Swami Abhayananda (1890-1989) – Pre-monastic name Atulchandra Guha. Born in Majkhara village of Dhaka district. Left school to join Anushilan Samiti, a secret association of revolutionaries. Joined the Order at Belur Math (1909). At Belur Math there were four inmates bearing the name “Atul”. Swami Premananda named them Ram, Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughna. Personal attendant of Swami Ramakrishnananda (1911), Bharat Maharaj had mantra-diksha from Holy Mother (1912) at the Baghbazar Math. Took part in flood relief operations in Midnapore (1913). During service at the Mayavati Advaita Ashrama (1914-1930) he engaged in spiritual austerities at Haridwar (1917). Appointed a trustee of the Mayavati Ashrama (1923), following his being ordained into sannyasa by Swami Brahmananda at the Bhubaneswar Math (1920). Joint Manager of Belur Math (1930-1966), later sole Manager. Swami Vishuddhananda’s comment in this regard, “He is, as it were, the mother of Belur Math. Seated on that chair of his, he keeps an eye on everything that goes on between the gate and the Ganga, nothing escapes him” (Srimat Swami Vishuddhanandajir Smarane, 3rd edition, p. 125). Elected member of the Working Committee from 1936 to 1940 and again from 1944 to 1946, Trustee and Member of Governing Body (1947). Visited some pilgrimage centres of North and Western India. Cordial relations with four generations of the Nehru family. Interim President of the Order on two occasions, 1985 and 1988/89. Blessed by the company of twelve Presidents during his prolonged monastic life. Died on 18.11.89 at Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta. Booklets published by him for free distribution: Swamiji and His Message by Sister Nivedita (1970); Ramakrishna and His Message by Swami Vivekananda (1971).
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