Pandit Sh. Arun Kumar Sharma
Life and Legacy of Shri Arun Kumar Sharma
Early Life and Family Background
Shri Arun Kumar Sharma was born on January 1, 1924, in Varanasi, into a devout Brahmin family. The deeply spiritual environment of his household nurtured in him, from the very beginning, a natural inclination toward sacred knowledge and higher truth.
In due course, he married Smt. Kiran Devi, and together they raised a family of five sons and one daughter. Despite his growing stature as a yogi and scholar, he remained grounded in the values of simplicity and family life.
Spiritual Quest and Encounters
Although accomplished in academia, Gurudev’s heart was drawn to deeper questions: Does life end with death? What is the true reality of existence? These reflections often arose as he watched cremations along the ghats of the Ganga.
Seeking answers, he embarked on extensive spiritual journeys across India, the Himalayas, Tibet, and even Egypt. He met countless yogis and mystics, and through them, experienced higher realities such as the soul’s journey, the astral body, and the cosmic dimensions of existence.
A turning point came when he met Paramhans Swami Vishuddhananda (the Gandha Baba, or Perfume Saint of Kashi). Through him, Gurudev came under the tutelage of Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj, a revered scholar-saint. Under Kavirajji’s guidance, Shri Sharma blossomed into an accomplished yogi-scholar.
Devotion to the Divine Mother
Gradually, Gurudev dedicated himself entirely to the worship of Maha Kali. He renounced worldly positions, often spending long periods in deep samadhi. During this time, he was guided by higher beings and spiritually advanced saints, who connected him with divine realms and rare mystical traditions.
He is said to have gained entry into the legendary Gyanganj and the Shangri-La Valley of Tibet—realms that exist in subtle metaphysical dimensions. For about three years in Tibet, he witnessed extraordinary phenomena, experiences that lay far beyond ordinary human imagination.
Literary Contributions
Beginning in 1949, Gurudev began writing about his experiences. Over the decades, he produced:
- Hundreds of articles based on firsthand knowledge.
- More than 20 books on yoga, tantra, and spiritual philosophy.
His writings are known not for speculative theory, but for authentic experiences, recorded with honesty and precision. Each book is considered a masterpiece in spiritual literature, guiding readers not only in mystical knowledge but also in how to think, live, and act with clarity, joy, and compassion.
Simplicity and Personality
Despite his immense scholarship and yogic attainments, Gurudev lived a life of striking simplicity. He disliked publicity and refused to have his academic titles displayed alongside his name. He preferred seclusion, solitude, and humility over recognition.
Still, people were drawn to him—some seeking solutions to their personal problems, others simply to receive his blessings. His warm, approachable nature left lasting impressions. One such memory, recalled by a devotee in May 2011, was of Gurudev tenderly taking two small children into his lap and showering them with affection—a gesture that revealed his childlike love and kindness.
Final Days and Eternal Journey
In the years leading up to his passing, Gurudev often hinted that he was preparing to move on to his soul’s next journey. His light-hearted nature made such words easy to dismiss. Yet, on 29 June 2011, at 11:30 p.m., he consciously left his mortal body.
Earlier that day, he had mentioned: “Guru Paduka will be worshipped on the upcoming Guru Purnima (15 July).” True to his lifelong teaching of Nishkaam Karma Yoga—selfless action without desire for reward—he departed silently, leaving no personal wish behind.
On 30 June 2011, at 3:00 p.m., his last rites were performed at Harishchandra Ghat in Kashi, amidst heartfelt tributes from family and devotees.
Legacy
Shri Arun Kumar Sharma’s life was the journey of a true yogi, scholar, and seeker:
- A Maha Pandit with unmatched learning.
- A Yogtantracharya who explored the depths of mystical traditions.
- A philosopher and author who illuminated countless lives through his writings.
- A traveler who ventured into both the physical and metaphysical worlds.
- And above all, a humble, kind, and childlike human being who embodied love and simplicity.
His legacy endures in his books, his students, and the countless hearts touched by his compassion and wisdom.
Āgam–Nigam Sansthān
In the early 1990s, Shri Arun Kumar Sharma established “Āgam–Nigam Sansthān” with the noble vision of spreading authentic knowledge and guidance on the sādhana mārga (the path of spiritual practice). However, due to prevailing circumstances, the work could not progress as originally envisioned.
In later years, Shri Manoj Sharma Ji, son of Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, undertook this responsibility with deep dedication. Through his tireless efforts, he has worked not only towards bringing Shri Arun Kumar Sharma’s unpublished manuscripts to completion but also towards realizing the true objectives of Āgam–Nigam Sansthān—preserving and sharing his teachings for future generations.
Today, the legacy continues through Shri Yogesh Sharma Ji, grandson of Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, who is actively engaged in organizing and disseminating his grandfather’s vast body of work. His involvement ensures that the wisdom and guidance of Shri Arun Kumar Sharma Ji reach seekers across the world, carrying the mission of Āgam–Nigam Sansthān forward into the future.