Rediscovering Swami Lilashah: The Yogi Who Inspires Generations

Mahanirvan Divas of Swami Lilashah Maharaj is observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. This day is significant as it commemorates the Mahasamadhi (the ultimate departure from the physical body).Amla Navami, also known as Awla Navami, is celebrated on the same day, November 10, 2024.

A Glimpse into the Life of Yogi Swami Lilashah

The land of Sindh has, over time, given birth to extraordinary souls who have left a profound impact on humanity. One of these remarkable figures emerged 119 years ago—a soul who spread his fragrance not only throughout Sindh and India but across foreign lands too. Swami Lilashah’s memory remains alive in the hearts of Sindhis, who hold him in deep respect and honor. But what is it about Swami Lilashah that has left such an indelible mark?

Swami Lilashah’s lifestyle was unique and captivating. After spending some time in the mountains, he would come down and subsequently travel from one city to another. But he wasn’t on a mission to gather followers or accumulate wealth. Instead, he had no desires or ambitions of his own. He didn’t see himself as a "Guru" or call anyone his "disciple"; he simply referred to others as "brothers." The money he received was always directed towards charitable causes, and his heart was one of peaceful quietude. Solitude called to him, and whenever he traveled, he preferred to stay outside the city, away from the noise, in a quiet place.

Swami Lilashah’s journey was engaged in deep meditation and he embraced the serenity of silence. Sindhi poet Mangharam Mastana captured his essence beautifully, writing, “Blessed are the mountains and caves where you settled, blessed are the forests that sheltered you. Through silence, you tasted the joy of silence and found the truth within yourself.” Mastana rightly wrote in praise of this great soul: “O embodiment of renunciation and penance! You were the true incarnation of simplicity, restraint, and truth. You were a priceless spring of compassion and patience, a manifestation of sweetness and joy.

Great saints immerse themselves in hardships to alleviate the suffering of others. Swamiji's field of work was vast; while sharing his wisdom, he continually flowed the Ganges of knowledge, and the seekers would relish his nectar of teachings.

Great souls are compassionate, and their hearts resonate with kindness. The essence of their teachings is: ‘Recognize your true self—attain bliss’.

Early Life and Spiritual Calling

Born in the village of Mehrab Chandia in the Hyderabad district of Sindh, in 1880, Swami Lilashah came into the world as Lilaram, in a Brahma-Kshatriya family.His father's name was Shri Topand Das, and his mother's name was Shrimati Hemibai. During the naming ceremony, he was given the name Lilaram. At just five years old, his mother passed away. When Lilaram was about ten years old, his father also departed from this world.

During that period, many individuals had little interest in education, and the necessary facilities were lacking. Consequently, this young boy did not receive any formal schooling. At the age of twelve, he was placed at the shop of his parental aunt’s son, Bhai Lakhumal.

Swamiji had a deep devotion to God from a young age, shaped by the impressions of his previous births. He would visit temples, show a keen interest in associating with saints, and engage in the remembrance of God's name and devotional singing. When Saint Ratan Bhakt departed from his physical form, his seat was occupied by his disciple, Bhakt Tormal. After some time, Tormal also passed away. In response, the disciples and devotees of the court brought Shri Lilaram and placed him on the seat, but he found no satisfaction there. His longing was for the search of the Divine, and therefore, he resolved to renounce all worldly matters.

In pursuit of his goal, he moved to Tandho Jan Mohammad and began studying Hindi and Vedantic texts. He gained wisdom from a learned teacher, Swami Parmanand Ji, at the Sant Hans Nirvana Ashram outside the city. Under his guidance, Lilaram’s thirst for knowledge and his spirit of renunciation grew stronger. Shri Lilaram continued to advance in knowledge, while his spirit of renunciation grew stronger. His cousins and brothers-in-law were not pleased with this and began discussing his engagement. However, Shri Lilaram made it clear to them, saying, 'I will uphold the vow of celibacy for life and will live as a renunciant.'

Soon after, he left his home, donned a simple khadi garment, and began his spiritual journey.

He went to Sant Shri Keshavramji, another learned saint, where he deepened his understanding of spirituality. There, he spent much time in self-reflection, gradually becoming known as Sadhu Lilaram. Later, on his guru’s instructions, he moved to Talhar, where he established a spiritual center in honor of Sant Ratan Bhagat.

After some time, Sadhu Lilaram ventured to the northern regions of India, where he immersed himself in the company of saints, sages, and yogis. He spent many years in places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and even the caves of the Himalayas and Tibet. By then, he had become renowned as Swami Lilashah.

A Life of Service and Simplicity

Swami Lilashah’s focus now turned towards serving humanity. He championed the spread of yoga practices and the national language, Hindi, in the southern part of Sindh. He established schools for girls, worked towards the upliftment of marginalized communities, and facilitated the construction of bridges in Uttarkashi, which earned him the gratitude of the local villagers.

Swami Lilashah also contributed immensely to Sindhi literature. He wrote several small books and inspired the establishment of the Vedanta Promotion Society in Sindh. A high-quality monthly magazine, "Tatvgyan," was launched in Karachi under the editorship of Professor Gokul Das Baghiya to promote his teachings.

Following the partition of India in 1947, Swami Lilashah undertook numerous journeys, guiding and comforting displaced Sindhis. He reminded them that hardships are tests, encouraging them to embrace peace and gratitude. Later, a Sindhi monthly magazine named “Atmadarshan” was launched from Ajmer under the editorship of Shri Prabhudas Brahmachari, which continues to this day, spreading his teachings.

Swami Lilashah’s travels were not confined to India. In January 1961, he journeyed to Malaya, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, spreading the message of Vedanta and yoga. He visited Hong Kong in February of the same year and later, in 1972, conducted sessions in Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Jakarta, and Colombo, where he also demonstrated yoga on TV.

A true patriot, Swami Lilashah advocated for the use of indigenous goods and was a strong supporter of the Indian National Congress before independence. He even contributed to the National Defence Fund during the China conflict, encouraging others to give generously as well.

Living the Message

Wherever Swami Lilashah went, he taught people yoga and motivated them to stay healthy through natural means. His followers weren’t limited to Sindhis; people from various backgrounds looked up to him for guidance. Thanks to his influence, several charitable initiatives—like cow shelters, gyms, satsangs, and rest houses (Dharmashala) were established and continue to thrive. The “Shri Krishna Gaushala” in Agra stands as a shining example of his legacy, complete with wells, fields, gardens, guest rooms, and a library.

Swami Lilashah was of short stature, with a dusky complexion and a face marked by smallpox scars. He wore a single long garment made of khadi and radiated a humble yet magnetic presence. His eyes held an unusual brilliance, and despite having countless followers, he was free of any ego, gentle in nature, and spoke with careful deliberation.

He practiced what he preached—leading a simple, self-sufficient life, sewing his own clothes, and washing them himself. Even during his stay in the hills of Nainital, he gathered firewood and managed without luxurious comforts. His meals were simple, consisting of one meal a day, and he often walked barefoot.

While he could have lived a life of material comfort, Swami Lilashah chose the path of detachment. He didn’t establish any property for himself, focusing instead on the welfare of others. His message was not for people to abandon their homes or become ascetics but to lead a life of mindfulness and purpose. He would conclude his discourses with a heartfelt prayer:

"O Lord!  Grant us wisdom,  Strength,  And health, we may fulfill our duties  And live in happiness."

A Lasting Legacy

Swami Lilashah’s remarkable journey came to an end at the age of 94, on November 4, 1973, in Palanpur, Gujarat. His mortal remains were laid to rest at the Swami Lilashah Ashram in Adipur (Gandhidham). While he may no longer be with us in physical form, his name and legacy remain eternal. Across cities and villages, centers dedicated to his memory are active, celebrating his birth anniversary and Nirvana Day with enthusiasm.

Every year, a three-day fair is held at his samadhi site, drawing thousands of devotees who come to honor his memory. Swami Lilashah’s life continues to inspire countless individuals to become true human beings and selfless servants.

May the Lord grant us the strength and wisdom to follow in Swami Lilashah’s footsteps, striving to live a life of purpose and make our human existence meaningful.