తెలుగు లో చదవండి
“THIS IS THE SCIENTIFIC CENTER THAT EXPLAINS PRANAYAMA” Sri Guruji Antarmukhananda”
Among the many spiritual centers in the country, Sri Swami Ramananda Siddha Yoga Jnanashram has attained a distinguished position. This is a center that imparts the practice of Siddha Yoga and Brahma Jnana [knowledge of the Supreme Reality]. As stated in Srimad Bhagavad Gita — jñāninaḥ tattvadarśinaḥ — those who seek Moksha [liberation] should approach Gurus who possess both scriptural knowledge and experiential knowledge, and learn Brahma Vidya [the science of the Absolute] from them — this is the kind of center that Sri Krishna Paramatma has indicated. Such a rare Ashram was established in the year 1965 at Kamannvalasa, Badangi Mandal, Vizianagaram District, by the Siddha Guru, Brahmarshi Sri Sri Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa.
The Life of Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa
He came to Andhra Pradesh from the village of Kalliyasseri, Kannur District, in the state of Kerala, and while working as a Surveyor, gained proficiency in the Telugu language. His Gurudeva [spiritual master], the Siddha Guru Brahmarshi Sri Sri Sri Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa, hailing from Vadagara in Kerala, composed a scripture called Siddha Veda. Having read that text and having received initiation in Siddha Yoga Vidya [the science of perfected yoga] from him, he undertook intense spiritual practice. With complete Vairagya [dispassion/renunciation], he resigned from his employment. He practiced the inward-turned Pranayama [breath-based austerity] form of Tapas [penance] at many places in Rishikesh. Finally, on the banks of the Godavari River, near Dhavaleswaram, beside the Yogi Janardana Swami Temple, in a mountain cave, he performed Tapas for a prolonged period without any body-consciousness and attained Siddhi [spiritual perfection].
Living in that cave in the company of a cobra, and having performed Tapas for a long time, Swami Ramananda was called “Pamula Swami” [the Serpent Swami] and also “Mouna Swami” [the Silent Swami]. After attaining Siddhi, by the inspiration of Ishwara [God], he established Kamannvalasa as the main center for the widespread propagation of this Brahma Vidya.
Establishment of Ashrams and the Guru-Disciple Relationship
Prior to that, he had established Ashrams in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada, and in Kothagudem. While searching for suitable disciples to whom he could impart scriptural knowledge — Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutras — combined with his own yogic experience, by divine command, the present Peethadhipathi [head of the spiritual seat], Sri Swami Antarmukhananda (Dr. Vandana Venkateswara Rao, M.B.B.S.), came into acquaintance. He was then shaped and molded as the chief disciple.
Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa, who was a lifelong Brahmachari [celibate] and Sannyasi [renunciant] who had attained Siddhi, bestowed his grace upon Dr. Venkateswara Rao — even though he was a Grihastha [householder] — due to his devotion, faith, and yogic practices. Their Guru-Shishya [master-disciple] relationship of 14 years was incomparable. While Dr. Venkateswara Rao was serving as a Medical Officer at nearby Saluru, and later at Badangi, he was appointed as the successor of the Ashram. At the age of 91 years, on March 9, 1993, Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa attained Mahasamadhi [the final conscious departure from the body].
The Guru’s Extraordinary Grace
Dr. Venkateswara Rao had no familiarity with the Sanskrit language. Pleased with his devotion and faith, through his power of Tapas [ascetic power], the Guru taught him the essence of all scriptures — namely, the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Yoga Vasishtham, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavatam, and the Ramayana. He taught that the intended inner meanings of all these texts are nothing but the essence of Yoga and Jnana [knowledge]. He taught that Sanatana Dharma [the eternal righteous path] means purifying the body through yoga practice, thereby purifying the mind, and attaining Aparokshanubhuti [direct self-realization] — the experience of knowing “who am I truly?” — teaching day and night.
He imparted how Guru Seva [service to the Guru] should be performed. He taught how to cultivate Guru Bhakti [devotion to the Guru]. Through the Guru’s grace, in a short period of time, he molded the Doctor into a complete master of Siddha Vidya [the perfected science of realization]. He shaped him into a complete Jnani [knower of Truth] in a manner that would astonish scientists, physicians, and scriptural scholars. Through the Doctor, he revealed to the world how profound the fruit of Guru Anugraha [the Guru’s grace] can be.
tvamevāhaṃ ahamē vatvam — “You alone are I, and I alone am you” — he openly and repeatedly declared this, revealing the ideal Guru-Shishya relationship to the world. He confirmed, “After me, the one capable of continuing this Brahma Vidya is my Doctor alone,” and on March 9, 1993, attained Mahasamadhi. He blessed that in the future, devotees and yogis would gather in Kamannvalasa so densely that there would be no room to scatter sand, and that Kamannvalasa would become a Kaliyuga Brindavanam [a sacred Brindavan of this age].
The Essence of the Teachings — As Taught by Sri Swami Ramananda to Sri Antarmukhananda over 14 Years
The Root Cause of All Disease
“Deficiency of mental energy (spiritual energy) is the root cause of all diseases — both mental and physical.”
In every living being, it is a universally known truth that Inspiration [Ucchvasa — ఉచ్ఛ్వాసము, breathing in] is shorter (20 centimeters) and Expiration [Nisvasa — నిశ్వాసము, breathing out] is longer (30 centimeters). In every breath, Expiration exceeds Inspiration by 10 centimeters. Through that excess outflow, we are losing divine energy, knowledge, bliss, and radiance.
The Mathematics of Energy Loss
In this manner, in one minute — across 15 breaths at 10 centimeters each — we lose 1.50 meters of energy. In one hour: 15 × 60 = 900 × 10 centimeters = 90 meters. In one day: 15 × 60 × 24 = 21,600 × 10 centimeters — that is, 2 kilometers and 160 meters of energy is lost every single day, from the moment of birth. Even though we consume physical food, it cannot replenish the lost divine energy, knowledge, and bliss.
The Process of Degeneration
Prana [vital life-force], which is of the nature of Agni [fire], is being expended with every breath. Because of this, blood circulation in the body slows down, the body becomes cold, and Kapha [phlegm/mucus] is produced. As Agni diminishes, digestive power weakens, and more Kapha is produced. This Kapha accumulates in the body and becomes the cause of both physical and mental diseases. As Kapha increases, Prana is unable to rise upward, Expiration becomes excessive, and ultimately, death approaches. Therefore, it is said that Kapha itself is Yama [the lord of death], and Kapha itself is Papa [sin].
The Solution — Antarmukha Yoga Sadhana (Inward-Turned Yoga Practice)
If we hold our breath and churn it internally, the Yogagni [the fire of Yoga] increases, all the Nadis [energy channels] are purified, and both body and mind are simultaneously cleansed. This brings about complete health, the highest mental energy, and thereby, Jnana [true knowledge].
This yogic experience is what is described as “nāsābhyantara cāriṇau” in the 5th Chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and also in the Mandukya, Mundaka, and Svetasvatara Upanishads. This same essence of yoga is described as the primary practice in the Bible and the Quran as well.
The Nature and Universality of This Practice
This yoga practice is extremely easy to perform and most pleasant. This alone is the Rishi-prokta [sage-declared] practice that has been transmitted through ages and ages. It is proven both scientifically and medically. This Antarmukha Yoga Sadhana [inward-turned yogic practice] yields results from the very first day of receiving initiation. Many chronic diseases are alleviated in a short period of time. This is the remover of all diseases and the destroyer of all diseases. Because it is easy to practice and yields immediate results, it has now been propagated extensively throughout the world.
The present Peethadhipathi, Sri Antarmukhananda Swami, has traveled to countries such as America and Australia, and has initiated thousands into Antarmukha Yoga Vidya — which is proof of this.
The Living Tradition and Accessibility
Having received initiation from Sadguru [true Guru] Sri Swami Ramananda, and with 47 years of experience to date, what changes occur within the Sushumna [the central energy channel in the spine] and the brain are being explained on the Antarmukhananda Channel, citing the Prasthana Traya [the three foundational texts] — the pillars of Sanatana Dharma — in a manner that resolves the doubts of people from all walks of life. This is documented in over 1,900 videos.
Anyone above 10 years of age can receive initiation in this Vidya [sacred knowledge]. Everyone is eligible for this Vidya irrespective of caste, community, religion, or region. However, one must have given up smoking, alcohol consumption, and non-vegetarian food.
Where to Receive Initiation
At present, initiation in this Vidya can be received at the Kamannvalasa Ashram.
Sri Swami Ramananda Siddha Yoga Jnanashram Kamannvalasa – 535578, Badangi Mandal, Vizianagaram District.
Current Ashram Locations
- Kamannavalasa, Badangi Mandal
- Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada
- Sugar Land – Houston TX, USA
Chapter Summary — 10 Key Points
- Sri Swami Ramananda Siddha Yoga Jnanashram is a distinguished spiritual center dedicated to Siddha Yoga practice and Brahma Jnana (knowledge of the Supreme).
- The Ashram was founded in 1965 at Kamannvalasa, Vizianagaram District, by Brahmarshi Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa, who came from Kerala and attained Siddhi through prolonged cave-Tapas on the banks of the Godavari.
- Swami Ramananda’s Guru was Brahmarshi Sri Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa of Vadagara, Kerala, author of the text Siddha Veda.
- Through divine command, Dr. Venkateswara Rao (M.B.B.S.) became the chief disciple and was molded into a complete Jnani through 14 years of intensive Guru-Shishya training despite having no Sanskrit background.
- The core teaching states that deficiency of mental/spiritual energy is the root cause of all physical and mental diseases.
- In every breath, Expiration (30 cm) exceeds Inspiration (20 cm) by 10 cm, causing continuous loss of divine energy, knowledge, and bliss — amounting to over 2 km of energy daily.
- This energy loss leads to accumulation of Kapha (phlegm), which weakens Agni (digestive fire), slows circulation, and ultimately causes disease and death. Kapha is declared to be Yama (death) and Papa (sin).
- The remedy is Antarmukha Yoga Sadhana — holding and internally churning the breath — which ignites Yogagni, purifies all Nadis, and restores complete health, mental power, and Jnana.
- This practice is referenced in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 5), the Mandukya, Mundaka, and Svetasvatara Upanishads, and is said to be present in the Bible and Quran as well.
- The practice is open to anyone above age 10, regardless of caste, religion, or region, provided they abstain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food. Initiation is available at Kamannvalasa, Vijayawada, and Houston, Texas.
Key Concepts — Glossary
| Term | Original | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Siddha Yoga | సిద్ధయోగ | The perfected path of yoga, transmitted through a lineage of realized masters |
| Brahma Jnana | బ్రహ్మజ్ఞానము | Direct knowledge/experience of the Supreme Reality (Brahman) |
| Brahma Vidya | బ్రహ్మవిద్య | The sacred science of knowing the Absolute |
| Moksha | మోక్షము | Liberation from the cycle of birth and death |
| Siddhi | సిద్ధి | Spiritual perfection or attainment |
| Tapas | తపస్సు | Intense spiritual austerity or penance |
| Vairagya | వైరాగ్యము | Complete dispassion and renunciation |
| Prana | ప్రాణము | Vital life-force energy, described as having the nature of fire (Agni) |
| Ucchvasa (Inspiration) | ఉచ్ఛ్వాసము | Breathing in; measured at 20 cm in ordinary breathing |
| Nisvasa (Expiration) | నిశ్వాసము | Breathing out; measured at 30 cm in ordinary breathing |
| Kapha | కఫము | Phlegm/mucus; described as the root physical cause of disease and death |
| Agni | అగ్ని | The fire element; digestive fire; the fire-nature of Prana |
| Yogagni | యోగాగ్ని | The fire of Yoga ignited through internal breath practice |
| Nadis | నాడులు | Subtle energy channels in the body |
| Sushumna | సుషుమ్న | The central and most important energy channel along the spine |
| Antarmukha | అంతర్ముఖ | Inward-turned; the direction of yogic practice |
| Aparokshanubhuti | అపరోక్షానుభూతి | Direct, non-mediated Self-realization |
| Mahasamadhi | మహాసమాధి | The final conscious departure of a realized soul from the body |
| Sannyasi | సన్న్యాసి | One who has formally renounced worldly life |
| Brahmachari | బ్రహ్మచారి | One who observes celibacy and is devoted to Brahman |
| Grihastha | గృహస్తుడు | A householder; one living in family life |
| Guru Anugraha | గురు అనుగ్రహము | The grace or blessing of the spiritual master |
| Prasthana Traya | ప్రస్థానత్రయ | The three foundational texts: Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutras |
| Sanatana Dharma | సనాతన ధర్మము | The eternal righteous path; the ancient spiritual tradition |
| Peethadhipathi | పీఠాధిపతి | The head/presiding authority of a spiritual seat |
| Siddha Veda | సిద్ధవేదము | A scripture composed by Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa |
| Yoga Vasishtham | యోగవాశిష్ఠము | A major philosophical text on Advaita and Yoga |
Reflective Questions & Answers
Q1: What is the core philosophical position of this Ashram regarding the cause of disease?
A: The Ashram teaches that the deficiency of mental energy — which is synonymous with spiritual energy — is the root cause of all diseases, both physical and mental. This is not merely a metaphorical claim; it is connected to the measurable phenomenon of breath: because Expiration (30 cm) exceeds Inspiration (20 cm) by 10 cm in every breath, there is a continuous net loss of Prana (vital energy). This cumulative depletion weakens Agni (the body’s internal fire), slows blood circulation, generates Kapha (phlegm), and eventually leads to disease and death.
Q2: What is Antarmukha Yoga Sadhana, and how does it work?
A: Antarmukha Yoga Sadhana is the practice of holding the breath and churning it internally — directing it inward rather than letting it flow outward. Think of it like a fireplace: normally, your breath is like an open window letting all the heat escape. This practice closes that window and fans the inner fire (Yogagni). This increased inner fire purifies all the Nadis (energy channels), cleanses both body and mind simultaneously, and restores complete health, immense mental power, and ultimately, spiritual knowledge (Jnana).
Q3: How is Kapha described in the spiritual context of this teaching?
A: Kapha (phlegm) is given a profound spiritual significance far beyond its Ayurvedic meaning. As Prana — which is of the nature of Agni (fire) — is continuously lost through excessive Expiration, the body’s fire diminishes. This leads to slower circulation, the body growing cold, weakened digestion, and increasing phlegm. This Kapha accumulates and obstructs Prana from rising upward. Ultimately, Kapha is declared to be Yama (the lord of death himself) and Papa (sin) — meaning it is not just a physical substance but the very mechanism through which degeneration and death operate.
Q4: What is the significance of the Guru-Shishya relationship described in this text?
A: The 14-year relationship between Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa and Dr. Venkateswara Rao is presented as an ideal of what Guru-disciple transmission can achieve. The Guru, a lifelong celibate renunciant who attained Siddhi in a cave, accepted a householder medical doctor with no Sanskrit knowledge as his chief disciple — purely based on devotion and faith. Through Tapas-shakti (the power of penance) and relentless day-and-night teaching, the Guru transmitted the complete essence of all scriptures and yogic realization to the Doctor. The declaration “tvamevāhaṃ ahamē vatvam” — “You alone are I, and I alone am you” — signifies the ultimate non-dual identity between Guru and disciple.
Q5: What scriptural references support the yoga practice taught at this Ashram?
A: The text cites “nāsābhyantara cāriṇau” from the 5th Chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and references the Mandukya, Mundaka, and Svetasvatara Upanishads as describing this same inward breath practice. The teaching further claims that this essential yogic practice is also present as the primary Sadhana (spiritual practice) in the Bible and the Quran, suggesting a universal and interfaith dimension to the technique.
Q6: Who was Sri Swami Ramananda Paramahamsa’s Guru, and how did the lineage begin?
A: Sri Swami Ramananda’s Guru was Brahmarshi Sri Sri Sri Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa from Vadagara, Kerala. Swami Sivananda composed a scripture called Siddha Veda. Swami Ramananda read this text, received direct initiation in Siddha Yoga from Swami Sivananda, and then embarked on intense Sadhana — ultimately attaining Siddhi after prolonged Tapas in a cave near Dhavaleswaram on the banks of the Godavari River.
Q7: Why was Swami Ramananda called “Pamula Swami” and “Mouna Swami”?
A: During his prolonged cave-Tapas near the Yogi Janardana Swami Temple at Dhavaleswaram, Swami Ramananda lived in the company of a cobra — hence the name “Pamula Swami” (Serpent Swami). He also maintained deep silence during his practice, earning him the name “Mouna Swami” (Silent Swami). These names reflect the extraordinary conditions of his Tapas — fearlessness before a deadly serpent (symbolizing mastery over primal fear) and sustained inner silence (indicating deep Samadhi states).
Q8: What are the eligibility requirements for receiving this yoga initiation?
A: Anyone above 10 years of age is eligible. There is no restriction based on caste, community, religion, or region — the teaching is universal. However, aspirants must have given up three things: smoking, alcohol consumption, and non-vegetarian food. These requirements reflect the teaching’s emphasis on bodily purity as a prerequisite for the internal fire (Yogagni) to be effectively kindled.
Q9: How does this teaching connect physical health and spiritual realization?
A: This is one of the distinctive features of this tradition. It does not separate physical health from spiritual growth — they are two results of the same process. Think of it like a river that is clogged with debris (Kapha): when you clear it, two things happen simultaneously — the water flows freely (physical health) and reaches the ocean (spiritual realization). The Antarmukha practice purifies the Nadis and the Sushumna, which simultaneously heals the physical body and opens the pathway to Jnana (direct knowledge of the Self).
Q10: What is the vision for the future of Kamannvalasa as stated by Sri Swami Ramananda?
A: Before attaining Mahasamadhi, Sri Swami Ramananda blessed and prophesied that in the future, devotees and yogis would gather in Kamannvalasa so densely that there would be no room to scatter even sand between them. He declared that Kamannvalasa would become a “Kaliyuga Brindavanam” — a sacred Brindavan (the divine abode of Lord Krishna) of this present age — implying that it would become a major pilgrimage and spiritual center radiating divine energy and attracting seekers from everywhere.