Shivabalayogi in 1957, after eight years of tapas.

He has mastered all four directions.

Swamiji's mother, Parvatamma Allaka, is standing next to him.

More than anyone else, it was Parvatamma who protected Swamiji during his tapas.  (Swamiji's father, Bhemmana Allaka, died when Swamiji was only two years of age.)  Swamiji loved his mother very deeply.

Swamiji explained that for a soul to be born who is capable of becoming a yogi, the parents must be great souls in their own right.  Swamiji used to tell devotees that each time he was born, his mother’s soul had to contain a portion of Goddess Parvati and his father’s soul had to contain a portion of Lord Shiva.

Swamiji privately confirmed to several devotees that his mother was an incarnation of Parvati Devi.