Bhopal: Esteemed Hindu saint Siyaram Baba passed away from a prolonged illness at his ashram on the banks of the Narmada River in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, early Wednesday morning. The 95-year-old saint, who was reportedly over 100 according to his followers, had been battling pneumonia for the past two weeks and breathed his last at around 6:30 a.m. His death coincided with the auspicious occasions of Ekadashi and Geeta Jayanti.
Born in 1933 in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Siyaram Baba began his spiritual journey at the age of 17. After visiting numerous pilgrimage sites across India, he settled in Khargone, founding his ashram in 1962. Known for his intense meditation beneath a tree while chanting ‘Jai Siya Ram,’ he reportedly preached the Ramayana for up to 21 hours each day.
Embracing a simple lifestyle, he wore only a loincloth and followed a strict regimen of prayer and meditation. Even at an advanced age, he managed his daily activities independently, which contributed to his reputation as a spiritually powerful and self-reliant individual.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, along with various leaders from both the BJP and Congress, expressed their condolences over the saint’s passing. In a statement, Chief Minister Yadav described the loss of Siyaram Baba, a dedicated follower of Lord Ram, as “irreparable” for both the saint community and Madhya Pradesh. He prayed to Baba Mahakal to grant the virtuous soul a place at his feet and to provide strength to the countless followers grieving this loss.