. Two decades into his intense spiritual journey, in 1679, he encountered his guru, Bhagirathananda Saraswati from Punjab, who formally initiated him into the monastic life, granting upon him the name Swami Ganapati Saraswati in 1685.Under Bhagirathananda's tutelage, he delved deeply into the esoteric practices of yoga and underwent rigorous spiritual training.

However, it was in the ancient city of Varanasi (Banaras) where Trailanga Swami's legend truly blossomed. The narrow alleys and ghats of the city became his abode, and it was here that he showcased the spiritual powers or 'Siddhis' he had attained. Stories of his miracles became the talk of the town.

He was often seen sitting submerged in the Ganges for hours or even days, defying human understanding of the need for air. Skeptics, attempting to challenge his spiritual stature, presented him with bowls of poison, only to be left in awe when he drank them without any ill effects. Tales of him walking on water, turning sand into rice, and levitating during meditation sessions were passed down through generations, each story more astounding than the last.

Trailanga Swami's Mystical Longevity: Between Legend and Reality:

The enigma of Trailanga Swami extends to his supposed longevity. Living for over two centuries(1607-1887), as the legends claim, challenges our understanding of human biology. Yet, in the annals of Indian spirituality, there have been multiple accounts of yogis living well beyond the average human lifespan, attributed to their mastery over life energies.The legend of Trailanga Swami living for over two centuries is one of the most fascinating aspects of his life story, and it has been a subject of both reverence and speculation among spiritual seekers, historians, and skeptics alike.

Claims of Longevity: As per various accounts, Trailanga Swami was believed to have been born in 1607 and left his physical body in 1887, making him approximately 280 years old at the time of his departure. Such claims are exceptional and challenge the commonly accepted human lifespan.

Documentation: While many devotees and followers wholeheartedly accept this claim, concrete historical documentation is sparse. Some references to his age can be found in various scriptures, books, and testimonials from individuals of his time. However, consistent, verifiable records spanning the entire two centuries are hard to come by.

Yogic Practices: In the world of yoga and spirituality, it's believed that advanced yogis can acquire the ability to control their physical bodies in ways that defy ordinary understanding. Through intense practices, they can potentially slow down the aging process, rejuvenate their cells, and attain a level of health and vitality that keeps them alive for much longer than average individuals. This belief provides a spiritual explanation for Trailanga Swami's alleged longevity.

Interaction with Other Known Figures: Adding to the aura of his longevity are the accounts of Trailanga Swami's interactions with other well-known spiritual figures like Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa and leaders of different eras. His presence spanning multiple generations gave many an opportunity to witness and interact with him, further cementing the belief in his extended lifespan.

Skeptical Views: Naturally, such an extraordinary claim has its skeptics. Critics argue that the accounts of his life might have mixed up the stories of several individuals, leading to the belief in a singular, long-lived Trailanga Swami. Others propose that the legend might have been intentionally exaggerated over time to highlight his spiritual prowess.

Symbolic Interpretation: Some believe that the idea of Trailanga Swami's extended life could be symbolic rather than literal, representing timeless wisdom and the eternal nature of the soul.

Regardless of the literal truth behind the legend of Trailanga Swami's age, the story adds to the aura of mystique surrounding him. Whether he truly lived for 280 years or not, his impact on the spiritual landscape of India is undeniable. The tales of his life, teachings, and miracles continue to inspire and intrigue generations of seekers, pointing them toward the deeper truths of existence.

Advanced Yogic Practices and the Mystique of Longevity in Indian Spirituality:

In the world of Yoga and Spirituality, it's believed that advanced yogis can acquire the ability to control their physical bodies in ways that defy ordinary understanding. Through intense practices, they can potentially slow down the aging process, rejuvenate their cells, and attain a level of health and vitality that keeps them alive for much longer than average individuals. This belief provides a spiritual explanation for Trailanga Swami's alleged longevity.

The idea that advanced yogis can exert exceptional control over their physical and even mental processes is discussed in many ancient Indian texts, scriptures, and later commentaries. Here are some key references:

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: This foundational text on the philosophy and practice of yoga discusses various siddhis (supernatural powers) that can be achieved through intense yogic practices. Although it doesn't directly talk about longevity, it does elaborate on mastering various aspects of existence.

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: This modern classic delves into the lives of several yogis who exhibited remarkable spiritual powers.

One chapter in particular, titled "The Saint with Two Bodies," narrates the story of a yogi who can bi-locate, and other chapters discuss yogis who have mastered the art of leaving their physical body at will or who have prolonged their life. The book serves as a firsthand account of Yogananda's encounters and experiences with such spiritual phenomena.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: An ancient text on the practice of hatha yoga, it mentions techniques and practices that purify the body and mind. Some of these practices are believed to rejuvenate the body and extend life.

The Science of Pranayama by Swami Sivananda: This book delves into the practices related to breath control and the harnessing of prana (life force). Proper manipulation of prana is often cited as a method to rejuvenate the body and potentially extend life.

Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche: While this is from the Buddhist tradition and not strictly about yoga, it touches upon the advanced spiritual practices of Tibetan yogis and lamas, some of whom are believed to have extended their lives or chosen the time of their death.

Commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture, while primarily a spiritual discourse, has been interpreted by various scholars and saints over time. Some commentaries explore the idea of yogic mastery over life and death, especially in the context of Lord Krishna's teachings on the immortal soul.

It's worth noting that while these texts and books discuss the potential powers and attainments of advanced yogis, they also emphasize that these siddhis or powers are not the primary goal of spiritual practices. Instead, they are often seen as by-products or distractions on the path to self-realization and enlightenment.

Mystical Miracles of Trailanga Swami: A Blend of Faith and Legend

Trailanga Swami's life was filled with stories of miracles that both astonished and inspired those who witnessed them. While it's important to approach such tales with a blend of faith and discernment, here are some of the most popular miracles associated with him:

Submerging in the Ganges: One of the most oft-repeated tales about Trailanga Swami is his ability to remain submerged in the Ganges River for hours or sometimes even days. He would apparently sit at the bottom of the river in a state of meditation without needing to breathe.

Drinking Poison: It's said that on one occasion, some skeptics tried to challenge him by giving him a bowl of poison to drink. Trailanga Swami drank it without any hesitation and remained unaffected, to the astonishment of the doubters.

Walking on Water: There are accounts of him walking on the waters of the Ganges as if it were solid ground.

Transformation of Sand into Rice: There's a tale of a skeptic testing Trailanga Swami by handing him a bowl of sand and asking him to eat it. Swami took the bowl, and when he handed it back, it was filled with rice, which he then offered to the skeptic.

Instant Healing: He was known to heal people's ailments with a mere touch or sometimes just by looking at them.

Materializing Objects: There are stories of him producing objects out of thin air, especially when they were needed for a specific spiritual or humanitarian purpose.

Levitation: On some occasions, he was reportedly seen levitating above the ground during deep states of meditation.

Unaffected by Fire: There's an account of Trailanga Swami sitting in the midst of a raging fire but emerging from it unscathed, much to the amazement of onlookers.

Appearing in Multiple Places: There were instances where he was said to be seen in multiple places at the same time, a phenomenon known in spiritual circles as bilocation.

It's worth noting that many of these miracles are common among stories of great saints and yogis in India. For many devotees, these acts are seen as manifestations of the yogi's heightened spiritual powers (siddhis) achieved through intense meditation and yogic practices. However, the true essence of such a master lies not in the miracles but in the spiritual wisdom and guidance they impart.

But Trailanga Swami was not just a yogi of miracles. His very presence in Varanasi symbolized the essence of renunciation. He often roamed the streets without any clothing, embodying the ultimate detachment from material possessions and societal norms. Despite his aloofness, he never shied away from those genuinely seeking spiritual guidance. His teachings, while not systematically codified, were profound, rooted in the age-old wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Despite the tales of his supernatural abilities, it was his simpler, day-to-day actions that often had the deepest impact. He would often be seen giving solace to the downtrodden, feeding the hungry, or simply sitting in deep contemplation by the ghats of the Ganges. His mere gaze was said to have a transformative effect, with many experiencing a profound sense of peace and clarity in his presence.

Yet, he remained a figure of paradoxes. While his actions and miracles drew crowds, he seemed untouched by fame or adulation. He had neither possessions nor a permanent abode, relying on the universe for his sustenance. His detachment from the world was not an act of renunciation in the traditional sense but rather a profound realization of the transient nature of life.

There are also accounts of him interacting with other spiritual luminaries of his time, exchanging insights and engaging in deep philosophical discussions. These interactions were not just limited to Hindu saints but also included scholars, thinkers, and spiritual leaders from other traditions.

Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa, another revered spiritual figure from India who lived during the same time as Trailanga Swami, is known to have made comments about the latter, underscoring Trailanga Swami's elevated spiritual stature.Ramakrishna reportedly remarked about Trailanga Swami on several occasions, referring to him as the "Walking Shiva of Varanasi." This was a testament to Trailanga Swami's profound spiritual attainment, likening him to Lord Shiva in human form.

On one occasion, when speaking of saints who are beyond societal norms due to their deep spiritual realization, Ramakrishna cited Trailanga Swami as an example, noting his indifference to the material world and his often-naked state while wandering the ghats of Varanasi.

Such remarks from a spiritual luminary like Ramakrishna Paramahansa highlight the respect and recognition Trailanga Swami had among his contemporaries. It showcased the deep reverence with which other spiritually advanced individuals viewed him, further cementing his legacy as one of India's great yogis.

Legacy: Today, Trailanga Swami is venerated as one of the greatest saints in India's spiritual history. It's believed that he attained moksha (liberation) and had a profound understanding of the divine and the spiritual realms. He left his mortal body in 1887. His Samadhi in Varanasi continues to be a site of pilgrimage and reverence for many spiritual seekers, to pay their respects and seek blessings. 

He is often compared to Lord Shiva due to his ascetic practices and profound spiritual stature. His teachings were not codified or systematically presented but were instead imparted to those around him. Many stories of his life, teachings, and miracles are part of the oral tradition, passed down through generations.

Trailanga Swami remains an enigmatic figure in the annals of Indian spirituality. While concrete evidence about many aspects of his life might be lacking, the impact he left on the collective spiritual consciousness of India is undeniable.

Written by: Ritesh Mishra