Guru Brahmanand

Guru Brahmanand (24 December 1908 - 16 May 1973), also known as Jagatguru Swami Brahmanand Saraswati Ji, was an Indian guru, social reformer and philosopher. He is widely known in state of Haryana for his efforts in promoting education, social equality, and spiritual awareness. 
Early life
He was born as Chhotaram on 24 December 1908 in Chuhar Majra (now known as Guru Brahmanand Majra), Kaithal district, Haryana. He was born to Badama Ram and Rami Devi, and brought up in a Haryanvi Samdhyan clan of Ror caste. His father, Badama Ram, was a farmer. His mother Rami Devi died when he was 9 years old and when he was 11 years old, his father Badama Ram  passed away.
Pilgrimage and spiritual movement
He departed his village and embarked on a pilgrimage across the Northern India. He travelled for some years and made observations on contemporary social life.

In his quest for true knowledge, he went to the forests of Sapta Sarovar, beyond Haridwar, for penance. There, he decided to leave his mortal body, and as he did so, three goddesses appeared and presented him with a five-colored Panchranga flag.

The three goddesses named him Brahmanand because he remained absorbed in Brahma Anand (divine bliss). He established five principles for the five-colored Panchranga flag, and upon returning, he founded a gurukul called Ompura.

After a few years, he set out to propagate the Vedic religion and organized more than 200 Havan Yagnas and Bhandaras (community feasts) across the region. He established many ashrams in various villages of Haryana.

Residences
Brahmanand moved all across the Northern India and usually resided in villages. Some of these are listed below.

 Chuhar Majra, Kaithal
 Pundri, Kaithal
 Mundri, Kaithal
 Haridwar
 Fatehpur, Kaithal
 Sataundi, Karnal
 Kaimla, Karnal

Death
On 16 May 1973, he left his mortal body at his Fatehpur Ashram, after chanting Om three times, and attained liberation.

Legacy
Brahmamand served as an inspiration for several Indian thinkers and social reformers.

Brahmanand is a revered religious and spiritual figure in the Indian state of Haryana and remains relevant to present-day society due to his enduring spiritual contributions. His teachings and philosophy have been promoted and endorsed by various political and social organizations in Haryana.

References

Category:1908 births
Category:1973 deaths
Category:Indian Hindu saints