Trailanga

Trailinga Swami (also known as Telang Swami) was a Hindu yogi and mystic who lived in Varanasi, India. Born around 1607 in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, he is said to have lived for over 280 years until his death in 1887. His early life was marked by spiritual inclinations; after the death of his father in 1647, he renounced worldly ties and dedicated himself to Kali sadhana (spiritual practice) at the urging of his mother, who believed he was a reincarnation of her father.

He spent years practicing severe austerities and eventually met his preceptor, Swami Bhagirathananda Saraswati, in 1679. After being initiated into monastic vows in 1685, he became known as Swami Ganapati Saraswati. He traveled extensively, including to Prayag, before settling in Varanasi in 1737. There, he lived a life of simplicity and spiritual devotion, often seen wandering naked, drinking from the Ganges River, and performing miraculous deeds.

Renowned for his supernatural abilities, Trailinga Swami was said to read minds, survive ingesting toxic substances like lime mixtures, and remain submerged in the river for extended periods. He rarely spoke but occasionally broke his silence to teach about karma's effects. His legacy as a spiritual figure in Varanasi remains significant.