His Holiness Swami Krishnanand Saraswati Maharaj

H.H. Swami Krishnanand Saraswati Maharaj, previously named Bhawani Singh, came into the world as the son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur in 1900. Raised in an environment of affluence and influence, he pursued academic excellence, earning his Masters and LLB at Banaras Hindu University. Subsequently, he served as the District Magistrate on the borders of Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, opting for a profound change, he relinquished his opulent lifestyle and the material world to embrace the path of monkhood.

Many who knew him in Mauritius assert that Swami Ji was initiated into Sannyas by his Guru, Swami Vishnudevanand Ji. Following this initiation, he dedicated six months to meditation in a Himalayan cave, where he discerned his Life Mission: to serve the poor and needy. Subsequently, he met Mahatma Gandhi and spent time at Sabarmati Ashram. Swami Krishnanand Ji was profoundly influenced and inspired by Gandhi, leading him to devote his entire life to the service of others.

In 1956, Swami Krishnanand Ji responded to a plea from Indian communities in East Africa seeking spiritual guidance. He extensively traveled across the continent, providing instructions and recommending daily practices (sadhnas). Subsequently, he established societies that evolved into rehabilitation and famine relief centers, orphanages, leprosariums, and more. Swami Ji endeared himself to business communities and set up Hindu centers in countries such as Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda. Additionally, he organized eye camps for impoverished individuals. Swami Ji consistently journeyed to various European countries, maintaining contact with People of Indian Origin and motivating them to actively participate in the field of Seva (service).

In the early 1970s, Swami Ji journeyed to Ghana in West Africa, where he initiated one of his disciples into becoming a Hindu Monk. Following intensive training in Haridwar, India, the disciple from Ghana, West Africa, was bestowed with the name Swami Ghananand Ji. Responding to Swami Krishnanand Ji's request, the Hindu Monastery of Africa was founded in Accra, Ghana. Subsequently, numerous other disciples joined the monastery.

Five additional branches were established, and a temple was even founded in the vicinity of Togo by a friend of Swami Ji named Tony, who happened to be Lebanese. In Nairobi, he initiated and carried out his service (seva) to the less fortunate through 'Deen Bandhu Samaj.' Many Indians, who eventually chose to migrate to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, still fondly recall the serene atmosphere and continue to engage in family satsangs that it fostered.

In San Diego, California, USA, another disciple of Swami Ji, Smt Vinodiniben Patel, who is currently residing there, persists in promoting and coordinating family satsangs both at her residence and in a nearby temple. Through her connection with Swami Ji, Vinodiniben has been involved with the Human Service Trust in Mauritius.

Swamiji has brought together People of Indian Origin worldwide with a shared mission of service, a goal achievable through knowledge, good character, and the collective efforts of thousands scattered across the globe. Let us all join in prayer and commitment to embody the spirit of a “Karma Yogi."

Swamiji’s contribution in Mauritius

1967

Arriving in Mauritius during the pre-Independence era, a time when the people lacked proper guidance on their next steps, Swami Ji encountered a nation that had endured almost two centuries of subjugation. Embracing the belief in the spiritual resilience of humanity to surmount any challenge and determine its destiny, Swami Ji advocated for change.

The three foundational principles guiding his mission were: Sangathan (unity), Satsangh (spiritual gatherings), and Seva (service). With a dedicated group of volunteers, Swami Ji traversed the island, fostering unity among the people (Sangathan) and organizing family satsangs rooted in Hindu principles, concurrently providing assistance (Seva) to those in need within the villages.

The recitation and dissemination of messages from sacred texts, particularly the 'Tulsidas Ramayan,' infused meaning into the lives of everyone involved.

1971

Organized the inaugural African Hindu Conference, attracting participation from over 100 individuals of Indian origin from various African countries.

1979

Establishment of the Human Service Trust included the introduction of youth camps aimed at training young individuals to become responsible citizens and leaders in social, political, and religious spheres. Swami Ji actively encouraged the youth to pursue higher education, particularly during the early days of independence.

1983

Subsequently, Swami Ji encouraged and initiated a team of volunteers within the Human Service Trust to undertake the responsibility of overseeing the charitable institution, Congregation de Filles Marie, located in Calebasses. This endeavor was made possible with the assistance of one of Swami Ji's disciples, Mr. Jugdish Goburdhan. The colonial building, a masterpiece from the French period in Mauritius, posed a significant challenge.

Seeking guidance, Swami Ji enlisted the help of Shri Shisupal Rambharos from the Aryan Benevolent Home in Durban, South Africa, to counsel and establish guidelines for managing the charitable institution. With Swami Ji's blessings and the unwavering devotion and dedication of the team, the structure once occupied by the 'Congregation de Fille de Marie' was transformed into Krishananand Seva Ashram.

At the time of his 92nd Birthday, Swami ji left us to attain Samadhi on Sun 23rd August, 1992. Today His Samadhi is situated in the compound of the Human Service Trust at the Arsenal Link Road, Calebasses.

Swami Krishnanand Saraswati has always been at the service of others and an Inspiration for the generations to come.

You will always be remembered and in our hearts. Thank you for the Legacy of Wisdom left in the hands of the members of Human Service Trust who are still carrying the Torch You lit in Mauritius.