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Param Pujya Sant Sri Asaramji Bapu (Hindi: संत श्री आसारामजी बापू), is a Self-Realised saint from India. Endearingly called 'Bapuji' was born in Berani village of Nawab district in Sindh (Un-Partitioned India) on Sixth Day of Chaitra month in Vikram Samvat 1998 (17th April 1941, English Calendar) as Aasumal. His father was wealthy businessman Thaumal Sirumalani and his mother was god-fearing lady, Mehngeeba.
Today, Bapuji has 130 ashrams and 1100 Sri Yog Vedanta Seva Samiti (SYVSS) all over the world. The main ashram is in Ahmedabad (Gujrat, India). SYVSS is involved in many social, religious and spiritual activities in India and abroad. A monthly magzine in many different languages is also printed from ashram called "Rishi Prasad". Ashram's website is available at http://www.ashram.org.
Life
At the time of Aasumal's birth, a merchant stopped at his Shri Thaumal's house and told him that he got a divine feeling of a saintly child being born in his family. For that special child he brought this swing. Aasumal was the fourth child in the family and a myth in the society was that a boy after three girls is a curse on the family and brings poverty to the family. But, contrary was observed, the business grew more than as it was earlier. Family was blessed with more fortune and respect in society. Everyone was amazed on this.
When Aasumal was three years of age, kulguru (guru of family) Shri Parsuramji came to Shri Thaumalji's home. As he saw child Aasumal he said that the child is not a normal kid. He said that the child Aasumal will be a great saint and will show the path of spiritualism to the people living in ignorance.
Since his childhood, Aasumal was very much inclined towards religious epics. Manhgeeba maa used to tell stories from Ramayana, Bhagawad Gita and other scriptures to Aasumal. That was his first introduction to the world of spirituality.
He was the most favourite students in his school. Lovingly, the students and teachers used to call him "Hansmukh bhai". He always had a very sharp memory from his childhood.
Due to unfortunate division of India, his family moved from Sindh to Maninagar near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Aasumal started his studies again in Maninagar. During recess time, when other children used to play, Aasumal would sit under a tree for meditation. Maa Mehgiba would put makkhan-mishree (sweetened butter) in front of Aasumal when he would be sitting for meditation with his eyes closed. She would tell Aasumal to open his eyes and see what god has sent for him. This built up his interest in Dhyaan (Meditation) & Bhajan (Prayers) and he started enjoying it.
When Aasumal saw that school education is only useful for earning bread and it only fulfills the worldly enjoyment, he lost the facination of school education. Whenever there was any time spare, he would go and meditate.
At a very young age Aasumal lost his father and he had to discontinue his education and take care of the family business along with his elder brother. But Aasumal was always yearning for spiritual knowledge.