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On the 125th birth anniversary of Satguru Hans Maharaj, Revisiting his timeless message- “that peace begins within.”
By HARISH MANAV
Throughout the quiet rhythm of human history, there are rare individuals whose lives illuminate the paths of others — souls who redirect the gaze of seekers inward, away from the flickering distractions of the world to the eternal flame within. Satguru Hans Maharaj, whose 125th birth anniversary we commemorate on November 8, was one such radiant presence. His life serves as a parable of simplicity, devotion, and inner awakening, reminding us that truth, when sought sincerely, reveals itself not in the clamour of the world but in the stillness of the heart.
A Seeker Who Became a Beacon
Born in 1900 in the village of Gadh-ki-Sedhia in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Hans Ram (later known as Satguru Hans Maharaj) grew up amidst the serene Himalayas — nature’s own ashram of silence and majesty. From an early age, he was drawn to the spiritual path, motivated by questions that transcend time: Who am I? What is the source of this life? What lies beyond birth and death?
His quest led him through various philosophies until he met his Guru, Swami Swarupanand, who initiated him into the practice of Divine Knowledge — an experiential realisation of the “light within,” accessible through meditation, discipline, and grace. This encounter transformed him from a seeker into a guide, and he became Hans Maharaj — the “Swan of Truth” — a teacher who emphasised direct experience over dogma.
The Gospel of Inner Experience
Hans Maharaj’s central message was profoundly simple: “Truth is within you.” He often remarked that scriptures are maps, not destinations, and that true religion is not merely belief but realisation. At a time when society was divided by caste, creed, and ritual, he emphasised the universality of human experience, asserting that every individual carries the same divine essence within, waiting to be recognised through inner practice.
He referred to this realisation as Gyaan, or Knowledge — a meditative experience of the inner Light, Sound, Name, and Nectar that mystics across traditions have described in various ways. “When you know yourself,” he would say, “you know God — for He dwells not in temples of stone, but in the temple of your own consciousness.”
Prem Nagar Ashram: The Place of Peace and Love
In 1942, Satguru Hans Maharaj established the Prem Nagar Ashram on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. The ashram became not just a spiritual centre but a living symbol of universal love and harmony — Prem Nagar, the “Place of Peace and Love.” It remains a sanctuary for seekers from around the world, offering an environment of meditation, simplicity, and selfless service. The ashram reflects Hans Maharaj’s belief that a spiritual life must be rooted in everyday compassion — that inner peace finds its true expression through service to others. Even today, its tranquil gardens and satsang halls echo with his message: “Where there is love, there is God.”
The Grace of the Divine: Holiness Mata Rajeshwari
No account of Hans Maharaj’s life would be complete without acknowledging Mata Rajeshwari Devi, his spiritual consort and a luminous presence in her own right. After his passing in 1966, Mata Ji guided the community with maternal wisdom and unwavering devotion. She not only upheld her husband’s spiritual legacy but also expanded its social dimensions — inspiring the establishment of schools, hospitals, and charitable initiatives under the Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti. Affectionately known as Mata Ji, she embodied the grace of compassion in action — teaching that devotion is not only prayer but also service, not only faith but also care for humanity.
Carrying the Light Forward: Satpal Maharaj’s Continuing Mission
Among those who most deeply absorbed Hans Maharaj’s teachings is his elder son, Satpal Maharaj, a spiritual master and social reformer, who continues to carry forward Hans Maharaj’s mission with devotion and dynamism. Drawing from the same wellspring of Divine Knowledge, Satpal Maharaj has interpreted his spiritual master’s message for a new era, emphasising that spirituality and social responsibility must go hand in hand. His dedication and the continuity of the mission through him reassure us of the future of the spiritual movement.
His discourses blend timeless wisdom with practical guidance, demonstrating that while meditation can calm the mind, only compassion can heal the world. By promoting peace education, clean living, and respect for all faiths and humanity, Satpal Maharaj has ensured that his guru and father’s light continues to guide millions — reminding us that the divine is not distant but present in every act of love, kindness, and service.
A Message for Our Times
As the world descends into chaos — filled with relentless information, arguments, and anxieties — the stillness that Hans Maharaj spoke of becomes invaluable. His steadfast assertion that “what you seek is already within you” compels us to return to our spiritual centre.
In honouring his legacy, we are called not only to revere him but also to embody his teachings actively. The most genuine tribute to a spiritual teacher lies not in rituals but in genuine understanding — igniting the lamp of awareness within our hearts and allowing its light to dispel the darkness of ignorance, fear, and division.
Consider Hans Maharaj’s powerful metaphor of the river and the ocean: the river’s journey culminates where it began — in the sea from which it originated. Just as this is true for rivers, it is equally valid for our souls; each of us is on a journey back to our source. His teachings make it clear that we are all rivers — restless, wandering, and seeking — and the peace we crave exists not outside ourselves but within.
As we commemorate his 125th birth anniversary, let us take a moment to sit in silence, close our eyes, and connect with the living current of consciousness he revealed — the Hans (Conscious Soul) within us, poised in perfect balance between the sky and water, between seeking and finding. Embrace this truth, and let it guide us.
– The author is a senior journalist who has worked at The Tribune Trust, Dainik Bhaskar, and Outlook. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief at Thenewsdose.com. The views expressed in this piece are personal to the author. harishmanav@gmail.com
