Nityananda

Nityananda is a Sanskrit name meaning eternal bliss, used as both a given name and a religious epithet in various Hindu traditions. It is associated with several spiritual figures across India, ranging from classical saints to modern yogis, and is often invoked in devotional contexts.

Nityananda Prabhu, a central figure in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, lived during the 15th to 16th centuries and is regarded as an important companion of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In Gaudiya theology, he is considered an incarnation of Balarama and is revered for his role in spreading the congregational chanting of the holy names (sankirtan) and in teaching bhakti (devotion) to a broad audience. His life is described in traditional hagiographies such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita, and he remains a foundational figure within this tradition.

Bhagwan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri refers to a modern Hindu mystic who lived in the 20th century and died in 1961. He is the best-known figure associated with the Ganeshpuri lineage and the Siddha Samadhi Yoga tradition. Followers describe him as having attained high states of meditation and spiritual realization, and his ashram at Ganeshpuri near Mumbai continues to attract devotees. His teachings emphasize meditation, inner realization, and the presence of a guru.

The name Nityananda appears in multiple lineages and regions, and may refer to various saints or teachers beyond these well-known figures. Because it is used across different traditions, there is no single canonical biography. In general, Nityananda connotes spiritual joy and a focus on divine remembrance, a theme found in the histories and teachings of those who share the name.