I. The Divine Birth and Early Miracles

His Holiness Dr. Bala Siva Yogindra Maharaj, lovingly known as Swami Bala Siva, was born on July 27, 1954, in a devout Brahmin family at Rosalah, near Gudapadu in Andhra Pradesh. His parents, Sri T. Venkata Lakshmamma and Sri Iswara Varaprasada Rao, were deeply spiritual. A divine light is said to have appeared in the sanctum of Lord Iswara Varaprasada temple at the time of his birth, a sign interpreted by saints as the arrival of a child born with divine mission.

From his infancy, Bala Siva demonstrated miraculous powers. He lit lamps with water, tamed venomous snakes, and conversed with celestial beings. A shining cobra reportedly guarded his cradle — symbolic of divine protection.

At the tender age of 16, he entered into deep meditation for 42 days without food or water (from January 21 to March 3, 1973) inside a sealed room at Gudapadu, an event covered by The Hindu as "India's greatest yogic feat." When he emerged, his radiance and silence were likened to that of ancient Rishis — a true saint awakened to his divine purpose.

II. The Vision for Universal Peace

With enlightenment came mission. Swamiji declared his purpose as realizing the Vedic ideal "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" — the world as one family. In 1981, he founded the Sri Bala Siva Universal Peace Foundation (Regd. No. 786/81), inaugurated by then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri T. Anjiah.

• To promote Universal Peace and Harmony
• To run educational and medical institutions for the poor
• To publish spiritual literature based on his teachings
• To conduct Peace Yajnas and establish "Shanti Shupas" worldwide

His guiding mantra — "Om is Bliss, the Essence of all Mantras" — inspired millions to chant daily for health, prosperity, and peace.

III. Spiritual Contributions and Research

Apart from his spiritual leadership, Swamiji carried out scientific research linking spiritual vibrations to physical and mental health. He revealed mantras and herbs that could cure chronic diseases like cancer and leprosy.

He established centers for scientific Vedic research and promoted education in Ayurveda, yoga, and spiritual ecology at Kurnool, Mydukur, and Kasibugga.

His teachings united ancient wisdom with modern understanding — urging seekers to silence the ego, surrender to the Divine, and live in the service of others.

IV. Global Peace Missions and Recognition

A. The 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago: In 1993, exactly a century after Swami Vivekananda addressed the same forum in 1893, Dr. Bala Siva Yogindra Maharaj represented Hinduism at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, USA. His discourse on “Hinduism and the Concept of God” received a standing ovation. The Parliament Chairman Dr. David Ramage and Vice-Chairman Dr. Jim Kenney publicly praised Swamiji for reviving the true spirit of India’s ancient message of peace and tolerance.

“Then Swami Vivekananda, now Swami Bala Siva — the voice of peace for a new millennium.”
— The Deccan Chronicle

B. Meetings with Global Leaders: Swamiji’s Peace Prayer Congregations drew participation from world leaders:

• Mr. Anirudh Jagannath, Prime Minister of Mauritius — hosted Swamiji for a peace session.
• Mr. K.P. Bhattarai, Prime Minister of Nepal — invited Swamiji to conduct a Peace Prayer in Kathmandu.
• Mr. R. Premadasa, President of Sri Lanka — joined Swamiji’s Peace Congregation and sought his blessings.
• Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister of India — discussed national unity and spiritual integration with him.
• His Holiness the Dalai Lama — jointly conducted a Peace Prayer Congregation with Swamiji in Visakhapatnam on January 5, 1992.

International Peace leaders in Los Angeles and Mauritius recognized him as the “Prophet of Peace.”

His Holiness also addressed the World Hindu Conference in Colombo (1982), where he halted heavy rains through prayer — an event witnessed by thousands and reported by local media as a “divine intervention.”

V. Conferences and Honors

Swamiji organized and presided over several World Peace Conferences and Veda Sadas, including:

• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Veda Sadas (1992): Urging unity beyond caste and creed.
• International Open University, Colombo (1990): Awarded Doctor of Herbal Science (Honoris Causa).
• Universal Peace Congress, Visakhapatnam (1996): Attended by global dignitaries and faith leaders.

He was called by the media and peers as "The Modern Rishi," "The Prophet of Peace," and "The Moses of India."

VI. Message and Philosophy

Swamiji's universal philosophy bridges religion, science, and humanity. He proclaimed:

"Religion is for man, not man for religion. All faiths are but flowers from the same Divine garden. True unity lies in diversity."

He taught that sound vibration (Nada) and light (Jyoti) are the two forms of Divine Energy, and chanting "Om" attunes the human body to universal harmony.

His approach to peace was both practical and spiritual — peace within leads to peace without.

VII. Service to Humanity

Swamiji's humanitarian work continues through the Universal Peace Foundation, which conducts:

• Free medical and food camps
• Educational programs for underprivileged children
• Peace Yajnas and cultural events across India and abroad
• Construction of Shanti Shupas (Peace Pillars) as symbols of unity

He appealed to all followers:

"Let every man repeat OM for the health and peace of humanity. Join us in promoting world peace."

VIII. Legacy

Swamiji's presence has illuminated the lives of countless devotees across continents. He is remembered not only as a saint but as a scientific reformer, spiritual visionary, and true successor to Swami Vivekananda in the mission of global peace.

From Chicago's Parliament of Religions to Kathmandu, Colombo, and Mauritius, he carried India's ancient message — that peace begins in the heart of every human being.

Even today, his Universal Peace Foundation continues his vision under the guiding motto:

"There is One God, One Religion — Peace of Humanity."