Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

108 Years of Chanting to Save a Mountain: The Divine Mission of Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj 

The Fight to Protect Devagiri Mountain Begins

Once a breathtaking range of mountains greeted travelers entering Shahkund, Bhagalpur. But rampant illegal mining destroyed most of them, leaving just a few behind. Among those who witnessed this devastation was Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj, a spiritual leader from Nepal. Seeing the environmental loss, he vowed to protect Devagiri Mountain by dedicating 108 years of uninterrupted chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. This mission, which began on May 27, 2010, is now a beacon of hope for environmental conservation and spiritual awakening.

A Legacy Inspired by Devotion

Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj’s journey started with inspiration from Pagal Baba Ashram, Jasidih, where a similar 108-year kirtan had begun. With limited resources, only five people joined him initially. But as the movement gained recognition, 20 permanent members took charge, organizing chanting sessions in three-hour shifts. Gradually, the initiative attracted devotees and environmentalists alike, transforming Devagiri into a center for both spirituality and conservation.

A Spiritual and Medicinal Treasure

Devagiri Mountain isn’t just a site for kirtan—it holds ancient medicinal secrets. Various rare herbs like Rudraksha, Kapoor, Long, Hing, Sindoor, Guggul, and Brahmi thrive here. With contributions from Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj and environmentalists like Shiromani, the mountain has become a natural pharmacy benefiting the local community.

The Sacred Temples of Devagiri

Apart from being an environmental and spiritual hub, Devagiri Mountain boasts several ancient temples:

• Maa Kali Temple – Located at the mountain peak, beside the chanting hall.
• Maa Bageshwari Temple & Durga Temple – Situated a short distance away.
• Baba Girivarnath Temple – A historically significant site, now protected by the Archaeological Department.

These temples, along with continuous chanting, make Devagiri a powerful spiritual energy center.

A Sanctuary for Learning and Healing

Beyond spirituality, Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj has expanded his mission to social service.

• Yoga training is conducted at the center.
• Underprivileged children receive shelter and education.
• Local residents benefit from herbal treatments.
• The center also works to prevent further illegal mining.

Veterinarian Dr. Nirmal Kumar volunteers his time, teaching children, while dedicated disciples like Brahmachari Somanand, Om Didi, Shiv Prem, Babita, and Manoj Yadav serve selflessly.

A Monk’s Journey to Devagiri

Born in Patratu, Jharkhand, Swami Santosh Anand Maharaj found his spiritual calling early. As a disciple of Swami Shivanand Tirth, he spent six years in Badrinath’s Himalayan foothills, followed by time in Dhanbad and Nepal’s Jetauranath. In 2010, he finally arrived in Shahkund, where he initiated the lifelong mission to save Devagiri.

Join the Movement! Follow www.biharsay.com for more inspiring stories and become part of our 10K+ global community!