Swami Sivananda, the founder of Divine Life Society, was born on September 8, 1887, in Pattamadai, a small village in South India. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in spirituality and a yearning for a higher purpose in life.

Growing up in a traditional Hindu family, Swami Sivananda was exposed to spiritual practices and teachings from a young age. His father, Sri P.S. Vengu Iyer, was a devout and pious man who instilled in him the values of compassion, service, and devotion to God.

As a child, Swami Sivananda would often accompany his father to the local temple and participate in prayers and rituals. He was also fascinated by the stories of saints and sages, and his thirst for spiritual knowledge only grew stronger with time.

After completing his education in medicine, Swami Sivananda served as a doctor in Malaysia for several years. However, his inner calling for spirituality never wavered. He would often spend his free time reading and studying various religious texts, and his interest in yoga, meditation, and Vedanta continued to deepen.

In 1923, Swami Sivananda left his successful medical career and embarked on a spiritual journey, wandering through the Himalayas in search of a guru. He met several spiritual masters and learned from them, but it was his meeting with Swami Vishwananda Saraswati that changed his life forever.

Under the guidance of Swami Vishwananda, Swami Sivananda delved deeper into the study and practice of yoga, Vedanta, and other spiritual disciplines. He also received initiation into sannyasa, the renunciate way of life, and was given the name Swami Sivananda Saraswati.

After spending several years in intense sadhana (spiritual practice), Swami Sivananda returned to Rishikesh, where he established the Divine Life Society in 1936. His mission was to spread the message of yoga, Vedanta, and universal brotherhood to people from all walks of life.

Swami Sivananda's teachings were simple yet profound, emphasizing the importance of selfless service, devotion, and the practice of yoga for spiritual evolution. He believed that spirituality was not just for renunciates but could be integrated into everyday life, and his teachings attracted people from all over the world.

Through his writings, lectures, and personal example, Swami Sivananda inspired countless individuals to lead a life of discipline, selfless service, and devotion to God. His legacy continues to live on through the Divine Life Society, which has branches all over the world, and his teachings continue to guide seekers on the path of spirituality.

In conclusion, Swami Sivananda's interest in spirituality was a natural progression from his upbringing and his inner calling. His journey is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and the transformative potential of spirituality.