Quick Facts
Biography
Swami Nithyananda (in longer form Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda) is a Hindu spiritual leader, and is believed by his disciples to be an avatar – a reincarnated deity. He is the founder of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, which is based in India but has devotees on a broader international scale.
The Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam is regularly involved in hosting and promoting cultural events related to Hinduism across the United States including in Ohio, California, and Texas. They have also set two Guinness world records, one in rope yoga and one in pole yoga (mallakhamba).
Swami Nithyananda's organization states that he has spiritual powers, including kundalini awakening and third-eye awakening. He and his followers claim to be able to perform and document phenomena like extrasensory perception and materialisation, which they document on YouTube and other social media.
Skeptics and critics point to failures to replicate certain claims, like levitation. Indian news media reported on his failure to levitate a participating journalist.
Timeline
- In February 2013, the title of Mahamandaleshwar was conferred on Nithyananda in a closed ceremony by the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara.