Madras, 1965

Color, 8mm film taken in Madras (today’s Chennai), India, in December of 1965.  These are some of the earliest meditation and bhajan programs conducted by Shivabalayogi.

We can see Swamiji putting vibhuti (blessed ash) between devotees’ eyebrows (the third eye), blessing them in this way so they, in turn, could use the Yogi’s vibhuti to transmit his initiation to large crowds of people – one person at a time.  Shivabalayogi’s programs generally consisted of initiation, an hour of meditation practice while Swamiji meditated in samadhi, followed by an hour of bhajans (spiritual song) during which Swamiji again meditated in samadhi.  He never gave any discourse.  He taught in silence.

Scenes include mass feeding. Shivabalayogi, like other great spiritual masters, places a great emphasis on feeding people prashad (blessed food).  The original film has no soundtrack. The bhajan “Shiva Shiva Shankara” (a Telugu bhajan written for a movie about the life of a yogi) was recorded in Adivarapupeta and “Om Namah Shivaya” was recorded in Bangalore.

7:04 minutes.

Madras, 1970 - Darshan

Excerpts from color film taken during Shivabalayogi’s visit to Madras (now Chennai) in December of 1970.  The color film entitled, "Sri Sri Sri Balayogi Maharaj Camp at Hemamalini, No. 155, Lloyds Road, Madras 14", shows a robust and radiant Swamiji giving darshan at public programs. 

This edit show Swamiji giving public darshan at various programs.

Music by Madhu Murthy.

5:03 minutes

Madras, 1970 - Pada Puja

Excerpts from color film taken during Shivabalayogi’s visit to Madras (now Chennai) in December of 1970. This edit shows devotees doing pada puja to Swamiji.

Pada puja is the ritual washing of the feet, a form of homage and worship of the divine embodied in the guru.

Music by Madhu Murthy.

4:15 minutes

Shivabalayogi Madras 1970

Excerpts from color film taken during Shivabalayogi’s visit to Madras (now Chennai) in December of 1970.  This edit shows Swamiji visiting devotee’s homes and a business.

Music by Madhu Murthy.

7:01 minutes