Founder Trustee  

Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, a world renowned Yoga Master, founder of Integral Yoga Institutes in various parts of the world, has visualised the need for a school of par excellence. The school SATCHIDANANDA JOTHI NIKETHAN is His brainchild. To bring this into reality, Swamiji has established a Trust, viz. Swami Satchidananda Foundation.

 

Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, known as Sri Gurudev by his disciples, was born on 22nd December, 1914 in Chettipalayam, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, TamilNadu, India. During His period of intense sadhana. He studied under many of the great sages and saints of South India.

 

In 1947, He met His master H.H. Swami Sivandaji Maharaj, founder of the Divine Life Society. On the 10th July, 1949 in Rishikesh, He was initiated into the Holy Order of Sanyas. In 1953, Swami Sivanandaji sent Him to Sri Lanka where He served for the next 13 years.

  
 

In 1966, Sri Swamiji was invited to New York for an intended 2-day visit. He was immediately surrounded by students who wanted to study Yoga, under His guidance. He extended His stay in the U.S. to fulfill their wishes, which still continues. He is highly respected and loved by devotees all over the world. He is the founder of Integral Yoga Institute with centers throughout North America, as well as in Europe and India.

 

Sri Swamiji Himself does not belong to any one faith, group or country. Dedicated to the principle - "Truth is one, paths are many" - He goes wherever He is asked to serve. He had long dreamed of a permanent place where all can come together to individually realize that one Truth behind all names and forms. The LOTUS (Light Of Truth Universal Shrine) is such a place. Opened in July, 1986, the shrine, inspired and designed by Sri Swamiji, is located in the U.S.A. at Satchidananda Ashram, Yoga ville in Virginia. It is dedicated to the light of all faiths and to world peace and stands as a beautiful example of the Universal teachings of Sri Swami Satchidandaji Maharaj.