Swami Vishuddhananda
( 1882 - 1962 )
Download booklet published in 1962 (in PDF) : Bengali
Birth and Early life
Swami Vishuddhananda was born in 1882. Early in life, he came under the spiritual influence of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.
Beginning of Monastic life
He had his initiation from the Holy Mother in 1906 and joined the Order in 1907.
He gave his services to the several centres of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. He was also the head of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi.
His association with Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, has been very long.
At the Helm of the Sangha
Swami Vishuddhananda was elected Trustee of the Ramakrishna Math, a member of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission, in 1922.
The Swami was always noted for his love for a quiet and contemplative life.
In 1947, he was elected Vice-President of the Order. He had to travel to different parts of India to minister the spiritual needs of devotees’.
Swami’s conversations on matters spiritual are very illuminating. Many of his addresses to groups of devotees’ was later published in two volumes (in Bengali).
In 1962, the Board of Trustees elected Swami Vishuddhananda President of Ramakrishna Order.
Mahasamadhi
Swami Vishuddhananda attained Mahasamadhi on 16 June 1962, at 9:07 am, following an operation for prostate on 13 June. The Swami had been suffering from this ailment for the past two years, and underwent a preliminary operation in 1960.