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{{short description|Indian godman and cult leader}}
{{short description|Spiritual teacher}}
 
 


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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Kalki Bhagawan
| name              = Sri Bhagawan
| image              = Sri_Bhagavan.jpg
| image              = Sri_Bhagavan.jpg
| alt                =  
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'''Kalki Bhagawan''' (born 7 March 1949 as '''Vijay Kumar Naidu'''), also known as '''Sri Bhagavan''', is a spiritual teacher from India.<ref name="ET2">{{Cite news |last=Nadkarni |first=Vithal C. |year=2008 |title=Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated132">{{cite web |title=Oneness Movement – WRSP |url=https://wrldrels.org/2018/08/17/oneness-movement/ |language=en}}</ref> He is the founder of a spiritual organization called Oneness.<ref name="autogenerated42">{{Cite book |last1=Preethaji |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna |title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State |last2=Krishnaji |date=6 August 2019 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="chap1,2" /> which has its headquarters in [[Varadaiahpalem]], [[Tirupati]] district in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="english.religion.info2">{{Cite web |date=2008-07-13 |title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan |url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/ |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Religioscope |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Sri Bhagawan''' (born 7 March 1949 as '''Vijay Kumar Naidu'''), popularly known as '''Kalki Bhagavan''', is a spiritual teacher from India.<ref name="ET2">{{Cite news |last=Nadkarni |first=Vithal C. |year=2008 |title=Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated132">{{cite web |title=Oneness Movement – WRSP |url=https://wrldrels.org/2018/08/17/oneness-movement/ |language=en}}</ref> He is the founder of a spiritual organization called Oneness.<ref name="autogenerated42">{{Cite book |last1=Preethaji |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna |title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State |last2=Krishnaji |date=6 August 2019 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0 |language=en}}</ref> which has its headquarters in [[Varadaiahpalem]], [[Tirupati]] district in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="english.religion.info2">{{Cite web |date=2008-07-13 |title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan |url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/ |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Religioscope |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Spiritual programs ==
== Spiritual programs ==
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[[Anna Hazare]] the Indian social reformer, states ''"All over India, oneness is the only University providing the values which have not been provided by any other University"''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vamsigrandhi.blogspot.com/2011/08/anna-hazare-visited-oneness-university.html|title=Anna Hazare Visited Oneness University|work=Vamsi, Amazed With Challenges And Incidents In Life|date=21 August 2011|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moZ2AwfDU6Q|title=Anna Hazare Comments on Youth Course of Oneness University|via=YouTube|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Ervin Laszlo]] of the Budapest Club, avers that the 'Oneness experience' are as real as any human sense perceptions of light, colour and sound, but conveyed via different neural process within the brain.<ref>{{cite news | last = Nadkarni | first = Vithal | work = The Economic Times | title = Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril }} http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms</ref>
[[Anna Hazare]] the Indian social reformer, states ''"All over India, oneness is the only University providing the values which have not been provided by any other University"''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vamsigrandhi.blogspot.com/2011/08/anna-hazare-visited-oneness-university.html|title=Anna Hazare Visited Oneness University|work=Vamsi, Amazed With Challenges And Incidents In Life|date=21 August 2011|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moZ2AwfDU6Q|title=Anna Hazare Comments on Youth Course of Oneness University|via=YouTube|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Ervin Laszlo]] of the Budapest Club, avers that the 'Oneness experience' are as real as any human sense perceptions of light, colour and sound, but conveyed via different neural process within the brain.<ref>{{cite news | last = Nadkarni | first = Vithal | work = The Economic Times | title = Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril }} http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms</ref>
 
 
In 2006, [[Tony Robbins]], the well known American businessman and coach, discovered meditation through his visit to Oneness University, and has since incorporated teachings of Sri Bhagavan as part of his own programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2014/10/30/tony-robbins-best-advice-executive-coach/|title=Tony Robbins, The CEO Whisperer|website=Fortune|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> In 2009, about 600 delegates from India and 36 others converged at Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus for the international convention of the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]]. This program was attended by various well-known figures, such as [[Ashok Singhal]], [[Praveen Togadia]], and [[Giriraj Kishore]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Correspondent | first = Special | work = The Hindu | title = world convention | date = 2 January 2009}} [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article366033.ece?textsize=small&test=2]</ref><ref>''VHP condemns terrorism'' [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/vhp-condemns-terrorism/article368356.ece (The Hindu)]</ref> Well-known visitors to Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus include [[Bollywood]] stars [[Shilpa Shetty]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shilpa-shetty-in-silent-mode/article13726.ece|title=Shilpa Shetty in silent mode &#124; The Hindu|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Manisha Koirala]],<ref>{{cite news| last = Varma | first = Lipika | work = Deccan Chronicle | title = On her trip to Chennai, Manisha}}</ref> [[Manisha Koirala]] states, "I go away to Oneness University in Chennai – I gain clarity and get a sense of bliss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/290517/on-her-trip-to-chennai-manisha-will-catch-up-with-kamal-haasan-and-mani-ratnam.html |title=On her trip to Chennai, Manisha will catch up with Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=29 May 2017 |access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/manisha-koirala-prays-at-kalki-ashram/article2654685.ece|title=Manisha Koirala prays at Kalki Ashram|date=24 November 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Hrithik Roshan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/hrithik-off-to-a-wellness-course-with-his-family-55962-2009-09-07|title=Hrithik off to a wellness course with his family|first1=Mail Today|last1=MumbaiSeptember 7|first2=2009UPDATED|last2=September 7|first3=2009 09:05|last3=Ist|website=India Today|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Rakesh Roshan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-family-get-spiritual-on-dads-bday/articleshow/4974833.cms|title=Hrithik & family get spiritual on dad's b'day|website=The Times of India}}</ref> designer [[Donna Karan]],<ref name="Spiritual">{{cite news | last = TNN | work = The Times of India | title = So, who's spiritual | date = 2008-06-08 }} ''"The Oneness University in Chennai set up by the couple Amma and Bhagwan, which has attracted international celebs like designer Donna Karan, Def Leppard musician Rick Allen and NBA coach Pat Riley"''[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/stoi/So-whos-spiritual/articleshow/3110974.cms]</ref> [[Deff Leppard]] musician [[Rick Allen (drummer)|Rick Allen]],<ref name="Spiritual"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ4rzDR2N-c|title=ONENESS CHANT by Lauren Monroe Allen and Rick Allen|via=YouTube|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[NBA]] coach [[Pat Riley]],<ref name="Spiritual"/> spiritual leader [[Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader)|Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFf9tF5geas|title=RAVI SHANKAR with ONENESS.MPG|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vijaykumar-from-humble-beginning-to-godman-kalki/1643581 |title=Vijaykumar: From humble beginning to Godman Kalki |publisher=Outlookindia.com |date=18 October 2019 |access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref> In 2011 he was included in ''Watkins Mind Body Spirit'' list of influential spiritual leaders for that year.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Watkins Review: Mind Body Spirit 1893 UK London | title = 100 Spiritual Power List by Watkins, 2011 | author = Watkins Books | publisher = Watkins Books | issue = 26 | url = http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | access-date = 21 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720074011/http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | archive-date = 20 July 2014 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In 2019, Kalki Bhagavan claimed to have thousands of followers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/we-have-not-fled-the-country-kalki-bhagavan/article29772426.ece|title=We have not fled the country: 'Kalki' Bhagavan|date=23 October 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=18 March 2020|others=Special Correspondent|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In 2006, [[Tony Robbins]], the well known American businessman and coach, discovered meditation through his visit to Oneness University, and has since incorporated teachings of Sri Bhagavan as part of his own programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2014/10/30/tony-robbins-best-advice-executive-coach/|title=Tony Robbins, The CEO Whisperer|website=Fortune|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> In 2009, about 600 delegates from India and 36 others converged at Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus for the international convention of the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]]. This program was attended by various well-known figures, such as [[Ashok Singhal]], [[Praveen Togadia]], and [[Giriraj Kishore]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Correspondent | first = Special | work = The Hindu | title = world convention | date = 2 January 2009}} [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article366033.ece?textsize=small&test=2]</ref><ref>''VHP condemns terrorism'' [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/vhp-condemns-terrorism/article368356.ece (The Hindu)]</ref> Well-known visitors to Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus include [[Bollywood]] stars [[Shilpa Shetty]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shilpa-shetty-in-silent-mode/article13726.ece|title=Shilpa Shetty in silent mode &#124; The Hindu|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Manisha Koirala]],<ref>{{cite news| last = Varma | first = Lipika | work = Deccan Chronicle | title = On her trip to Chennai, Manisha}}</ref> [[Manisha Koirala]] states, "I go away to Oneness University in Chennai – I gain clarity and get a sense of bliss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/290517/on-her-trip-to-chennai-manisha-will-catch-up-with-kamal-haasan-and-mani-ratnam.html |title=On her trip to Chennai, Manisha will catch up with Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=29 May 2017 |access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/manisha-koirala-prays-at-kalki-ashram/article2654685.ece|title=Manisha Koirala prays at Kalki Ashram|date=24 November 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Hrithik Roshan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/hrithik-off-to-a-wellness-course-with-his-family-55962-2009-09-07|title=Hrithik off to a wellness course with his family|first1=Mail Today|last1=MumbaiSeptember 7|first2=2009UPDATED|last2=September 7|first3=2009 09:05|last3=Ist|website=India Today|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[Rakesh Roshan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-family-get-spiritual-on-dads-bday/articleshow/4974833.cms|title=Hrithik & family get spiritual on dad's b'day|website=The Times of India}}</ref> designer [[Donna Karan]],<ref name="Spiritual">{{cite news | last = TNN | work = The Times of India | title = So, who's spiritual | date = 2008-06-08 }} ''"The Oneness University in Chennai set up by the couple Amma and Bhagwan, which has attracted international celebs like designer Donna Karan, Def Leppard musician Rick Allen and NBA coach Pat Riley"''[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/stoi/So-whos-spiritual/articleshow/3110974.cms]</ref> [[Deff Leppard]] musician [[Rick Allen (drummer)|Rick Allen]],<ref name="Spiritual"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ4rzDR2N-c|title=ONENESS CHANT by Lauren Monroe Allen and Rick Allen|via=YouTube|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> [[NBA]] coach [[Pat Riley]],<ref name="Spiritual"/> spiritual leader [[Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader)|Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFf9tF5geas|title=RAVI SHANKAR with ONENESS.MPG|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vijaykumar-from-humble-beginning-to-godman-kalki/1643581 |title=Vijaykumar: From humble beginning to Godman Kalki |publisher=Outlookindia.com |date=18 October 2019 |access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref> In 2011 he was included in ''Watkins Mind Body Spirit'' list of influential spiritual leaders for that year.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Watkins Review: Mind Body Spirit 1893 UK London | title = 100 Spiritual Power List by Watkins, 2011 | author = Watkins Books | publisher = Watkins Books | issue = 26 | url = http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | access-date = 21 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720074011/http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | archive-date = 20 July 2014 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>  


===O&O Academy===
===O&O Academy===
Over the years, Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness movement has called itself various names including the ''Foundation for World Awakening'', ''Golden Age Foundation'', ''Bhagavad Dharma'', ''Kalki Dharma'', ''Oneness University'' and ''Living in Joy Foundation''.<ref name="english.religion.info"/>
Over the years, Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness movement has called itself various names including the ''Foundation for World Awakening'', ''Golden Age Foundation'', ''Bhagavad Dharma'', ''Kalki Dharma'', ''Oneness University'' and ''Living in Joy Foundation''.<ref name="english.religion.info">{{Cite web|date=2008-07-13|title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan|url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/|access-date=2020-06-06|website=Religioscope|language=en-US}}</ref>
   
   
In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Kalki Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law [[Preetha Krishna]].<ref name=autogenerated4>{{Cite book|last1=Preethaji|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna|title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State|last2=Krishnaji|date=6 August 2019|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0|language=en}}</ref> They have merged it with their own One World Academy to form 'O&O Academy'.<ref name=autogenerated4 /> During 2019, NKV Krishna and Preetha Krishna published a book together, called ''The Four Sacred Secrets'', writing under the names 'Krishnaji' and 'Preethaji'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Publishers Weekly|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-50117-377-6|website=publishersweekly.com|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In January 2020, NKV Krishna was interviewed by Nick Duerden of the British edition of GQ magazine.<ref name=autogenerated8>{{Cite web|title=Society once had religion to give it purpose. Now it has wellness coaches|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/wellness-coach|website=British GQ|date=12 January 2020|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In the interview, NKV Krishna claimed to be a guru with 10 million followers in India.<ref name=autogenerated8 /> Krishna told the interviewer that his father saw otherworldly visions, including “...a gigantic golden orb of light provoking him to chant and meditate for the liberation of humankind”, and that he has inherited those visions.<ref name=autogenerated8 />
In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Kalki Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law [[Preetha Krishna]].<ref name=autogenerated4>{{Cite book|last1=Preethaji|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna|title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State|last2=Krishnaji|date=6 August 2019|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0|language=en}}</ref> They have merged it with their own One World Academy to form 'O&O Academy'.<ref name=autogenerated4 /> During 2019, NKV Krishna and Preetha Krishna published a book together, called ''The Four Sacred Secrets'', writing under the names 'Krishnaji' and 'Preethaji'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Publishers Weekly|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-50117-377-6|website=publishersweekly.com|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In January 2020, NKV Krishna was interviewed by Nick Duerden of the British edition of GQ magazine.<ref name=autogenerated8>{{Cite web|title=Society once had religion to give it purpose. Now it has wellness coaches|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/wellness-coach|website=British GQ|date=12 January 2020|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In the interview, NKV Krishna claimed to be a guru with 10 million followers in India.<ref name=autogenerated8 /> Krishna told the interviewer that his father saw otherworldly visions, including “...a gigantic golden orb of light provoking him to chant and meditate for the liberation of humankind”, and that he has inherited those visions.<ref name=autogenerated8 />


== Business activities and real estate development ==
== Early Life and Family ==
 
Bhagavan was born on 7 March 1949 in Natham Village, [[Gudiyatham]] Town, [[Vellore]] district, [[Tamil Nadu]], to Smt. Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu. His father was the head of the accounts department of [[Indian Railways]] and his mother was a simple village woman. In 1955, when Bhagavan was six years of age, the family moved to [[Madras|Chennai]]. There, he attended [[Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai|Don Bosco School]] in [[Chennai]]. Later, he graduated from [[DG Vaishnav College]] in [[Chennai]], majoring in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair. |url=https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~adarkara/d-kalki.html |website=msuweb.montclair.edu}}</ref> After completing college, he began working as an office clerk for [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] (LIC).<ref name="gupea_2077" />
===White Lotus conglomerate===
 
Kalki Bhagavan runs the [[White Lotus Conglomerate]] along with his son N.K.V. Krishna, and daughter-in-law [[Preetha Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mohamed |last=Imranullah|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalki-bhagavans-daughter-in-law-moves-hc-against-look-out-circular/article30042861.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagavan's daughter-in-law moves HC against 'look out circular'|date=22 November 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=26 April 2020|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rs 44 cr cash, 90 kg gold, Rs 20 cr worth US dollars seized in I-T raids on properties linked to spiritual guru Kalki Bhagwan |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-rs-44-cr-cash-90-kg-gold-rs-20-cr-worth-us-dollars-seized-in-i-t-raids-on-properties-linked-to-spiritual-guru-kalki-bhagwan-2798134 |website=DNA India |language=en |date=21 October 2019}}</ref> The ''White Lotus'' is a [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] of family businesses in various sectors like real estate, property development, energy, media and sport having names like White Lotus Group, Kosmik/Kosmic, Sacredbanyan, Transend, KPL, Bluewater, Golden Lotus, Goldenage, Chatrachaya, Yogi and Enlite.<ref name=autogenerated5>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref> Senior members of the former Oneness organization also sit on the boards of these companies.<ref name=autogenerated7>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> These include two ''[[acharya]]s'' originally in charge of the order of the monks, Ananda Giri and Jyothirmayee Chundi, also known as Samadarshini.<ref name=autogenerated7 /> Ananda Giri was NKV Krishna's best friend at school.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh|first=Arjuna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDubhH9Pb40C&q=Ananda+Giri+krishnaji&pg=PA39|title=Awakening Into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness|date=2009-10-29|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|isbn=978-1-4587-3614-7|language=en}}</ref> In the early days of the Oneness organization, Samadarshini was head of the Kalki order of nuns in Bangalore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive|url=https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/|website=lifepositive.com|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref>
 
In 2020, the White Lotus group joined a consortium which is bidding upwards of $200 Million USD to buy [[Reliance Communications]] from Indian Business tycoon [[Anil Ambani]].<ref name=autogenerated9>{{cite web |last1=Convened Insiders |first1=Maverick |title=A controversial babu, a godman, film producers: Meet the faces behind the INR16,000 crore bid for RCom – ET Prime |url=https://insidersconvene.wordpress.com/2020/02/06/a-controversial-babu-a-godman-film-producers-meet-the-faces-behind-the-inr16000-crore-bid-for-rcom-et-prime/ |website=ET |publisher=ET Prime}}</ref>
 
The Dubai-based White Lotus Investment Group was co-founded by tycoon Raju Poosapati (PSR Raju), an associate of N.K.V Krishna.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> The group has invested in [[The Pinnacle (Nairobi)|The Pinnacle tower]] in Nairobi, the tallest in Africa, which is currently under construction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nairobi's tallest building planned|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/587846/nairobis-tallest-building-planned.html|date=22 December 2016|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> The Pinnacle is a joint venture between White Lotus, Jabavu Village and the [[Hass Petroleum]] Group.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hilton kicks off second Nairobi high-end hotel|url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/companies/Hilton-kicks-off-second-Nairobi-high-end-hotel/4003102-3939084-2719c5/index.html|date=23 May 2017|website=Business Daily|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Between them, the White Lotus and Hass organisations are investing about $200 million in the Pinnacle project.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Work begins on the tallest skyscraper in Africa|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/pinnacle-nairobi/index.html|first=Kieron |last=Monks|website=CNN|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> However, as of September 2019, construction of the Pinnacle had stalled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Africa's tallest building aims to be a standout|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/africas-tallest-building-aims-to-be-a-standout|date=24 September 2019|website=The Business Times|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nairobi's elegant office space that no one wants|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001358505/nairobi-s-elegant-office-space-that-no-one-wants|last=Wambu|first=Wainaina|website=The Standard|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> During 2019, the White Lotus Projects group was found to be in contempt of court for proceeding with the Pinnacle project in violation of two court orders issued in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai tycoons sought for contempt of court|url=https://kenyantribune.com/dubai-tycoons-sought-for-contempt-of-court/|date=7 February 2019|website=Kenyan Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, Nairobi police issued an arrest warrant for the CEO of White Lotus, Raju Poosapati.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai tycoons sought for contempt of court|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Dubai-tycoons-sought-for-contempt-of-court/1056-4970346-hxkm6hz/index.html|website=Daily Nation|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> The White Lotus property development group also has offices in Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vacant school about 1 mile west of the former Northridge Mall proposed for 100 affordable apartments|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2019/11/07/vacant-school-near-milwaukees-northridge-affordable-apartments/2516795001/|website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|language=en|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>
 
===Real estate development===
Kalki Bhagavan and his family have invested in developing [[The Pinnacle (Nairobi)|The Pinnacle]] in Nairobi, the tallest tower in Africa.<ref name=autogenerated5 /> The Pinnacle is a co-development with the [[Hass Petroleum]] group.<ref name=autogenerated5 /> Between them, White Lotus Group and Hass Petroleum have invested $200 million in the Pinnacle Project.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai investors inject $200 million into Africa's tallest tower|url=https://africa.businesschief.com/finance/2867/Dubai-investors-inject-200-million-into-Africas-tallest-tower|website=africa.businesschief.com|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref> The White Lotus Group owns the 1930s [[Redick Tower]] building in [[Lincoln, Nebraska]]. After a $7 million re-development, it was re-opened in 2010 as the Hotel Deco XV.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hotel Deco XV is Deco'd out|url=https://smallmarketmeetings.com/articles/hotel-deco-xv-is-decod-out/|website=smallmarketmeetings.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref>
 
The Indian media have reported accusations of [[Land grabbing|Land-grabbing]].<ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite news |title=After marathon Income Tax raid, godman Kalki Bhagwan faces ED heat |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-marathon-income-tax-raid-godman-kalki-bhagwan-faces-ed-heat/story-c5g51yW95NWHdIwVLqVVQN.html |access-date=15 May 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorsen |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement in India and Sweden |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf |website=GUPEA |publisher=Goteborgs Universitet |access-date=15 May 2020}}</ref>
 
===Music, media and sport===
One of the Kalki family businesses, production company Kosmik Global Media, owns the [[Bengaluru Bulls]], a [[Pro Kabaddi League]] team.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=IANS|date=16 July 2014|title=Bangalore franchise kabaddi team launched|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bangalore-franchise-kabaddi-team-launched-114071601156_1.html|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> Kosmik Music,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/user/TheKOSMIKMUSIC/about Kosmik Music – YouTube<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> is a music label with more than 1,200 titles ranging from  Classical, Spiritual, Fusion, New Age, Devotional and Film.  Its most successful brand is "Sacred Chants" that was from traditional Vedic hymns.<ref>[https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/ The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan – Open The Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
Bhagavan through his associates,<ref name="ga">https://www.greatandhra.com/politics/gossip/studio-n-channel-locked-out-90631</ref> is reported to own a defunct <ref name="ga"/> media company Studio N, a satellite television channel that is presently shuttered.<ref name="ga"/> It is reported to have  been purchased in 2014 from Narne Srinivas Rao, father-in-law of film actor [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|N. T. Rama Rao Jr]].<ref>. {{Cite web|title=IT Sleuths search Kalki Bhagavan's properties in Hyderabad|url=https://newsmeter.in/it-sleuths-search-kalki-bhagavans-properties-in-hyderabad/|last=Suares|first=Coreena|date=2019-10-16|website=NewsMeter|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref>
 
==Legal cases ==
=== Court action by social activist ===
 
In 2002, Social activist Viswanath Swami filed a complaint with the Indian Income-Tax Department, alleging that Vijayakumar and his associate R. Shankar had floated more than 10 trusts for rural development and obtained tax exemption for funds collected by these trusts. Swami alleged that Kalki Bhagavan was using these funds to help setup multiple businesses for his son NKV Krishna, rather than using the money for the stated purpose.<ref>{{cite web |last1=June 17 |first1=Arun Ram |last2=June 17 |first2=Arun Ram |last3=August 6 |first3=Arun Ram |last4=Ist |first4=Arun Ram |title=Kalki Bhagwan controversy: Tamil Nadu-based godman encounters spate of accusations |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17 |website=India Today |access-date=17 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Following this, in 2004, the [[Madras High Court]] took up a public interest litigation alleging misuse of public funds by various Kalki trusts. The Madras High Court then rejected this plea for a probe. Later, when the petitioner approached the [[Supreme Court of India]], a Supreme Court  bench comprising Justice [[Ruma Pal]] and Justice P. Venkatarama Reddi, upheld the judgement of the Madras High Court. The [[Supreme court of India]] after hearing counsel Prashant Bhushan, dismissed and rejected the petition by Vishwanath Swami,<ref>{{cite news | last = Correspondent | first = Legal  | work = The Hindu | title = Plea for CBI probe against godman turned down | date = 2004-02-03 }} [https://web.archive.org/web/20040506191242/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020401191300.htm] "</ref>
 
=== Lawsuit against newspaper ===
In 2019, writing for the ''Times of India'', Arun Ram recounts that, in 2002, he wrote an article about Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness Movement which resulted in a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the publication.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|date=2019-11-04|title=How Kalki gave me a story, but not an Aishwarya look-alike|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/chennaitalkies/how-kalki-gave-me-a-story-but-not-an-aishwarya-look-alike/|access-date=2020-06-10|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> However, the Mumbai High Court found in favour of the publication, and the media's 'right to write'.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>
 
==Income tax raids==
 
 
 
In October 2019, more than 300 Income Tax department officials and police personnel raided about 40 premises associated with various businesses owned by Kalki Bhagavan and his family. During the marathon raid which took place for 5 days, the department confiscated unaccounted assets including:<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193865 |title=Income Tax Department conducts Search on a 'wellness group' in Chennai |publisher=Pib.gov.in |date=16 October 2019 |access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref>
* Cash and gold worth US$12 Million
* Cash receipts worth US$55 Million
 
Investigators say Kalki Bhagavan laundered money and purchased assets abroad through ''[[Hawala]]'' transactions.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html|title=Mystic and the moolah|website=The Week|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> His son N.K.V. Krishna and Krishna's wife, [[Preetha Krishna]], were questioned by the income tax department.
 
The [[Enforcement Directorate]] registered a case against Bhagavan and Krishna under the [[Foreign Exchange Management Act]].<ref name=":2" /> In December 2019, 907 acres of land owned by Kalki Bhagavan and his family was [[Attachment (law)|attached]] by Indian Law Enforcement  agencies.<ref name="autogenerated6">{{cite web |last1=DTNext |first1=Publisher |title=907 acres linked to Kalki ashram attached |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2019/12/20020711/1204863/907-acres-linked-to-Kalki-ashram-attached.vpf |website=DT Next |date=20 December 2019 |publisher=DT Next |access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>
 
Reporters subsequently visiting Kalki Bhagavan's ashram near Chennai found it to be deserted, with the eleven cash counters all closed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mystic and the moolah|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=2020-05-01}}</ref>
 
Kalki Bhagavan issued a statement denying that he had fled the country.<ref name=autogenerated12>{{Cite news|last=Rangarajan|first=A. d|date=2019-10-22|title=We have not fled the country, says Kalki Bhagavan, after I-T raids on his premises|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/we-have-not-fled-the-country-says-kalki-bhagavan-after-i-t-raids-on-his-premises/article29766983.ece|access-date=2020-05-01|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The investigation is in progress.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The [[Madras High Court]] granted time for the Income Tax Department to file its counter affidavit to a writ petition preferred by Preetha Krishna against a [[look out circular]] issued by the department preventing her from flying abroad without receiving an Income Tax Department clearance certificate.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mohamed |last=Imranullah|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalki-bhagavans-daughter-in-law-moves-hc-against-look-out-circular/article30042861.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagavan's daughter-in-law moves HC against 'look out circular'|date=22 November 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 April 2020|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
Preetha Krishna's request to travel to the US and [[Ukraine]] was denied by the Income Tax Department assistant director K Mahadevan, who said that her presence would be necessary for the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kalki-900-acres-of-benami-land-attached-by-i-t/articleshow/72909944.cms|title=Kalki Bhagavan case: 900 acres of benami land attached by I-T |date=21 December 2019|first=B. |last=Sivakumar |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref>
 
== Personal information ==
=== Alternative names ===
Kalki Bhagavan (born ''Vijaykumar Naidu'') is referred to by his followers as ''Sri Bhagavan'', and popularly known as ''Kalki Bhagavan''.<ref name ="fire">{{Cite book|last=Windrider|first=Kiara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=muxPTNJJekkC&pg=PP5|title=Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven|date=2006|publisher=New World Library|isbn=978-1-930722-70-5|language=en}}</ref> He has also been called simply ''Kalki'', and several other names including ''Bhagavan Ishwara'' and ''Mukteshwar''.<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive">{{Cite web|title=Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive|url=https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/|access-date=2020-07-02|website=lifepositive.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh|first=Arjuna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDubhH9Pb40C&q=Kalki,+Mukteshwar,+and+several+other+names&pg=PA286|title=Awakening Into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness|date=2009-10-29|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|isbn=978-1-4587-3614-7|language=en}}</ref> In Sanskrit, ''Mukteshwar'' means 'Lord of Salvation'.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Reily|first1=Suzel Ana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tN_eDAAAQBAJ&q=Mukteshwar+salvation&pg=PA151|title=The Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities|last2=Dueck|first2=Jonathan M.|date=2016-03-16|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-986000-5|language=en}}</ref>
 
Kalki Bhagavan's wife has been known by several names including Bujjamma, 'Padmavathi' and 'Amma'.<ref>{{Cite web|last=S|first=Jayaseelan K.|date=2019-10-19|title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar'|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/|access-date=2020-08-07|website=The Federal|language=en-US}}</ref> Kalki Bhagavan and his wife together are known by their followers as ''Amma Bhagavan''.<ref name="english.religion.info">{{Cite web|date=2008-07-13|title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan|url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/|access-date=2020-06-06|website=Religioscope|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Early life ===
 
 
Vijay Kumar Naidu was born on 7 March 1949 in Natham Village, [[Gudiyatham]] Town, [[Vellore]] district, [[Tamil Nadu]], to Smt. Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu. His father was the head of the accounts department of [[Indian Railways]] and his mother was a simple village woman. In 1955, when Vijay Kumar Naidu was six years of age, the family moved to [[Madras|Chennai]]. There, he attended [[Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai|Don Bosco School]] in [[Chennai]]. Later, he graduated from [[DG Vaishnav College]] in [[Chennai]], majoring in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair. |url=https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~adarkara/d-kalki.html |website=msuweb.montclair.edu}}</ref> After completing college, he began working as an office clerk for [[Life Insurance Corporation of India]] (LIC).<ref name="thefederallic"/>
 
Vijay Kumar Naidu married Smt. Padmavathi on 9 June 1977. This was an arranged marriage following the prevalent customary practice in India for marriages decided by elders in the family.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} Padmavathi, who is addressed as Amma by their students, takes an interest and participation in building the spiritual organization Oneness.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}}
 
At an early age, Vijay Kumar Naidu was introduced to the philosophy of [[Jiddu Krishnamurti]] by his childhood friend R. Sankar. This drew him to the [[Theosophical Society]] in Chennai, to which he was a frequent visitor.<ref name="thefederallic">{{cite web|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/|title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar'|last=S|first=Jayaseelan K.|date=19 October 2019|website=The Federal|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref>
 
In 1983, Vijaykumar was expelled from the [[Rishi Valley School]] where he used to work as an administrator with R. Sankar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17|title=Kalki Bhagwan controversy: Tamil Nadu-based godman encounters spate of accusations|last1=17 June|first1=Arun Ram|last2=June 17|first2=2002 ISSUE DATE|website=India Today|access-date=5 March 2020|last3=August 6|first3=2002UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2012 13:16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=site admin |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17 |title=Cult in crisis – RELIGION News – Issue Date: Jun 17, 2002 |publisher=Indiatoday.in |date=17 June 2002 |access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref>
 
=== Health ===
Kalki Bhagavan has been suffering from ill health for a long time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swamy |first1=Rohini |title=Kalki Bhagavan, guru who started as LIC clerk & now has 'undisclosed income' of Rs 500 cr |url=https://theprint.in/india/kalki-bhagavan-guru-started-as-lic-clerk-undisclosed-income-500-crore/309158/ |website=ThePrint |access-date=12 August 2020 |date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
 
During 2012–2013, Kalki Bhagavan was severely ill and underwent an [[open heart surgery]] in [[Apollo Hospital]] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news |title=Concerns over health status of Kalki Bhagawan |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/301016/concerns-over-health-status-of-kalki-bhagawan.html |access-date=23 May 2020 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=30 October 2016 |language=en}}</ref> 
 
In October 2016, Kalki Bhagavan was again admitted to the [[Apollo Hospital]] in [[Chennai]] due to a health ailment. He was rushed to the hospital from his ashram at [[Nemam]] on the outskirts of the city after he complained of uneasiness.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kalki Bhagavan hospitalized |url=http://www.mytelangana.com/sports/3387/kalki-bhagavan-hospitalized |access-date=17 May 2020 |work=mytelangana.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
In November 2019, he was admitted to an [[Intensive care unit]] (ICU) of a private hospital at [[Vanagaram]], after he suffered a heart attack.<ref name="autogenerated10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kalki-bhagwan-hospitalised/article30126960.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagwan hospitalised|date=1 December 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 February 2020|others=Special Correspondent|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
=== Political affiliation ===
Kalki Bhagavan has close affiliation with the [[Telugu Desam Party]] (TDP), a regional political party in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Vijaykumar Naidu along with the top leaders of the TDP, including former chief minister [[N. Chandrababu Naidu]], belong to the politically dominant [[Kamma (caste)|Kamma]] community. When the TDP was in power, lawmakers used to frequent Vijaykumar's ashram.<ref name=autogenerated11>{{cite web |title=Mystic and the moolah |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html |website=The Week |access-date=23 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


Vijaykumar openly supported the TDP in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in [[Andhra Pradesh]] in 2019. Leaders of the regional party [[YSR Congress]], and other opposition parties alleged that the TDP ran its election campaign with the help of Bhagavan's employees who doubled as party workers. K. Adhimulam, a YSR Congress leader, alleged that Kalki Bhagavan was actively funding TDP's election campaign and that his ashram staff were [[Electoral fraud|distributing money to voters]].<ref name=autogenerated11 />
Bhagavan married Smt. Padmavathi on 9 June 1977. This was an arranged marriage following the prevalent customary practice in India for marriages decided by elders in the family.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} Padmavathi, who is addressed as Amma by their students, takes an interest and participation in building the spiritual organization Oneness.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}}. Kalki Bhagavan's wife 'Padmavathi' is also addressed 'Amma' (meaning 'mother'). Kalki Bhagavan and his wife together are known by their followers as ''Amma Bhagavan''.<ref name="english.religion.info" />


Vijaykumar's son NKV Krishna has deeper links with the [[Telugu Desam Party]]; he is the co-owner of the news channel [[Studio N (TV channel)|Studio N]], which was founded and run by TDP party members.<ref name=autogenerated11 />
At an early age, Bhagavan was introduced to the philosophy of [[Jiddu Krishnamurti]] by his childhood friend R. Sankar. This drew him to the [[Theosophical Society]] in Chennai, to which he was a frequent visitor.<ref name="gupea_2077" />


=== Family ===
Bhagavan's immediate family includes his wife Padmavati, his son NKV Krishna, and daughter-in-law Preetha.
Vijaykumar's immediate family includes his wife Padmavati, his son NKV Krishna, and daughter-in-law [[Preetha Krishna]].


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Ekam - The Oneness Temple]]
* [[Diksha]]
* [[Diksha]]
* [[Antaryamin]]


==External links==
==External links==
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* [https://www.lifepositive.com/the-school-for-enlightenment/ The School for Enlightenment]
* [https://www.lifepositive.com/the-school-for-enlightenment/ The School for Enlightenment]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/WorldOnenessTV/featured World Oneness TV]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/WorldOnenessTV/featured World Oneness TV]
* [https://hinduworldastrology.net/sri-sri-bhagavan-founder-oneness-movement/ Website and Profile of '''Sankar Bhagavadpada''' (R. Sankar), co-founder of the Oneness Movement; and Vijaykumar's childhood friend.]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Hindu revivalists]]
[[Category:Hindu revivalists]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Indian real estate businesspeople]]
[[Category:New Age spiritual leaders]]
[[Category:New Age spiritual leaders]]
[[Category:People considered avatars by their followers]]
[[Category:People considered avatars by their followers]]
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[[Category:Self-declared messiahs]]
[[Category:Self-declared messiahs]]
[[Category:Supernatural healing]]
[[Category:Supernatural healing]]
[[Category:Cults]]

Latest revision as of 22:05, 18 May 2024


Sri Bhagawan
Born
Vijaykumar Naidu

(1949-03-07) 7 March 1949 (age 77)
Natham, Madras State, India (present-day Tamil Nadu)
NationalityIndian
Other namesSri Bhagavan, Amma Bhagwan (as a couple)
Alma materDG Vaishnav College, Chennai
Known forOneness
Spouse(s)
Padmavathi
(
m. 1977)

Sri Bhagawan (born 7 March 1949 as Vijay Kumar Naidu), popularly known as Kalki Bhagavan, is a spiritual teacher from India.[1][2] He is the founder of a spiritual organization called Oneness.[3] which has its headquarters in Varadaiahpalem, Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh.[4]

Spiritual programs[edit | edit source]

Programs in India[edit | edit source]

Jeev ashram School located in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh was founded by Sri Bhagavan, in July 1984 to provide an alternative form of education. The school's early benefactor was Dr. N. Sivakamu, a close associate of J. Krishnamurti.[5] The land for the school was taken on a lease, with the support provided by Hari Khoday, an Indian philanthropist. As director of the school, Sri Bhagavan's focus was to develop an environment for children to truly flower and discover themselves. The school had 180 residential students and 200 day students from nearby villages.[6] It was at this school that his spiritual work began. In the summer of 1989, one of the students reported a mystical experience of divine silence. Soon, many other students reported similar experiences, and they were also able to pass their experiences to one another. During these experiences, children had vision of various Gods and would converse with them. Sri Bhagavan explained that the children had got in touch with Antaryamin, the inner guide who dwells in your heart that guides all beings towards greater truth.[6] In 1991, Sri Bhagawan decided to close the school and start the spiritual work for the larger community. The school was closed a few years later in 1994, after the senior students had all graduated from high school and the remaining students were moved to other schools.[6]

Once the decision was made to close Jeevashram School, work started in developing the spiritual programs for the public.[6] The principal of the Jeevashram School with a small group of teachers started the spiritual programs for public. The workshops were conducted as residential retreat programs conducted over 7 days or 21 days. The workshop focused on helping the participant accept themselves as they are,[7] and connect with their own inner divine self the Antaryamin.[7] Students also reported various spiritual experiences including mystical visions of their own personal God riding a white horse, similar to the Kalki form of Vishnu from traditional Hindu beliefs.[8][9] Based on this shared spiritual experiences, the students and public would address Sri Bhagavan with the title "Kalki".[8]

A second campus was set up in 1992 near Chennai city a place called Somangalam. In 1994, the campus of Jeevashram School was renamed as Satyaloka. Advance retreat programs for public were conducted at this campus. By 1995, Sri Bhagavan's workshops were being conducted in all major cities in India. In 1995, the first major public event was held at Chennai city, attracting more than 100,000 students from across India. In 1999, the work on building the Oneness University[10] at Varadaiahpalem, Chittoor district Andhra Pradesh India started. Oneness University, located 70 km from Chennai, is accessible by the National Highway 5 and is on Tirupati Road leading to the ancient temple town of Kalahasthi. In 2000, the first campus was completed and Sri Bhagavan and his team of teachers moved to the campus. Over the next few years, various campuses, including the Oneness Temple in 2008[11] were built.

International programs[edit | edit source]

In 1998, the first course specifically made for Westerners were held, with 40 participants from Russia, USA and Scandinavia.[12] In January 2004, the first 3 weeks courses[12] for international students was started.[10] Starting from these courses, the participants were initiated to give deeksha to others.[12]

The headquarters and main campus for the movement is in Varadaiahpalem, Andhra Pradesh, India, which houses the Oneness Temple. The movement aimed "To create oneness for all for lasting spiritual transformation"[13] using the rite of deeksha.

Anna Hazare the Indian social reformer, states "All over India, oneness is the only University providing the values which have not been provided by any other University".[14][15] Ervin Laszlo of the Budapest Club, avers that the 'Oneness experience' are as real as any human sense perceptions of light, colour and sound, but conveyed via different neural process within the brain.[16]

In 2006, Tony Robbins, the well known American businessman and coach, discovered meditation through his visit to Oneness University, and has since incorporated teachings of Sri Bhagavan as part of his own programs.[17] In 2009, about 600 delegates from India and 36 others converged at Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus for the international convention of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. This program was attended by various well-known figures, such as Ashok Singhal, Praveen Togadia, and Giriraj Kishore.[18][19] Well-known visitors to Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus include Bollywood stars Shilpa Shetty,[20] Manisha Koirala,[21] Manisha Koirala states, "I go away to Oneness University in Chennai – I gain clarity and get a sense of bliss.[22][23] Hrithik Roshan,[24] Rakesh Roshan[25] designer Donna Karan,[26] Deff Leppard musician Rick Allen,[26][27] NBA coach Pat Riley,[26] spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.[28][29] In 2011 he was included in Watkins Mind Body Spirit list of influential spiritual leaders for that year.[30]

O&O Academy[edit | edit source]

Over the years, Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness movement has called itself various names including the Foundation for World Awakening, Golden Age Foundation, Bhagavad Dharma, Kalki Dharma, Oneness University and Living in Joy Foundation.[31]

In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Kalki Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law Preetha Krishna.[32] They have merged it with their own One World Academy to form 'O&O Academy'.[32] During 2019, NKV Krishna and Preetha Krishna published a book together, called The Four Sacred Secrets, writing under the names 'Krishnaji' and 'Preethaji'.[33] In January 2020, NKV Krishna was interviewed by Nick Duerden of the British edition of GQ magazine.[34] In the interview, NKV Krishna claimed to be a guru with 10 million followers in India.[34] Krishna told the interviewer that his father saw otherworldly visions, including “...a gigantic golden orb of light provoking him to chant and meditate for the liberation of humankind”, and that he has inherited those visions.[34]

Early Life and Family[edit | edit source]

Bhagavan was born on 7 March 1949 in Natham Village, Gudiyatham Town, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, to Smt. Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu. His father was the head of the accounts department of Indian Railways and his mother was a simple village woman. In 1955, when Bhagavan was six years of age, the family moved to Chennai. There, he attended Don Bosco School in Chennai. Later, he graduated from DG Vaishnav College in Chennai, majoring in mathematics.[35] After completing college, he began working as an office clerk for Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).[12]

Bhagavan married Smt. Padmavathi on 9 June 1977. This was an arranged marriage following the prevalent customary practice in India for marriages decided by elders in the family.[6] Padmavathi, who is addressed as Amma by their students, takes an interest and participation in building the spiritual organization Oneness.[6]. Kalki Bhagavan's wife 'Padmavathi' is also addressed 'Amma' (meaning 'mother'). Kalki Bhagavan and his wife together are known by their followers as Amma Bhagavan.[31]

At an early age, Bhagavan was introduced to the philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurti by his childhood friend R. Sankar. This drew him to the Theosophical Society in Chennai, to which he was a frequent visitor.[12]

Bhagavan's immediate family includes his wife Padmavati, his son NKV Krishna, and daughter-in-law Preetha.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Nadkarni, Vithal C. (2008). "Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril". The Economic Times.
  2. ↑ "Oneness Movement – WRSP".
  3. ↑ Preethaji; Krishnaji (6 August 2019). The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-5011-7379-0.
  4. ↑ "India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan". Religioscope. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  5. ↑ Paranjape, Makarand (July 1997). "Bhagwan Kalki". Life Positive. https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Ardagh 2008, Chapter 1,2.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Varughese, Suma. "Sri Bhagawan Kalki – The School of Enlightenment". Life Positive. http://lifepositive.com/the-school-for-enlightenment/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan". Religioscope. 13 July 2008.
  9. ↑ Monier Monier-Williams: Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages, 1889, reprinted 2003, Nataraj Books, Asian Educational Services, ISBN 81-206-0369-9
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ardagh 2008, Chapter 2.
  11. ↑ Avadhani, Ramesh. "India: A visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagawan". Religiscope. http://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf
  13. ↑ TNN (2 February 2008). "Mumbai Inc learns about 'Oneness'". The Economic Times.(economictimes.com)
  14. ↑ "Anna Hazare Visited Oneness University". Vamsi, Amazed With Challenges And Incidents In Life. 21 August 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  15. ↑ "Anna Hazare Comments on Youth Course of Oneness University". Retrieved 24 October 2019 – via YouTube.
  16. ↑ Nadkarni, Vithal. "Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril". The Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms
  17. ↑ "Tony Robbins, The CEO Whisperer". Fortune. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  18. ↑ Correspondent, Special (2 January 2009). "world convention". The Hindu. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help) [1]
  19. ↑ VHP condemns terrorism (The Hindu)
  20. ↑ "Shilpa Shetty in silent mode | The Hindu". Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  21. ↑ Varma, Lipika. "On her trip to Chennai, Manisha". Deccan Chronicle.
  22. ↑ "On her trip to Chennai, Manisha will catch up with Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam". Deccan Chronicle. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  23. ↑ "Manisha Koirala prays at Kalki Ashram". The Hindu. 24 November 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  24. ↑ MumbaiSeptember 7, Mail Today; September 7, 2009UPDATED; Ist, 2009 09:05. "Hrithik off to a wellness course with his family". India Today. Retrieved 24 October 2019. {{cite web}}: |first2= has generic name (help); |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ↑ "Hrithik & family get spiritual on dad's b'day". The Times of India.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 TNN (8 June 2008). "So, who's spiritual". The Times of India. "The Oneness University in Chennai set up by the couple Amma and Bhagwan, which has attracted international celebs like designer Donna Karan, Def Leppard musician Rick Allen and NBA coach Pat Riley"[2]
  27. ↑ "ONENESS CHANT by Lauren Monroe Allen and Rick Allen". Retrieved 24 October 2019 – via YouTube.
  28. ↑ "RAVI SHANKAR with ONENESS.MPG" – via YouTube.
  29. ↑ "Vijaykumar: From humble beginning to Godman Kalki". Outlookindia.com. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  30. ↑ Watkins Books. "100 Spiritual Power List by Watkins, 2011". Watkins Review: Mind Body Spirit 1893 UK London (26). Watkins Books. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan". Religioscope. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Preethaji; Krishnaji (6 August 2019). The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-5011-7379-0.
  33. ↑ "Publishers Weekly". publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 "Society once had religion to give it purpose. Now it has wellness coaches". British GQ. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  35. ↑ "Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair". msuweb.montclair.edu.
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