Trailaṅga Swāmī

Trailaṅga Swāmī was a renowned Telugu-born yogi who spent much of his life in Varanasi. He was celebrated for his extraordinary longevity, his mastery of yogic practices, and his demonstrated siddhis (supernatural powers).

Life/History

Born in Andhra Pradesh, he traveled extensively before settling in Varanasi, where he became a fixture on the ghats and in the cremation grounds. His exact lifespan remains debated among various accounts, with hagiographic traditions claiming he lived for centuries — some saying over 300 years. He was known to be a contemporary of Ramakrishna Paramahamsaamakrishna) Paramahamsa, who revered him, and other notable figures of 19th-century Indian spirituality. In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda describes him as a famous 300-pound swami who rarely ate, lived “utterly unconscious of his nakedness,” was said to drink deadly poison with no ill effect, and to sit in or atop the Ganges for long periods.

Teachings/Contributions

Trailaṅga Swāmī was primarily known for his advanced yogic practices and demonstrated siddhis rather than formal teachings or written works. His life itself was his teaching—demonstrating the possibility of transcending ordinary physical limitations through dedicated spiritual practice.

Legacy

He is revered as one of the great mahāyogis of modern India. His reputation for performing miraculous feats contributed to the broader cultural awareness of yogic possibilities. He remains an important figure in the Shaiva and yogic traditions of Varanasi.

Verification notes

• Content based on client-provided research.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026). Miraculous accounts are hagiographic and lack historical verification; his lifespan is legendary.