Source: https://abhedasramam.org/swami-abhedananda/
The body of Swami Abhedananda, after his passing away, had not a single sign generally seen in a body after the life force has left it. The arms and legs movements were quite natural. The lustre in the face did not diminish. This is found only in the life of very few mahans.
Before shirking his body, Swami Abhedananda was at Rishikesh. Once, Gangadevi appeared before him and said, “Hari Namakirtan happens daily on the banks of the Yamuna without fail. But this does not happen on my banks. Arrange for Hari Namakirtan here immediately.” Swami Abhedananda at once arranged for the kirtan.
Before Swami Abhedananda’s life on earth ended Gangadevi entered into his body in the form of a light! After this he became very lustrous. Swami Abhedananda had instructed that after his passing away the body should be left into the Ganga and no Adhishtanam (Brindavan) should be built.
Swami Sivananda’s disciple Swami Chidananda was also a great mahan. It was this Swami Chidananda who remained by the side of Swami Abhedananda during his last days, serving him. It was he who, as per Swami Abhedananda’s desire, wrapped his body in a white cloth and in the presence of several disciples left it in the Ganga. It will not be an exaggeration to say that by remembering, listening to and reading the amazing charitra of Swami Abhedananda even gravest sins are wiped off. Ganga wipes away sins. It is verily the Mahamantra that has been advocated for freedom from sins in this Age of Kali. As Swami Abhedananda performed Mahamantra kirtan incessantly he was indeed the very form of Mahamantra! Later on in life, as Gangadevi resided in his body it is but right to say that he was verily River Ganga! Remembering him earns the double fruit of remembering Gangadevi and rendering Mahamantra kirtan! Swami Abhedananda is verily a pure, sacred mahan whom all in Bharata desa should know.
Once, a Swamini from Swami Abhedananda ashram visited Premika Bhavanam. The Swamini discoursed in the presence of our Sri Swamiji. An incredible incident occurred at that time. A light rose from the Swamini’s body and filled the whole of Premika Bhavanam! When this happened the electric lights seemed dull. After a while this light mingled back into the Swamini! This happened twice! Sri Swamiji said, “This kind of light resides in her only due to Mahamantra kirtan.” This was experienced only by Sri Swamiji.
The above was shared by Sri Swamiji during a satsang.
Nirmala Giri, Chennai, India
