Shaiva philosopher, saint and scholar Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj was born in 1907 in Srinagar, Kashmir.

Swamiji was a rare jewel who had supreme command over both the theoretical and the practical aspects of Kashmir Shaivism. He spent his whole life, beginning when he was a small boy, studying and practicing the teaching of this tradition and in doing so realized the reality of its thought.

Spiritual leaders and scholars journeyed from all over the world to receive his blessings and to ask him questions about various aspects of Kashmir Shaiva philosophy. He gained renown as a humble devotee of Lord Shiva and as an accomplished master (siddha) of the non-dual tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. Throughout his life, Swamiji taught his disciples and devotees the ways of devotion and awareness. He shunned fame and recognition and did not seek his own glory. He knew Kashmir Shaivism was the most precious jewel and that, by God’s grace, those who desired supreme knowledge would be attracted to its teachings. He taught freely, never asking anything in return, except that his students, young and old, should do their utmost to assimilate the teachings of his cherished tradition. His earnest wish was for Kashmir Shaivism to be preserved and made available to all humankind.

By 1960,s news had quietly spread that the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaivism was alive and well, fully embodied in the person of Swami Lakshmanjoo. For the next twenty years a regular stream of visitors from India and abroad sought his audience. To all sincere seekers Swamiji freely distributed the treasure of his wisdom.

Swamiji also had a close association with contemporary Indian Saints like Maharshi Mahesh Yogi who visited Srinagar a number of times along with his disciples . Swamiji also met Swami Sivananda of Divine life society at Rishikesh, who called Swamiji “Lion of Kashmir Shaivism ”. Swami Muktananda of Ganeshpuri also visited Ishber Ashram a number of times with his close associates .

As the last in an unbroken chain of Masters of this unique ‘oral tradition’ Swami Lakshmanjoo dedicated his life to the sacred teachings of Kashmir Shaivism.

On the 27th of September, 1991, Swami Lakshmanjoo left his physical body and attained Mahasamādhi, the great liberation.

These words of Acharya Abhinavagupta concretely express the earthly life of Swamiji:

“There are some beings who are enlightened only for (the sake) of their own liberation, whereas there are others who are enlightened for the sake of redeeming the whole world. Just as a firefly shines only for itself, jewels shine for others, the stars shine for more, the moon shines for still more, and the sun bestows light on the whole universe.”

Holiness Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj was indeed such a Sun.

In Swami Lakshmanjoo’s teachings, he constantly emphasizes the secular nature of this great tradition. He wants it to be clearly understood by everyone that Kashmir Shaivism does not discriminate against anyone of the basis of caste, creed, color, or sex. No one is restricted from becoming involved in the practice and teachings of this tradition. This teaching is universal, open to one and all.

In India Swamiji established Ishwar Ashram Trust to carry out activities in a manner which would uphold the truth he himself had lived for.

In the United States, for the purpose of carrying his message to all who had a spiritual thirst, Swamiji laid the foundation for the establishment of the Universal Shaiva Fellowship and Lakshmanjoo Academy .

Important Milestones in the life of Shaivacharya Swami Lakshmanjoo

18 Dec 1854 : Birth of Swami Ram, the Grand Master (Param-Guru) of Swamiji.

9 May 1907 : Birth of Lakshmana at Fatehkadal,Srinagar,Kashmir.

1913 : Thread ceremony (Yajnopavit) of Lakshmana and his brothers.

14 Jan 1915 : Swami Ramji ( Paramguru ) attains Mahasamadhi.

1926 : Lakshmana leaves his parental home in search of seclusion and settles in Sadhuganga, Sopore, Kashmir

1929 : A separate house is built for Lakshmana at Marbal, Fateh Kadal, Srinagar.

1934 : Lakshmana shifts along with his parents to the Ishber Ashram at Gupta Ganga, Srinagar.

1938 : Swamiji travels to South India and meets Ramana Maharishi, Sri Aurobindo & Mother.

1943 : Swami Mahatab Kak, Swamiji’s Guru, attains Mahasamadhi.

1947 : Swamiji’s mother, Arnimal, leaves for her heavenly abode.

1948 : Swamiji’s father, Pandit Narain Dass, leaves for his heavenly abode.

1962 : Swamiji shifts to the newly built Ashram at Nishat, Srinagar.

1965 : Swamiji reads a paper, ‘Kundalini Vijnana Rahasyam, in a Seminar at Sampurnananda University, Varanasi. ( Awarded Hony D Lit )

1969 : Establishment of Kashmir Shaiva Institute at Gupta Ganga, Ishber.

1970 : Publication of the first issue of the Malini Journal.

3 Sept 1981 : Swamiji lays the foundation stone of the Amriteshwar BhairavaTemple in the premises of the ashram.

11 May 1983 : Inauguration of the Amriteshwar Bhairava Temple by Swamiji in the premises of the ashram.

1988 : Swamiji visits Nepal and translates the 85 sacred verses.

1990 : Swamiji visits Nepal and reveals Abhinavagupta’s Bhagavad Gita and Acharya Abhivagupta”s Paramarthasara.

1991 : Swamiji visits United States of America( USA) to meet his western disciples.

27 Sept. 1991 : Swamiji attains the ultimate and supreme state of Mahasamadhi at Noida.