The Enigma of Age
According to his passport, Swami Sivananda of Kolkata, India, was born on August 8, 1896, making him 120 years old in 2016. This remarkable age has propelled him into the spotlight, courting the possibility of his status as the oldest living human.
The Secrets of Longevity
Swami Sivananda attributes his extraordinary longevity to a rigorous adherence to yogic principles. He espouses the virtues of simplicity and discipline, maintaining a spartan diet of boiled lentils, rice, and green chilies. Notably, he abstains from consuming spices and adhering to a strict celibate lifestyle.
Yoga: The Fountain of Youth
Despite his advanced years, Swami Sivananda demonstrates remarkable fitness. He credits this vitality to his daily yoga practice, which he performs for extended periods. He believes that the ancient Indian art of yoga promotes well-being and longevity.
Questioning the Records
While the passport record suggests Swami Sivananda’s birth date as 1896, it has been ascertained that this information was derived from temple registers. These records are often unreliable, especially for individuals who were born considerably earlier than Swami Sivananda. As such, the possibility remains that the temple records may be inaccurate.
Seeking Recognition
Swami Sivananda has expressed his desire to be included in the Guinness World Records, seeking official recognition of his purported age. His claim presents an intriguing challenge to the established norms of human longevity.
