Bharat Sevashram Sangha of North America, Inc. ( New Jersey) was founded by Swami Amarnathanandaji Maharaj in Septempber 1997, in Jersey City , New Jersey. It has a religious link with BSS India. It was originally founded by Jagat Guru Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj, the illustrious patriot saint of India and prophet of the New Hindu Age.
Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pravanandaji Maharaj, Founder of the original Organization.
Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj was a great spiritual leader of modern India. He was revered for his message of universal love, nationalist zeal and social reform.
He was born on January 19th, 1896, the auspicious day of Magha (16th Magha, 1302), in Bajitpur, a village in Faridpur district in undivided India (presently in Bangladesh). His parents Bishnu Charan Bhuia and Saradadevi were very pious and blessed by Lord Shiva to have a son for the mitigation of human suffering and universal emancipation. He was affectionately named Jaynath by his father at birth and later in his boyhood he was called Binode.
Binode showed uncommon philosophical inclinations since childhood and often could be seen in deep contemplation at the village school. He was popular with the children of the locality because of his helpful nature. He visited Gorakhpur in 1913 and met Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnathji Maharaj. This meeting proved to be a landmark event in his life and he was formally initiated by Baba Gambhirnathji into the world of spirituality.
Swamiji launched a mission to carry out social services and spread his spiritual ideas in the tradition of Hindu (Sanatan Dharma) religion. The mission took a formal shape as Bharat Sevashram Sangha on the Maghi Purnima day in the year 1916. He wanted this organization to strive tirelessly and selflessly to awaken and unite all sections of the people to build strong India.
The Sevashram started building Cottage Industry centers, Monastic Schools, Primary Schools and free Dispensaries. Branches were started at different parts of the country for various humanitarian tasks, including relief work at the time of flood, famine, earthquake and pestilence. Oversees missions were also founded.
Swamiji was a source of great inspiration to many freedom fighters. He always extended moral and material help to them. He continued to work tirelessly till the last day of his life (January8, 1941) awakening, uniting, and strengthening the people of India.
The great Acharya propagated practical spirituality in preference to theoretical philosophy. Though the literature on his teaching is not elaborate, the essential truths have been codified as the “Sangha Geeta“. This book offers adequate guidance to his followers in achieving self-realization. He emphasized in the ideals of sacrifice, self-discipline, truth, and continence. He urged his followers to shun idleness, procrastination, slumbering habits, and lust. He wanted the country to rise above the divisions of communalism.