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'''''Kumar Swami''''' (born 21 January 1954) known to his followers as '''Gurudev''', is a religious leader from India. He claims to be a scholar of classical [[Ayurveda]],<ref name=":11">{{cite web|title=LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION welcoming and commending His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on April 27, 2011|url=https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2011/J1165|website=legislation.nysenate.gov|publisher=legislation.nysenate.gov|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> an Indian system of alternative medicine and is also the founder of the spiritual organization Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham. He travels to hold interfaith conventions both in India and abroad.
'''''Kumar Swami''''' (born 21 January 1954) known to his followers as '''Gurudev''', is a religious leader from India. He claims to be a scholar of classical [[Ayurveda]],<ref name=":11">{{cite web|title=LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION welcoming and commending His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on April 27, 2011|url=https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2011/J1165|website=legislation.nysenate.gov|publisher=legislation.nysenate.gov|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> an Indian system of alternative medicine and is also the founder of the spiritual organization Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham. He travels to hold interfaith conventions both in India and abroad.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Line 35: Line 36:
==Philanthropy and other activities==
==Philanthropy and other activities==
Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is a non-profit organization founded by Kumar Swami in 2002.<ref name=":4">
Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is a non-profit organization founded by Kumar Swami in 2002.<ref name=":4">
{{cite web|title=Bslnd Worldwide Website|url=https://www.bslndusa.org/about.php|website=www.bslndusa.org|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> The organization is reported to have more than 310 million followers worldwide.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/jack-m-martins/senator-martins-presents-proclamation-honor-spiritual-leader-india|title=Senator Martins Presents Proclamation in Honor of Spiritual Leader of India|date=2 May 2011|website=NY State Senate|language=en}}</ref> It organizes interfaith conventions called 'Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagam' where his disciples are distributed 'Beej Mantras'.<ref name=":8">{{cite news |title=बीज मंत्र देकर श्रद्धालुओं को कष्ट निवारण का दिखाया रास्ता |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/PUN-BHAT-MAT-latest-bathinda-news-022503-983739-NOR.html |accessdate=24 October 2019 |publisher=Dainik Bhaskar |date=9 December 2014 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite news |title=Thousands of people attend event with Indian spiritual leader |url=https://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/9377655.thousands-of-people-attend-event-with-indian-spiritual-leader-brahmrishi-shree-kumar-swamiji-in-harrow/ |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=Harrow Times |language=en}}</ref> a [[Langar (Sikhism)|Langar]], a free communal meal with religious underpinnings, is also available during the course of the two-day convention.<ref name=":10">{{cite news |title=डीरेका में प्रभु कृपा दुख निवारण समागम आज से |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/Varanasi-81637-140 |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>  
{{cite web|title=Bslnd Worldwide Website|url=https://www.bslndusa.org/about.php|website=www.bslndusa.org|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> The organization is reported to have more than 310 million followers worldwide.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/jack-m-martins/senator-martins-presents-proclamation-honor-spiritual-leader-india|title=Senator Martins Presents Proclamation in Honor of Spiritual Leader of India|date=2 May 2011|website=NY State Senate|language=en}}</ref> It organizes interfaith conventions called 'Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagam' where his disciples are distributed 'Beej Mantras'.<ref name=":8">{{cite news |title=बीज मंत्र देकर श्रद्धालुओं को कष्ट निवारण का दिखाया रास्ता |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/PUN-BHAT-MAT-latest-bathinda-news-022503-983739-NOR.html |access-date=24 October 2019 |publisher=Dainik Bhaskar |date=9 December 2014 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite news |title=Thousands of people attend event with Indian spiritual leader |url=https://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/9377655.thousands-of-people-attend-event-with-indian-spiritual-leader-brahmrishi-shree-kumar-swamiji-in-harrow/ |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Harrow Times |language=en}}</ref> a [[Langar (Sikhism)|Langar]], a free communal meal with religious underpinnings, is also available during the course of the two-day convention.<ref name=":10">{{cite news |title=डीरेका में प्रभु कृपा दुख निवारण समागम आज से |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/Varanasi-81637-140 |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>


The disciples also participate in blood donation camps.<ref name=":12">{{cite news |title=Street play staged {{!}} Tribune India |url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/article/street-play-staged/434411/amp |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=www.tribuneindia.com |date=10 July 2017}}</ref>
The disciples also participate in blood donation camps.<ref name=":12">{{cite news |title=Street play staged {{!}} Tribune India |url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/article/street-play-staged/434411/amp |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=www.tribuneindia.com |date=10 July 2017}}</ref>


===Clean Yamuna Drive===
===Clean Yamuna Drive===
The devotees of Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham carried out a peace march in July, 2012 in [[New Delhi]] and handed a memorandum to the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]].<ref name=":13">{{cite news |title=Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham ,Yamuna Purification Agitation,Purification Campaign |url=https://www.businesswireindia.com/bhagwan-shree-lakshami-narayan-dham-launches-yamuna-purification-agitation-31840.html |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=www.businesswireindia.com |publisher=businesswireindia}}</ref>
The devotees of Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham carried out a peace march in July, 2012 in [[New Delhi]] and handed a memorandum to the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]].<ref name=":13">{{cite news |title=Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham ,Yamuna Purification Agitation,Purification Campaign |url=https://www.businesswireindia.com/bhagwan-shree-lakshami-narayan-dham-launches-yamuna-purification-agitation-31840.html |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=www.businesswireindia.com |publisher=businesswireindia}}</ref>


The organization's drive was also supported by [[Malik Obama]], former US President [[Barack Obama]]'s half brother.<ref name=":14" /> He traveled to India to meet Kumar Swami at one of his conventions in [[Mathura]].<ref name=":14">{{cite news |title=Obama's half-brother Malik visits India,to help clean Yamuna |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/obamas-halfbrother-malik-visits-india-to-help-clean-yamuna/ |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=The Indian Express |date=28 February 2013 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
The organization's drive was also supported by [[Malik Obama]], former US President [[Barack Obama]]'s half brother.<ref name=":14" /> He traveled to India to meet Kumar Swami at one of his conventions in [[Mathura]].<ref name=":14">{{cite news |title=Obama's half-brother Malik visits India,to help clean Yamuna |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/obamas-halfbrother-malik-visits-india-to-help-clean-yamuna/ |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=The Indian Express |date=28 February 2013 |language=en-IN}}</ref>


==Philosophy==
==Philosophy==
He claims to have discovered the  'hidden knowledge' in  the Hindu scriptures .He claims says that he benifitted from that 'knowledge' , he is now giving it to his disciples  the form of 'Beej Mantras' which he claims to be crux of all religions.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6">{{cite news|url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/una/151536507499-una-news|title=बीज मंत्रों में ब्रह्मांडीय शक्ति : कुमार स्वामी|work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>  He claims that he has taken the 'mantras' from sacred books of all religions, including [[Vedas]], [[Devi Mahatmya]], [[Bible]], [[Quran]], [[Guru Granth Sahib]] and others. He holds conventions for followers where he provides them his Beej Mantras claiming they have the ability to cure all illnesses and solve all life peoblems of his devotees.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/disciples-in-huge-number-attend-samagam/|title=Disciples in huge number attend Samagam|last1=Excelsior|first1=Daily|date=19 October 2013|work=Jammu Kashmir Latest News {{!}} Tourism {{!}} Breaking News J&K}}</ref>  
He claims to have discovered the  'hidden knowledge' in  the Hindu scriptures .He claims says that he benefitted from that 'knowledge' , he is now giving it to his disciples  the form of 'Beej Mantras' which he claims to be crux of all religions.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6">{{cite news|url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/una/151536507499-una-news|title=बीज मंत्रों में ब्रह्मांडीय शक्ति : कुमार स्वामी|work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>  He claims that he has taken the 'mantras' from sacred books of all religions, including [[Vedas]], [[Devi Mahatmya]], [[Bible]], [[Quran]], [[Guru Granth Sahib]] and others. He holds conventions for followers where he provides them his Beej Mantras claiming they have the ability to cure all illnesses and solve all life problems of his devotees.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/disciples-in-huge-number-attend-samagam/|title=Disciples in huge number attend Samagam|last1=Excelsior|first1=Daily|date=19 October 2013|work=Jammu Kashmir Latest News {{!}} Tourism {{!}} Breaking News J&K}}</ref>


==Ayurveda medicine==
==Ayurveda medicine==
===Dandruff fungal infection treatment===
===Dandruff fungal infection treatment===
In October 2017, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for most people washing hair simultaneously as a part of dandruff treatment at one of his conventions in [[Mumbai]].<ref name=":19">{{cite web |title=Most people washing hair simultaneously |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/464579-most-people-washing-hair-simultaneously?fb_comment_id=1855121777850670_1884319894930858 |website=Guinness World Records |accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2017, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for most people washing hair simultaneously as a part of dandruff treatment at one of his conventions in [[Mumbai]].<ref name=":19">{{cite web |title=Most people washing hair simultaneously |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/464579-most-people-washing-hair-simultaneously?fb_comment_id=1855121777850670_1884319894930858 |website=Guinness World Records |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
He is perceived as a God like figure by his disciples belonging to India and abroad.He has also received criticism from his former clients and disciples who claimed to have received no benifit from his mantras.
He is perceived as a God like figure by his disciples belonging to India and abroad.He has also received criticism from his former clients and disciples who claimed to have received no benefit from his mantras.


He was invited to deliver the invocation at the opening of the [[New York State Senate]] session on 27 April 2011. The then New York State Senator [[Jack Martins]] passed a resolution proclaiming 29 April 2011 as "Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day" in State of New York.<ref name=":2" /> Kumar Swami also delivered an invocation at beginning of Senate session on 2 May 2011.<ref name=":27">{{cite web |title=New York State Assembly {{!}} Michael Montesano |url=https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Michael-Montesano/story/42523 |website=nyassembly.gov |accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> The Senate passed a legislative resolution to honor him, citing him as 'an inspiration behind medical research being done to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western medicine'.<ref name=":11" /> He is reported as the first spiritual leader from India to receive such an honor in the US.<ref name=":28">{{cite news |title=INDIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPIRITUAL LEADER HONOURED AT HOUSE OF COMMONS |url=http://asianworldnews.co.uk/localnews/indias-most-influential-spiritual-leader-honoured-at-house-of-commons-2/ |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=Asian World News}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|last1=Marsh|first1=Robin|title=Shree Kumar Swamiji Appointed Ambassador for Peace - Universal Peace Federation|url=http://www.upf.org/peace-ambassadors-reports/4080-shree-kumar-swamiji-appointed-ambassador-for-peace|website=www.upf.org|accessdate=22 October 2019}}</ref>
He was invited to deliver the invocation at the opening of the [[New York State Senate]] session on 27 April 2011. The then New York State Senator [[Jack Martins]] passed a resolution proclaiming 29 April 2011 as "Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day" in State of New York.<ref name=":2" /> Kumar Swami also delivered an invocation at beginning of Senate session on 2 May 2011.<ref name=":27">{{cite web |title=New York State Assembly {{!}} Michael Montesano |url=https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Michael-Montesano/story/42523 |website=nyassembly.gov |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> The Senate passed a legislative resolution to honor him, citing him as 'an inspiration behind medical research being done to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western medicine'.<ref name=":11" /> He is reported as the first spiritual leader from India to receive such an honor in the US.<ref name=":28">{{cite news |title=INDIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPIRITUAL LEADER HONOURED AT HOUSE OF COMMONS |url=http://asianworldnews.co.uk/localnews/indias-most-influential-spiritual-leader-honoured-at-house-of-commons-2/ |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Asian World News}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|last1=Marsh|first1=Robin|title=Shree Kumar Swamiji Appointed Ambassador for Peace - Universal Peace Federation|url=http://www.upf.org/peace-ambassadors-reports/4080-shree-kumar-swamiji-appointed-ambassador-for-peace|website=www.upf.org|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>


On his visit to the United Kingdom during UK's Interfaith week in 2011, he was invited to the [[House of Commons]] on 15 November at a private reception hosted by [[Stephen Timms]].<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":29">{{cite news |last1=Today |first1=The Asian |title=Indian Spiritual Leader honoured at Houses of Commons - News |url=https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/11/16/indian-spiritual-leader-honoured-at-houses-of-commons/ |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=The Asian Today Online |date=16 November 2011}}</ref><ref name=":30">{{cite news |title=South Asia Tribune weekly UK {{!}} Bashar Al Assad {{!}} Inter Services Intelligence |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/73010376/South-Asia-Tribune-weekly-UK |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=Scribd |language=en}}</ref> He was presented with the 'Ambassador of Peace' award by the [[Universal Peace Federation]] organization for his human welfare activities.<ref name=":29" /> On this occasion, he was also presented the 'Humanitarian Award' by the Asian Welfare Association as well as the 'Mahaveer Award' by the Young Indian Vegetarians Society in recognition of his vegetarian lifestyle.<ref name=":31">{{cite news |title=News |url=https://www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk/news.html |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> 15 November is celebrated every year as "Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami day" in UK by his followers.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":29" />
On his visit to the United Kingdom during UK's Interfaith week in 2011, he was invited to the [[House of Commons]] on 15 November at a private reception hosted by [[Stephen Timms]].<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":29">{{cite news |last1=Today |first1=The Asian |title=Indian Spiritual Leader honoured at Houses of Commons - News |url=https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2011/11/16/indian-spiritual-leader-honoured-at-houses-of-commons/ |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=The Asian Today Online |date=16 November 2011}}</ref><ref name=":30">{{cite news |title=South Asia Tribune weekly UK {{!}} Bashar Al Assad {{!}} Inter Services Intelligence |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/73010376/South-Asia-Tribune-weekly-UK |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Scribd |language=en}}</ref> He was presented with the 'Ambassador of Peace' award by the [[Universal Peace Federation]] organization for his human welfare activities.<ref name=":29" /> On this occasion, he was also presented the 'Humanitarian Award' by the Asian Welfare Association as well as the 'Mahaveer Award' by the Young Indian Vegetarians Society in recognition of his vegetarian lifestyle.<ref name=":31">{{cite news |title=News |url=https://www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk/news.html |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> 15 November is celebrated every year as "Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami day" in UK by his followers.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":29" />


On 29 September 2013, he was presented with a resolution on behalf of [[New Jersey Senate]] by Senator [[Michael J. Doherty]] honoring him as an 'Ambassador of Peace'.<ref name=":32">{{cite news |title=Sen. Doherty Joins State's Indian-American Community in Welcoming His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji to NJ |url=https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/doherty/sen-doherty-joins-states-indian-american-community-in-welcoming-his-holiness-brahmrishi-shri-kumar-swami-ji-to-nj/15635 |accessdate=24 October 2019 |work=SenateNJ.com |date=3 October 2013}}</ref> On 18 May 2015, he was invited in the [[New Jersey Senate]] and a resolution was passed by the Senate President [[Stephen M. Sweeney]] in his honor. Kumar Swami also addressed the Senate post his reception.<ref name=":34">{{cite web |title=News 24 special coverage on His Holiness Brahmrishi Kumar Swamiji |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll31gNrBxqY |accessdate=24 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
On 29 September 2013, he was presented with a resolution on behalf of [[New Jersey Senate]] by Senator [[Michael J. Doherty]] honoring him as an 'Ambassador of Peace'.<ref name=":32">{{cite news |title=Sen. Doherty Joins State's Indian-American Community in Welcoming His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji to NJ |url=https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/doherty/sen-doherty-joins-states-indian-american-community-in-welcoming-his-holiness-brahmrishi-shri-kumar-swami-ji-to-nj/15635 |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=SenateNJ.com |date=3 October 2013}}</ref> On 18 May 2015, he was invited in the [[New Jersey Senate]] and a resolution was passed by the Senate President [[Stephen M. Sweeney]] in his honor. Kumar Swami also addressed the Senate post his reception.<ref name=":34">{{cite web |title=News 24 special coverage on His Holiness Brahmrishi Kumar Swamiji |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll31gNrBxqY |access-date=24 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref>


Kumar Swami gave an interview to India TV where  he denied curing people  through his 'mantras'<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Godman Kumar Swami denies curing patients with the help of 'beej' mantras - Part 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYVgjbJHh-4|language=en|access-date=2021-05-09}}</ref>
Kumar Swami gave an interview to India TV where  he denied curing people  through his 'mantras'<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Godman Kumar Swami denies curing patients with the help of 'beej' mantras - Part 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYVgjbJHh-4|language=en|access-date=2021-05-09}}</ref>
Line 65: Line 66:
In 2013, [[first information report]] under section 419  and [[section 420 of the Indian Penal Code]] (Fraud) and section 7 of [[Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954]]  at Gomtinagar police station was lodged  by Thanya Thakur, a law student against Kumar Swami for his allegedly making claims of having healing powers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/fir-against-godman-for-claiming-healing-powers-113061400526_1.html|title=FIR against godman for claiming healing powers|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2013-06-14|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/FIR-against-godman-for-claiming-healing-powers/articleshow/20588844.cms|title=FIR against godman for claiming healing powers|date=14 June 2013|agency=PTI|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
In 2013, [[first information report]] under section 419  and [[section 420 of the Indian Penal Code]] (Fraud) and section 7 of [[Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954]]  at Gomtinagar police station was lodged  by Thanya Thakur, a law student against Kumar Swami for his allegedly making claims of having healing powers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/fir-against-godman-for-claiming-healing-powers-113061400526_1.html|title=FIR against godman for claiming healing powers|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2013-06-14|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/FIR-against-godman-for-claiming-healing-powers/articleshow/20588844.cms|title=FIR against godman for claiming healing powers|date=14 June 2013|agency=PTI|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


In an interview given to India TV, callers have alleged that they bought his medicines for their ailments and paid his fees but did not receive  any benifit.<ref name=":0" />  
In an interview given to India TV, callers have alleged that they bought his medicines for their ailments and paid his fees but did not receive  any benefit.<ref name=":0" />


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 09:48, 27 August 2021


Kumar Swami
Personal
Born (1954-01-21) 21 January 1954 (age 72)
Karanpur, Rajasthan, India
ReligionHinduism
NationalityIndian
Founder ofBhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham
Philosophy
Religious career
Websitewww.cosmicgrace.org

Kumar Swami (born 21 January 1954) known to his followers as Gurudev, is a religious leader from India. He claims to be a scholar of classical Ayurveda,[1] an Indian system of alternative medicine and is also the founder of the spiritual organization Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham. He travels to hold interfaith conventions both in India and abroad.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Kumar Swami was born on 21 January 1954 into a peasant family in Karanpur, Rajasthan.[2] He did not earn the moniker Swami until later in life.

After his marriage, he claims to have sought a variety of learned Gurus, including Jiddu Krishnamurti, Osho, and Baba Hardev Singh, among others.[2]

Philanthropy and other activities[edit | edit source]

Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham is a non-profit organization founded by Kumar Swami in 2002.[3] The organization is reported to have more than 310 million followers worldwide.[4] It organizes interfaith conventions called 'Prabhu Kripa Dukh Nivaran Samagam' where his disciples are distributed 'Beej Mantras'.[5][6] a Langar, a free communal meal with religious underpinnings, is also available during the course of the two-day convention.[7]

The disciples also participate in blood donation camps.[8]

Clean Yamuna Drive[edit | edit source]

The devotees of Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham carried out a peace march in July, 2012 in New Delhi and handed a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office.[9]

The organization's drive was also supported by Malik Obama, former US President Barack Obama's half brother.[10] He traveled to India to meet Kumar Swami at one of his conventions in Mathura.[10]

Philosophy[edit | edit source]

He claims to have discovered the 'hidden knowledge' in the Hindu scriptures .He claims says that he benefitted from that 'knowledge' , he is now giving it to his disciples the form of 'Beej Mantras' which he claims to be crux of all religions.[2][11] He claims that he has taken the 'mantras' from sacred books of all religions, including Vedas, Devi Mahatmya, Bible, Quran, Guru Granth Sahib and others. He holds conventions for followers where he provides them his Beej Mantras claiming they have the ability to cure all illnesses and solve all life problems of his devotees.[12]

Ayurveda medicine[edit | edit source]

Dandruff fungal infection treatment[edit | edit source]

In October 2017, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for most people washing hair simultaneously as a part of dandruff treatment at one of his conventions in Mumbai.[13]

Reception[edit | edit source]

He is perceived as a God like figure by his disciples belonging to India and abroad.He has also received criticism from his former clients and disciples who claimed to have received no benefit from his mantras.

He was invited to deliver the invocation at the opening of the New York State Senate session on 27 April 2011. The then New York State Senator Jack Martins passed a resolution proclaiming 29 April 2011 as "Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day" in State of New York.[4] Kumar Swami also delivered an invocation at beginning of Senate session on 2 May 2011.[14] The Senate passed a legislative resolution to honor him, citing him as 'an inspiration behind medical research being done to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western medicine'.[1] He is reported as the first spiritual leader from India to receive such an honor in the US.[15][16]

On his visit to the United Kingdom during UK's Interfaith week in 2011, he was invited to the House of Commons on 15 November at a private reception hosted by Stephen Timms.[6][17][18] He was presented with the 'Ambassador of Peace' award by the Universal Peace Federation organization for his human welfare activities.[17] On this occasion, he was also presented the 'Humanitarian Award' by the Asian Welfare Association as well as the 'Mahaveer Award' by the Young Indian Vegetarians Society in recognition of his vegetarian lifestyle.[19][16] 15 November is celebrated every year as "Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami day" in UK by his followers.[16][17]

On 29 September 2013, he was presented with a resolution on behalf of New Jersey Senate by Senator Michael J. Doherty honoring him as an 'Ambassador of Peace'.[20] On 18 May 2015, he was invited in the New Jersey Senate and a resolution was passed by the Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney in his honor. Kumar Swami also addressed the Senate post his reception.[21]

Kumar Swami gave an interview to India TV where he denied curing people through his 'mantras'[22]

Criticism[edit | edit source]

In 2013, first information report under section 419 and section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (Fraud) and section 7 of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 at Gomtinagar police station was lodged by Thanya Thakur, a law student against Kumar Swami for his allegedly making claims of having healing powers.[23][24]

In an interview given to India TV, callers have alleged that they bought his medicines for their ailments and paid his fees but did not receive any benefit.[22]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION welcoming and commending His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on April 27, 2011". legislation.nysenate.gov. legislation.nysenate.gov. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Sydney April 2019". Indus Age.
  3. ↑ "Bslnd Worldwide Website". www.bslndusa.org. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Senator Martins Presents Proclamation in Honor of Spiritual Leader of India". NY State Senate. 2 May 2011.
  5. ↑ "बीज मंत्र देकर श्रद्धालुओं को कष्ट निवारण का दिखाया रास्ता" (in हिन्दी). Dainik Bhaskar. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Thousands of people attend event with Indian spiritual leader". Harrow Times. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  7. ↑ "डीरेका में प्रभु कृपा दुख निवारण समागम आज से". Amar Ujala. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  8. ↑ "Street play staged | Tribune India". www.tribuneindia.com. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  9. ↑ "Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham ,Yamuna Purification Agitation,Purification Campaign". www.businesswireindia.com. businesswireindia. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Obama's half-brother Malik visits India,to help clean Yamuna". The Indian Express. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  11. ↑ "बीज मंत्रों में ब्रह्मांडीय शक्ति : कुमार स्वामी". Amar Ujala.
  12. ↑ Excelsior, Daily (19 October 2013). "Disciples in huge number attend Samagam". Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K.
  13. ↑ "Most people washing hair simultaneously". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  14. ↑ "New York State Assembly | Michael Montesano". nyassembly.gov. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  15. ↑ "INDIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPIRITUAL LEADER HONOURED AT HOUSE OF COMMONS". Asian World News. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Marsh, Robin. "Shree Kumar Swamiji Appointed Ambassador for Peace - Universal Peace Federation". www.upf.org. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Today, The Asian (16 November 2011). "Indian Spiritual Leader honoured at Houses of Commons - News". The Asian Today Online. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  18. ↑ "South Asia Tribune weekly UK | Bashar Al Assad | Inter Services Intelligence". Scribd. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  19. ↑ "News". www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  20. ↑ "Sen. Doherty Joins State's Indian-American Community in Welcoming His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji to NJ". SenateNJ.com. 3 October 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  21. ↑ "News 24 special coverage on His Holiness Brahmrishi Kumar Swamiji". Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Godman Kumar Swami denies curing patients with the help of 'beej' mantras - Part 1, retrieved 9 May 2021
  23. ↑ "FIR against godman for claiming healing powers". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  24. ↑ "FIR against godman for claiming healing powers". The Times of India. PTI. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
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