the meaning of guru
The word Guru comes from the ancient Sanskrit language, where Gu means darkness or ignorance, and Ru means dispeller or remover—thus, a Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads others toward knowledge and self-realisation.
our founder
Sri Sri Bhagavan 1942 to 2023
Sri Bhagavan is the founder and guiding spirit of the International Vedanta Society. He established this organization with a single purpose: to inspire people to seek and realize the highest truth in life.
Founded in Assam, India, in 1989, the International Vedanta Society has since spread across the globe, motivating countless individuals to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Many of Sri Bhagavan's followers have experienced profound spiritual realizations, with hundreds reaching deep states of meditation known as Samadhi, and thousands more following this transformative path.
An Enlightened Master, Sri Bhagavan left his physical form and entered Maha Samadhi on May 27, 2023. Despite his physical departure, his teachings and love continue to guide and inspire his many followers worldwide. His presence and wisdom have led many to enlightenment.
Sri Bhagavan was known as the embodiment of love, and through this love, he transmitted spiritual wisdom. His followers often found themselves deeply moved by his love, leading to the dissolution of their ego and a profound sense of unity with the divine.
Even after leaving his mortal form, Sri Bhagavan remains the heart and soul of the International Vedanta Society. His teachings and spirit continue to inspire and guide his devotees, who are dedicated to expanding the organization and practicing spirituality with devotion and sincerity.
The strength of his followers' spiritual practice comes from their unwavering faith in both the ancient scriptures and Sri Bhagavan's teachings. His words, considered sacred and profound, resonate deeply with those who listen, touching the core of their being.
The International Vedanta Society was founded on November 19th, the birth anniversary of Sri Bhagavan's Guru, Swami Pavitranandaji, to whom Sri Bhagavan dedicated his life. Our devotion lies with Sri Bhagavan, who has freed us from the illusions and fears that cloud our perception of reality.
Through Sri Bhagavan’s teachings, we are inspired to live a life of truth, love, and spiritual realization. Join us on this journey and discover the profound wisdom and love that Sri Bhagavan has shared with the world.
Brahmacharini Jahnavi Ma
Brahmacharini Jahnavi Ma has been a devoted follower of Sri Bhagavan since she met him in Varanasi, India, in 2011. She serves as the main contact for the International Vedanta Society in the UK.
Originally from England, Jahnavi Ma combines her experience of a fast paced, modern society with her deep knowledge of ancient Eastern spirituality, offering a balanced and relatable approach to life.
For the past 13 years, Jahnavi Ma has worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Vedanta, both in the UK and internationally. She has accompanied Sri Bhagavan on numerous spiritual tours across India, Europe, the UK, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
On January 3rd, 2024, Jahnavi Ma was initiated into the path of Brahmacharya, dedicating her life to the service and upliftment of humanity. Brahmacharya, in Vedanta, means living in the awareness of the divine, or pure infinite consciousness. Through deep meditation and spiritual practice, she has cultivated a mind that is no longer focused on individual concerns but flows naturally towards the welfare of all.
Jahnavi Ma is currently working to establish a permanent spiritual centre, or Ashram, in the UK. While she primarily operates in and around London, she also visits other parts of the UK. If you are interested in organizing a spiritual gathering at your home or a local venue, Jahnavi Ma is happy to share her knowledge and practices with you.
Join us in welcoming Brahmacharini Jahnavi Ma and embrace the transformative teachings of Vedanta. Whether you are new to spirituality or seeking to deepen your practice, her guidance and experience offer a path to greater understanding and inner peace.
we organise yearly tours to india
A Journey to India: December 2024 – January 2025
Each year, we organise a spiritual tour to India for those who feel inspired to reconnect with our roots and experience the ashram lifestyle first-hand. These journeys take place toward the end of the year and centre around a major annual event—Sri Bhagavan’s birth anniversary—celebrated on January 3rd with a full day of uplifting speeches, devotional stories, and cultural performances rooted in our spiritual heritage.
Kolkata – The Spiritual Beginning
Our journey began in Kolkata, home to five ashrams of the International Vedantic Society (IVS), including one dedicated to women, where we spent a night in peaceful reflection. The main ashram, known as Mayer Bari, is where Bhagavan lived most of his life. Here, we had the profound opportunity to meditate in his personal room.
We attended the grand celebration of Bhagavan’s 84th birthday, an inspiring event filled with heartfelt talks and spiritually themed music and dance performances. We also visited several nearby sacred sites including Dakshineswar, Belur Math, Jayrambati, and Kamarpukur—all places of deep spiritual significance.
Guwahati – Wisdom and Guidance
From Kolkata, we travelled to Guwahati, where we visited two IVS ashrams. The main ashram, located in Amingaon, serves as the IVS headquarters. There, we had the honour of meeting Swami Keshavananda Maharaj Ji, the revered President of IVS. Our time was spent in enriching spiritual discussions and receiving personal guidance on our practice—experiences that left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Varanasi & Vrindavan – Sacred Cities of Light
Our next destination was Varanasi, where IVS has two ashrams, including one at the main ghat, overlooking the River Ganges, where the famous Ganga Aarti is performed every evening. We experienced a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and absorbed the sacred vibrations of this ancient city.
From Varanasi, we journeyed to Vrindavan, guided by Swami Probuddhanandaji, whose deep understanding of the region's spiritual history helped us connect more meaningfully with each site we visited.
Kumbh Mela – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the journey was our visit to the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering in the world. At its peak, it was said that over 800 million people were present. A temporary city made entirely of tents had been constructed to host the event, which was astonishingly well-organised. Pilgrims from all over India gathered to engage in spiritual discourse, and many great saints and teachers were present.
Returning to Kolkata – Full Circle
We concluded our pilgrimage back at Mayer Bari in Kolkata. This was a time of deep reflection and spiritual integration. We had the blessing of spending time in the presence of the revered Guru Ma, Bhagavan’s wife, and received valuable teachings from senior monks including Swami Sankaranandaji. Daily sessions of spiritual talks and mantra chanting offered us a peaceful close to a transformative journey.
Testimony - Olivia Carstairs
“This was my first time in India, and experiencing it through the IVS tour was the perfect introduction. I immediately felt so welcomed and supported by Jahnavi Ma and the rest of the IVS family—it was as if I had always been part of this spiritual community. Every ashram and place we visited was filled with so much love and open-heartedness. You could truly feel the deep spiritual presence that surrounds IVS.
It was incredibly moving to meet Guru Ma and the Swamijis who had been with Bhagavan for so many years. Being in the places where Bhagavan lived, and feeling the love in each devotee, it felt as though Bhagavan was alive in every person I met.
This tour truly changed my life. It opened my heart to what spirituality really is, and revealed the profound impact and significance that IVS has on humanity.”