Hindu saints

Saints are recognized in Hinduism although it does not require canonization or similar formal process to acknowledge a person as one. Generally a holy or saintly person is referred to as a mahatma, paramahamsa, or swami, or given the prefix Sri or Srila before their name.

The term "Sant" is derived from the Sanskrit "sat" (सद) (truth, reality) has overlapping usages, its root meaning being "one who knows the truth" or "one who has experienced Ultimate Reality". It differs from the false cognate "Saint" as it is often translated. The term Sant has taken on the more general ethical meaning of "good person", but is assigned specifically to the poet-sants of medieval India. [Schomer, Karine, "The Sant Tradition in Perspective", in "Sant Mat:Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India" in Schomer K. and McLeod W.H. (Eds.)ISBN 0-9612208-0-5 ]

* Jagadguru Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya, a great saint who was the follower of Vishnuswami Sampradaya (Vaishnavism). He proved the principle of "Shuddha Adwaita Brahmavada" meaning pure adwaita Brahmavada based on Veda. He showed the path of devotion to the world and taught that in this time of "Kaliyuga" self-less surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna is the only thing a soul should do.
* Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), famous Bengali Saint known for his ecstatic devotion to Krishna. Original founder of the modern Hare Krishna movement
* Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893 — March 7, 1952), a modern day saint who brought the spiritual science of Kriya Yoga to the west, successfully disseminating eastern wisdom all over North America and Europe, and personally initiating many thousands of spiritual aspirants. Disciple of Sri Yukteswar Giri.
* Raghavendra Swami, one of the most famous Hindu saints was believed to have performed miracles during his lifetime and continues to bless his devotees. He espoused Vaishnavism monotheism (worship of Vishnu as Supreme God) and Dvaita philosophy.
* Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
* Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi
* Chandrashekarendra Saraswati (Sage of Kanchi) (1894–1994) Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Revered by many as an avatara of Adi Sankara [http://www.srikanchimahaswami100.org/]
* Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth (around 1275 A.D) considered to be the Guru of Great Saints, supposed to be the direct manifestation of the supreme power - God.
* Shirdi Sai Baba (c. 1838 - October 15, 1918) was an Indian fakir/guru who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint.
* Tukaram was a great saint who was believed to have performed miracles and was a devotee of Krishna.
* Brahma Chaitanya, the saint of Gondawali who was a great devotee of Rama.
* Sant Shiri Nunuram Sahib (1898–1973), a great saint whose aashram is situated in Islamkot city of Sindh Province in Pakistan. [http://www.santnenuram.20m.com]
* Tibbetibaba was a great saint whose life was based on both Advaita Vedanta and Mahayana principles.

ee also

* Sant
* Hindu Gurus and Saints

References