Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Maha Shivaratri – February 15, 2026 – SGS Ashrama, Mysore
Speech on the occasion of conferment of the title ‘Nada Yoga Sarvabhauma’
Today, the Vedic wellness university has recognised me as Nada Yoga Sarvabhauma. All these dignitaries on the dais are very well known to the Datta Peetham.
Many people send their children for dance lessons as a form of exercise, but after 10-12 years, the children give it up. Dance is not just to be studied so as to give dance performances, but for wellness and health. Greater than this is music. Tyagaraja Swami says music has the power to grant liberation. Many noble beings have spoken at length on the greatness of music.
Music bestows purity, relieves one of heart-related ailments and grants purity in speech and lustre in the eyes. True musicians, despite facing great difficulties in their heart and in their homes, will forget all that and present their music – thus, only spreading happiness to listeners. This is not a mere art, it is a gift acquired over many lifetimes.
When we see child prodigies, we realise that music is the only thing which gets carried forward across lifetimes, just as karma does. Always remember this. Take up a musical instrument or vocal music, depending on what you like. If you take up vocal music, soon you can play a musical instrument also.
The Sadhana done by musicians is the same as the Sadhana undertaken by great Yogis in the Himalayas when they inhale and exhale deeply, and when they hold their breath both within and outside the body. This is the great fortune bestowed on this land of Bharat by Saraswati Devi. Everyone can easily take up this Sadhana at very little expense.
When a musician like Manjunath ji plays, we may not know the lyrics, but when we listen to the raga exposition, we are very moved. If musicians could announce the composition lyrics along with raga, tala and composer name, it would be very beneficial for listeners.
The taste of a simple roti made with a lot of effort, despite difficulties is unforgettable. Many people commented that the Prasadam given yesterday was very tasty. Music is our greatest friend in life through both good and bad times. Even those who do not know music instinctively start keeping rhythm.
Devotees in Malaysia and Trinidad sing Swamiji’s bhajans with a lot of love, despite not knowing the language, only because of their love for Swamiji.
Young children must learn dance and vocal music. It will keep your body very healthy. This is why in the olden days, all those who wished to communicate their messages as Tattva bhajans, incorporated music in their teachings. Just as Shankarabhagavad Padacharya and Purandaradasa did, Sri Swamiji has also expounded great Tattva, many of these are yet to be set to music.
Many devotees who were about to breathe their last asked for Amba Bhavani Sharade or some other bhajan dear to them to be played in their last moments. These bhajans became dear to them because they helped them tide over difficult times at some point.
Once, there was a renowned musician who was known for making listeners sway and swoon to his music. When his concert was organised in a certain kingdom, the king proclaimed that if anyone moved their heads during the performance, they would be beheaded. Everyone feared for their lives and remained unmoving, except one person who kept putting talam and moving his head. After the performance concluded, the king ordered this particular listener to be beheaded. Just as he was about to be beheaded, the king asked, “despite knowing you would lose your life, why did you not remain still?” The listener said, “as I listened to such great music, I felt my life paled in comparison! I did not think my life mattered when compared to this music! Please behead me quickly so that I may remain with the music.” The King then remarked to the rest of the audience, “how could you all fear for your lives! You should have given up all fear and immersed yourself in the listening experience. Otherwise, what is the point of being alive?”
In the olden days, there were many people who would be willing to give up their life after listening to the music of great masters. To such noble beings, very strong and able children were born who went on to become big officers, only because they placed such great value on music.
Lord Shiva as Nataraja has the damaru in His hand. Saraswati Devi has the Veena in Her hand, while Sri Krishna holds the flute. Narada and Tumburu play the Mridangam and Dholak respectively. When the divine Mother Goddess sings, every being dances.
Whichever part of the world you go to, you can see music being beautifully played. In Mexico, I have heard the most lilting music being played on a very small flute.
Sri Swamiji blesses all the authorities of this university who have bestowed this honour. Jaya Guru Datta. Sri Guru Datta.
Speech on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri
Jai Guru Datta!
Close your eyes for two minutes and see the shiva Linga emerging in your heart. See Shiva in your heart and chant loudly. Now, open your eyes and chant within. Whatever mantra your guru has given you, you can chant that in addition to Namaha Shivaya mantra.
Since we have committed sins and hurt others inadvertently, we beg for forgiveness. Shiva is very compassionate, when we pray to Him with sincerity, He forgives us. Shiva wants nothing, he showers bountiful blessings on us.
This lord Shiva appeared in My dream and in My grandmother’s dream for some time. We then found this linga hidden beneath earth. We brought Him, He somehow sat on the cart, that is also a miracle. This Lord refused a shrine. He chose this place where everyone can see Him at all times.
We are all so fortunate. We are seeing this Shivaratri in this birth, we are lucky. Life is unpredictable, lifespan is not in our hands. God gave us Prana and we are having His Darshan with our Prana. Shiva is our Atma.
Each god carried away something that came from the churning of the ocean of milk. Vishnu took Lakshmi, Indra took Airavata and every god took some treasure which emerged during the churning, but none of the host of 333 crore gods came forward to drink the poison. It was Vishnu who suggested to Shiva that He drink the poison. This is the sins left over at the end of creation. We might wonder why Vishnu did not consume the poison instead. Vishnu cannot. Vishnu is the sustainer. Brahma is the creator – he is also a form of Vishnu.
We should not see any difference between Shiva and Keshava. All gods are one. We need all parts of the body to function. God has given you the power to move, eat, stand, speak, etc. therefore, you must spend time contemplating on the Divine.
We would not be here had Shiva not drank that poison. Shiva was the only one who took the Kālakoṭa viśa – the poison and placed it in His throat. If not for Shiva, this world would not exist. This poison represents the cumulative sins of the host of all beings. These sins include all our follies – everytime we hurt someone, every time we tell a lie etc. There are many kinds of poisons that have remedies, but this one has no antidote. At the hour of dissolution, all the cumulative sin is aggregated. In order for creation to begin, Shiva must swallow this poison once again.
The story of Linga udbhavam – the rise of Shiva.
Shiva is our Atman. In order to teach a lesson to Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva stood infinitely tall as an endless column of light. Vishnu went downward to find the depths of Shiva, while Brahma traveled upward following the endless column of light. When Brahma found a ketaki flower, he asked Gomata to bear witness that he saw the end of Shiva. Since Gomata lied, she was cursed that worship will only be offered to her behind and not to her face. Since all of creation is energised and purified by Gomutra, alankara and puja is therefore offered to Gomata’s behind.
This story of Shiva Brahma and Vishnu is not fictitious. It is a true story.
After this magnificent form as an endless column of light, Shiva then assumed a subtle form. This is why one sees very tiny Shivalingas as well as very large ones. Shiva is smaller than the smallest, even subtler than atoms. A stone is known as Pashana. Pashana also refers to poison. This is why shiva linga is made with stone.
Hanuman, being an aspect of Shiva also assumed a subtle form as Sri Rama’s emissary and emerged victorious. That is why we chanted Hanuman Chalisa yesterday because it is akin to worshipping Shiva. Vayu is Hanumanta, He is barely seen but Shiva cannot be seen at all. After the Hanuman Chalisa Parayana yesterday, Hanuman awakened many people who came to Shivaratri event today.
Bhakti and Shraddha are needed to achieve any success in this world. Bhakti mata drapes a white cloth around us to protect us from the cold. She prevents any doshas from tainting us. She adorns us in rudrakshas, and is verily our Mother.
Contemplate on Shiva to win over Maya. Contemplate on Vishnu to attain Moksha and contemplate on Mother Goddess to gain shakti or energy.
Mothers usually turn us toward worldly things, they seldom turn us toward Bhakti. Shankar Bhagavadpadacharya in the Sivananda Lahari beseeches the divine Mother Bhagvati to protect him and grant him devotion as he describes Lord Shiva and the manner to worship them.
Sage Narada said to Lord Vishnu, “I have only worshipped Hari, I never worshipped Shiva. Before I develop devotion to Shiva, I shall strive to understand Shiva Maya.” Sage Narada then left for the Himalayas to undertake tapas. Seeing his tapas, Indra felt threatened that he would lose his position. Since Lord Indra is not beyond the three Gunas, he decided to employ Manmatha and send the celestial damsels Rambha, Urvasi and Menaka to distract Narada. But these Apsaras returned and told Indra that Sage Narada has conquered Kama. We must remember that Rambha Urvasi do not have physical bodies, they are filled with Maya.
On hearing this, Narada immediately left for Kailasha. If one has truly conquered Kama, then one is verily Paramatma. Having declared that he had conquered Kama, Narada then declared to Shiva, “we are now one and the same”. This made Shiva smile and he said, “Yes Narada, you are right. But please do not say these things to Vishnu, not even by mistake.”
Narada then went to Brahma deva and said the same thing to him. Brahma also cautioned Indra and said, “having won over Kama, you are my equal. But do not say this to Vishnu.” But Narada, unable to contain his joy went to Vishnu and said he had become Paramatma. Vishnu, who is a great Shiva bhakta decided to use Shiva Maya and teach Narada a lesson.
As Narada prepared to attend King Sheelanidhi’s daughter swayamvara, Lord Vishnu used Shiva Maya to make Sage Narada appear like a monkey. Everyone else who was present at the Svayamvara saw the sage with a monkey face and made fun of his appearance, but the sage was unaware of this. Then, Vishnu appeared there and married the princess Srimathi and took her away to Vaikuntha. This made Narada very angry and he cursed Vishnu that one day he would have to take birth as a human being on earth and would pine for his wife who is separated from him. It was Narada’s curse that led to the incarnation of Sri Rama.
Vishnu then said, “very well Narada. The curse you have placed must come true! But know that the place where you did tapas is specially blessed with Shiva’s energy. That is why Manmadha was unable to disturb you.” Vishnu continued, “The one who uses his physical body to do seva, while chanting Siva Siva shall become purified because chanting Siva Siva dispels all sin. Those who do real Sadhana on Vidya will only speak and think of that Vidya. Those who drink the nectarine Siva nama are purified and blessed with undying bhakti which never leaves them. O Narada, visit shiva Kshetras, worship Shiva and spread the message of Shiva in the world. Even as you chant Narayana, keep speaking of Shiva’s greatness.” Thus, urged by Vishnu, Narada then spread the Bhakti sutras.
Narada Bhakthi Sutras are ready – Bala Swamiji has kept them ready for Me – but I have no time, I am traveling.
One can conquer maya/kama only with Shiva’s grace. Narada felt he conquered kama because he meditated at the same place that Shiva did and where He had burned kama to ashes.
You can drink tea and coffee and rest in your room whenever you want. But when you are in the Ashrama, you must make use of it – this place’s sanctity. You study Datta Darshana here, it gets fulfilled. If you chant Guru mantra 10,000 times, it gets fulfilled.
This is why Sri Swamiji constantly urges you all to read Datta Darshana and Bhagavatam when you are in Mysore ashrama. This place is charged with untold spiritual energy! So many Homas, charities and great programs have taken place here. Take advantage of the time you spend in the ashrama. Do not waste time scrolling on whatsapp and sleeping in the room. Keep doing tapas and chant the Guru upadesha mantra.
Instead of aimlessly walking around the Ashrama, after Darshan, you can study these books; you will find Siddhi. I keep clamoring, but you do not listen. I see only 2-3 people doing this, no one else does. I do not know why you do not do it, why you come here, or whether I have fallen in your maya or you in Mine.
You do not even realize that your sins stick to Me.
I keep reminding you repeatedly to chant Guru mantra. You only want to chit chat, ask for interviews, eat and spend time on phone calls and whatsapp. When you come to see Me, you give Me garlands, but you are wasting your time. Why do you go back to your room and sleep or look at WhatsApp or TV? I used to be angry before, now I feel pity. You are losing this opportunity; this will not come back. This is Shiva’s command! Have you no shame? How sinful are your births! I am not praising you, I am grieving. You will not get this opportunity, you will not get Me again, I will strike you off from the list! Praying at My samadhi is not what you should do, you should pray now. You are losing what is right in front of you. Your karma is holding on to you. It does not let you do Parayana.
This is a very powerful place! Imagine how much energy this place has where Swamiji walked. You are only happy with getting a room, eating, and chanting slogans of victory. You are just happy in seeing Swamiji. That punya will last only until Swamiji is here, that punya will evaporate when Swamiji is gone.
You must sit here and do Guru mantra, you must read Datta Darshana, you must do Sapta Saptaham. You can do Saptaham of Lalita and Vishnu Sahasranama.
This place has seen so many yajnas, charities of so many kinds, so many great souls have done tapasya here. This is such an incredibly powerful place. This is the place where Datta walked, you will not understand. It is impossible. You are all cursed. Some karma is gripping you. I told you with love, with anger, I sulked, I put my health as a wager, but you are not moved. This is your karma; I can do nothing.
If you do parayana here, all your difficulties will be gone. How much will Swamiji take care? I have a lot of burden already; I am not able to take much more. I must go there and pay for all of this. If you do your bit, a little bit of the burden on Swamiji will lighten, but you do not do.
Swamiji’s darshan is only for a few minutes, but after that you are wasting your time. Even after you spend time wandering you can do japam, but you will not. You will not learn. There is no use telling you anymore. You will say Swamiji got upset and was angry. I am upset whenever I see you. I grieve. No matter what I do, your sins will not go. Your quota is over, I am taking overdraft and giving you from it. Your deposits have vanished. Your prior merit is why you got Me. If you want this to continue, you must do more.
Foreigners ask why people just mill around and never meditate. That is why I have a meditation room, but you do not use it. Is Devi temple a shop, is the salagrama shrine a shop? You have no shame. I am grieving. I have taken the responsibility for you, that has caught hold of Me. When I was doing Shiva abhisheka, I felt like going away into it. One day, that will happen, you will learn then.
At one time, people used to do sapta saptaham of Datta Darshana. They are all very happy. Now, it is the turn of their children and grandchildren, but they are not in touch with Swamiji. They are only brought to Swamiji when they are in danger. It is only when they are in touch with Swamiji that Swamiji can fix them and counsel them. They give excuses that the children are in school, special classes, etc. There is no attachment to Swamiji. You say they have devotion. What is the use, they must be connected to Swamiji! They must stay in touch. So many grownups are brought for blessings to get married – that was the first time I am seeing them after I gave them their name. You have completely extracted the milk from the cow, and yet you are not even giving any grass (grass = tapasya) to the cow, what will the cow give? Not even Kamadhenu can give you milk then.
You are in such a powerful place. Do not spoil this. You lie, fight, quarrel. You must not. This is such a pure place. Swamiji has secured so much energy here. If we have God in our mind, nothing else will seem important. Those who have a goal in mind will be fixated on the goal. The great souls doing sincere sadhana in music or literature are constantly immersed in their pursuit. I even said that Swamiji will be well if you do your tapasya, but you seem to yield for a couple of days and then go back to your nature.
If you chant Shiva’s name once, that is not enough. You must hold on to it firmly. It is the boat that helps you cross samsara, the amrta which gives you jnana. Everyone keep this upadesha in mind and pray to Shiva and strengthen your devotion. May you always earn the grace of Shiva. Think – I am subtler than the subtle, bigger than the biggest. I am the Vishwa, I am the ancient one, I am Ishvara, I am Hiranmaya, I am Shiva. Chant Shiva’s name and believe you are Shiva. The entire body is Vishnu. Shiva is now merged into the body. I am one with Shiva and Vishnu.
Why don’t you think like this instead of worrying about money or job? We read in the news that somebody has died all of a sudden. We do not know when the heart will stop. The heart has been pumping since the time we are born. That is why you must sleep so your heart can slow down a bit. I feel My heart beat sounds like Datta Datta. You hear “dabbu dabbu labo dibo” (cries for money and other afflictions).
You must pledge at least now to study Datta Darshanam and chant guru mantra. If you do, I will call you and talk to you. I will be very happy. Your garlands and other offerings are happiness for you, but if you do sadhana, it is happiness for both of us. Use this place well, that will increase your (karmic) bank balance. You must remember that Swamiji will be with you longer if you do. You must have a firm mind and overwhelming love. When you come here, do sadhana for at least 15 minutes.
During the recent Kriya Yoga camp in Jayalakshmi Puram, we made a decision. Many are falling behind in doing pranayama. According to recent scientific research, Pranayama can prevent breathing issues, chronic colds and coughs and other lung issues. We therefore decided to include flute practice along with pranayama so that lungs will be healthy. The shehnai / clarinet is such a great instrument. We initially thought about including the Shehnai, but felt the neighbours might complain and decided against it.
I directed Dr. Phanishree, who has been learning the flute from childhood, to teach 10 children the flute. Now, there are 20. Those children have already learnt ten bhajans!
When you all were in Ayodhya, I was constantly searching for flute makers there. When we announced this plan in Jayalakshmi Puram, many signed up for the flute. We got a really good flute maker who can make good flutes very fast. For the flute that I wanted, I went to Tiruvannamalai with Chandan Kumar. The person who makes the flutes there – Anubodh – only makes 2-3 superior quality flutes each year. The quality of bamboo and the way he makes it are very special. He normally charges a fortune, but gave it to Swamiji for a very good price. I went there to see the Agni Linga as well as the flute maker’s aged mother who was over 90 years old and could not move. She is a devotee of Datta.