At this year’s Mahakumbh Mela, a saffron-clad sadhvi with flowing hair and a bindi on her forehead drew public attention. She was frequently spotted alongside celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons, including Isha Ambani, Katrina Kaif, Raveena Tandon, Kailash Kher, and Vivek Oberoi.
Who is Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati? American-Born Spiritual Leader Seen at the Mahakumbh Mela
Though widely recognised in India, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is not of Indian origin. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she comes from a Jewish background. Her spiritual journey began in 1996 when she travelled to India, a trip that changed her life.
She was pursuing a PhD in psychology at Stanford University when she accompanied her husband, Jim, on this journey. At the time, she was a vegetarian who enjoyed Indian food but had little knowledge of Hinduism. However, during her stay in India, she had a transformative spiritual experience on the banks of the Ganga River. This led her to leave behind her past life, including her marriage, and dedicate herself to spirituality.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati was ordained by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and became a Hindu renunciate. Since then, she has been an integral part of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, where she has lived for over 25 years.
She has also spoken openly about her past struggles. In her book Hollywood to the Himalayas, she shared personal experiences of childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and an eating disorder.
Over the years, Sadhviji has become a renowned spiritual orator, author, and motivational speaker. She is deeply involved in various humanitarian initiatives and spends most of her time in Rishikesh.
She serves as the president of the Divine Shakti Foundation, which provides free education, vocational training, and empowerment programs. Additionally, she is the Director of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
According to her website, she has dedicated her life to “spiritual service, wisdom teaching, sacred action, and deep spiritual practice.” Through her work, she continues to inspire people from around the world, bridging the gap between spirituality and social service.
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