Nithyananda

Introduction

Nithyananda is an Indian Hindu guru, known as Nithyananda Paramashivam or Paramahamsa Nithyananda among followers. He is the founder of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, a religious trust that operates in multiple countries. He has been accused of rape and abduction and is the subject of a non-bailable warrant in India. He has been in hiding since 2019 and recently announced the creation of his self-proclaimed island nation called Kailaasa.

Early Life

Nithyananda was born Arunachalam Rajasekaran in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. He claims to have had spiritual experiences from age 12 and full enlightenment at 22. He started his ashram Dhyanapeetam in 2003 near Bangalore, India.

Recognition

Nithyananda was once the chairman of Hindu University of America and was recognized as one of the "100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People" by Watkins' Mind Body Spirit magazine. He was also appointed the 293rd pontiff of Madurai Adheenam and was later conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar.

Teachings

Nithyananda has given discourses on Hindu scriptures like Brahma Sutras, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Shiva Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita.

Claims of Paranormal Abilities

Nithyananda has made several claims of paranormal abilities, including that he could delay the sunrise and make cattle speak in Tamil and Sanskrit. He has claimed to have discovered over 400 siddhis and has initiated his disciples into 60 such powers. Disciples claim that he cured 82 blind children through the "third eye" initiation. Skeptic Narendra Nayak has challenged Nithyananda to prove his claims. Nithyananda has also claimed that he and his followers can perform activities like extrasensory perception, materialisation, body scanning, and remote viewing.