About SWAMI OMKAR JI

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SWAMI OMKAR JI


Swami Omkar took birth in this world as Venkata Rao, the son of a middle class devout family at Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India on 21st January 1895. A highly evolved soul, even as a young boy, he was attracted to the Life and Teachings of Lord Krishna, Buddha, Christ and Mohammed, and the philosophic and religious books like Avadhuta Gita and Astavakra Gita, the essence of the Upanishads, the Imitation of Christ, the Life and Teachings of Swami Rama Tirtha. All these studies induced in him an ardent desire to lead a life of renunciation and service.

As a college student he started an "Academy of Religions" to make a comparative study of various religions, to discover the essential Unity in them and to realise the one and the same GOD of all religions. Several eminent doctors, lawyers and successful professionals joined him in this effort.

"However, he was not satisfied with the life he was leading. Frequently, he felt an inner compulsion to renounce and he made preparations for asceticism. One day, he left home with a pair of clothes and a kamandalam (water jug) and proceeded aimlessly on a journey by foot. On the way, he offered prayers to Mother Kali at Calcutta and Lord Viswanath at Banares and finally reached the Himalayas. He selected a cottage in SWARGASHRAM in Rishikesh and performed severe penance. One day, as per the dictates of his inner master, he decided to adopt Sanyasa. Generally, adoption of Sanyasa is attended by several rituals and ceremonies and a Guru to confer Sanyasa. However Swamiji did not feel the necessity for any such procedure (being a vidvath himself!). He had a dip in the Ganges, prayed to GOD, discarded the old clothing and put on new ochre robes with a promise to GOD that he would abide in Him forever. Swamiji was constantly chanting OM, the sacred syllable meaning GOD, The Ultimate Reality. The Sadhus in that Ashram started calling him 'OMKAR SWAMI' and then onwards he was known by the name Swami Omkar. During his stay in Himalayas, he also visited Badrinath Temple and Brahmapuri forest, where Swami Rama Tirtha from whom he drew great inspiration, lived a recluse. After spending six long years in the Himalayas, an enlightened, God realised "Swami Omkar" returned to Thotapalli Hills near Pithapuram.




Swamiji realised the oneness of humanity and set before him two ideals, to do real and lasting service to humanity and to relieve the suffering of the sick and poor. Even at an early age, he had unusual mental and psychic powers. He could heal the sick, whether their ailments were mental or physical. He would write the sacred symbol Om on water, and give this sacred water to the patient. The patient would feel immediate relief. Swamiji's life itself is a great lesson for humanity as he practised what he preached. He donated a piece of bone from his leg to save a girl who was injured in an accident. The prospect of limping for the rest of his life did not deter him from going to the rescue of the hapless girl. His motto in life was always to serve the needy.

He was a great Karma Yogi. From dawn to dusk he would be engaged in endless activity - helping devotees in their spiritual progress, watering the plants, or feeding the animals. He had a very compassionate heart from his very boyhood, and would not hurt any living creature. He loved plants and would often talk to them. Swamiji loved and spent several days and months in Silence and Solitude on many occasions. Through some of his books like, The Cosmic Flashes, Cosmic Fast, In the Hours of Silence etc which are 'the messages born of first-hand experience and deep meditation', he conveyed many practical and helpful messages for the aspiring seekers.

In his own words, Swamiji's three major contributions to the world, the home to all sisters and brothers irrespective of man-made differences of religion and nations are the following:

  • - PEACE PRAYER, which unites the individual with the Universal,

  • - PEACE MISSION, which provides a Home of rest and prayer to all seekers of Peace, in the East and the West and

  • - SILENCE, the soul profound Peace that draws all the people of all religions and nations towards the central Truth, the Infinite and Eternal Light, the basis of all the manifested words and worlds.

Everlasting GOD Consciousness, the establishment of peace in individuals and nations, the promotion of inter religious harmony, the Universal love of all living beings and silent selfless service to all are the highlights of his teachings.

He made his life a Mission to elevate man, the human, to man the divine. Being a GOD-realized Soul, he led an exemplary life of PEACE, LOVE and SERVICE. He travelled all over India and to several countries in the East and West and established Peace Centres at several places.




"Swamiji attained MAHASAMADHI on 10th June, 1982 after a brilliant life span of more than 87 years.

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