“From Poison to Nectar: Bábá’s Transformative Response” & “Bábá’s Exemplar of Virtue into a day of active service and sentient protest”

Ácárya Gatimayánanda Avadhúta—CTS, GBTC

The term Niilakantha is a traditional Sanskrit name for Lord Shiva, meaning “The Blue-Throated One.” It originates from the mythological event where Shiva drank the poison (Halahala) that emerged from the churning of the ocean to save the universe, which turned His throat blue.

Spiritual Lessons: The blue throat serves as a powerful metaphor for handling life’s challenges. Just as Shiva held the poison in his throat, individuals are encouraged to manage their own negative emotions, stresses, and difficulties without letting them overwhelm their true nature.

1. Environmental Symbolism: In contemporary times, the symbolism of Shiva drinking the poison is sometimes interpreted as a reflection on environmental issues, semipolitical wars, all-round degeneration, social injustice is the principal one. Just as Shiva absorbed the poison to save the world, there is a need for humanity to take responsibility for the environmental “poisons” we create, such as pollution and climate change.
2. Meditation and Yoga: In the practice of yoga, the symbolism of the blue throat is often associated with the Vishuddha Chakra, or the throat chakra. This chakra is believed to govern communication and expression, and its purification is essential for spiritual growth. The blue color is often associated with this chakra, linking it directly to Shiva’s symbolism.

By naming the day “Niilakantha Divas,” Ánanda Márga followers are drawing a parallel between Bábá surviving the poisoning and the Shiva’s who consumes the world’s “poison” to protect others, though they specifically focus on Bábá’s instruction to return that “poison” with the “nectar” of service.

Instead of fasting, followers practice sentient anger against injustice. They counter malice with nectar by feeding the needy, proving that righteousness overcomes evil through service.

Rather than observing the occasion with fasting or sorrow, Bábá instructs His followers to manifest sentient anger by actively opposing injustice while responding to malice with benevolence.

The core ritual of the day is to counteract poison with nectar by providing the highest quality food to those in need, ensuring that even those without personal means participate through collective efforts.

Ultimately, the commemoration defines the day as a triumph of spirit over persecution, urging devotees to transform a historical act of cruelty into a widespread practice of generosity and social righteousness.

Niilakantha Divas commemorates the 1973 poisoning of Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti in prison while Bábá was held in Bankipur Central Jail.

On the night of 12 February 1973, at approximately 11:30 pm or midnight, Bábá was administered poison in the form of a capsule.

The following morning, witnesses found Bábá lying on His bed, unable to move or speak. His eyes were red and watering profusely, and his brain and nervous system were not functioning properly.

While the authorities initially suppressed the incident, medical doctors—including Margi doctors—confirmed that these were clear physiological reactions to poisoning.

This event describes it as a conspiracy by the Central Investigation under then present government to eliminate Bábá.

The Central Investigation played an amidship and mastermind role in the poisoning of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (Bábá) on 12 February 1973.

Hatching the Conspiracy to poison Bábá in Bankipur Central Jail was “hatched by some unknown central agency”. It was a Long-term Intent that the central agency “since very beginning” trying to “finish Bábá from this world”.

The poisoning incident is presented as a peak in their ongoing efforts to eliminate Bábá.

Government Collaboration and Suppression was that the Central Agency actions were linked to the then central government, which reportedly suppressed the incident.

When Bábá and the followers demanded a judicial inquiry to uncover the “black hands working from behind the curtain” and identify those responsible for the “nefarious work,” the government refused to grant it.

This refusal to investigate the central agency’s alleged role and the government’s suppression of the facts were the primary factors that compelled Bábá to begin His protest fast, which lasted over five years, 4 months and 1 day.

Despite writing several letters to the President of India to expose those working “behind the curtain,” the lack of legal recourse or official transparency led to a period of intense agitation where these acts of self-immolation occurred.

Self-immolation was undertaken by “Dadas and Didis” who were distressed by the government’s suppression of the truth as part of a wider agitation following the poisoning of Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti (Bábá).

The unofficial Chakraborty Commission was established to investigate the events surrounding the night of 12 February 1973, after the government refused to institute a formal judicial inquiry into the matter.

The primary finding of the commission was a definitive confirmation that Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti (Bábá) had indeed been administered poison while being held in Bankipur Central Jail.

The fast lasted for a total duration of five years, four months, and one day.

It provides the specific start and end dates and the exact duration of the fast, that it focus primarily on the 12 February 1979 discourse in Patna where Bábá clarified how followers should commemorate the date of His poisoning, rather than detailing the specific legal or political circumstances that led to the fast’s conclusion in August 1978.

The general history indicates that the conclusion of the fast coincided with Bábá’s release from prison after the charges against Bábá were overturned; however, it highlight the 1 August 1978 date as the point at which Bábá ended His long-term protest.

A clear timeline and the physical circumstances surrounding the beginning of the five-year fast, though we are not able to offer a granular hour-by-hour account of His daily routine.

The fast was not a voluntary spiritual practice but a compelled protest against the refusal of the then Central government to institute a judicial inquiry into His poisoning.

Despite the “nefarious work” of the Central investigating Agency, Bábá maintained this fast as a way to demand judicial proof.

Bábá’s specific daily activities, such as His liquid intake, sleep patterns, or how Bábá managed His spiritual or administrative duties from within the jail during those five years.

Bábá consumed only a small amount of liquid, such as curd water or lemon water, to sustain His body, so here the philosophical shift that occurred after the fast ended, where Bábá instructed that such periods should not be commemorated with personal fasting (which Bábá termed “tamasic”), but with “Amrit”—the act of feeding others and raising a sentient voice against injustice.

Transforming the Response through Niilakantha Divas to manage the long-term memory of the injustice, the Ánanda Márga Central decided to commemorate the date of the poisoning (12 February) as Niilakantha Divas. Over time, their response evolved from “tamasic” actions like personal fasting to a more constructive form of protest.

But Bábá instructed them to raise a “loud voice” against misconduct (anacara) and the “sinners” involved, rather than suffering in silence. Answering “Vish” (Poison) with “Amrit” (Nectar).

Instead of responding with bitterness or hunger, the Ánanda Márga cadres both family members and Whole timer Sannayasin was told to respond in a “subtler way” by performing acts of service. This involved feeding the needy the best possible food as a sentient reply to the poison that had been administered to Bábá.

By establishing their own commemorative traditions and focusing on social service, the community managed the absence of official justice by turning the event into a symbol of recoil and righteous action.

Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (Bábá) described the response of “Amrit” (nectar) to “Vish” (poison) as a “subtler way” of answering injustice. Instead of reacting with “tamasic” (static) or “rajasic” (mutative) anger, Bábá instructed His followers to use “sattvika krodha” (sentient anger) to counter the “nefarious work” of His poisoners.

Bábá explicitly questioned why followers would choose to fast on this day, stating it was not a day for hunger but a day to voice opposition against misconduct. Bábá told His followers to “eat well” and use their energy to protest against “anacara” (misconduct). To answer the “poison” Bábá was given, Bábá directed that every follower or family should, according to their capacity, feed the “best possible food” to at least one needy or deserving person.

If a family had five members, they were encouraged to feed at least five (or more) people. This instruction applied to everyone, including Avadhuta’s, Ácárya’s, and full-time workers who have no personal property.

Bábá specified that they should collect alms or raise funds specifically to buy food and feed others, ensuring the “Amrit” of service was distributed regardless of one’s own financial status. The essence of the “Amrit” response was to provide a positive, sentient alternative to the harmful act of poisoning.

While the “Vish” represented the conspiracy to “finish Bábá from this world,” the “Amrit” represented the spiritual Ánanda Márga members commitment to service and righteousness.

By giving “Amrit” in response to “Vish,” Bábá transformed a day of tragedy into a day of active service and sentient protest, where the reply to a grave sin was the performance of a virtuous deed.

ÁNANDA VÁŃII – History bears testimony that whenever a person states the absolute truth in any sphere of life, whether it be spiritual, social, economic or otherwise; sought clarification of doubts or protested against injustice and wrongs, the evil forces forthwith plotted against the person, administered poison, slandered and assaulted that person with rage, misused authority and mercilessly dealt blow after blow; but the blows boomeranged and ultimately the evil forces were annihilated by those very blows. Remember, by an unalterable decree of history, the evil forces are destined to meet their final doom. – 1 January 1974

Baba’s profound message resonates deeply within us: “All beings in this universe are kith and kin… none is despicable… all are equally respectable… and entitled to equal love and affection.” As we navigate the complexities of our world, we must recognize that every problem is a collective concern, requiring a unified response.

In the face of adversity, we draw inspiration from Baba’s words: “Degradation is impossible for one who has accepted the Supreme Being as one’s life’s ideal.” As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to Neo-Humanism and its transformative power.

As we approach Niilakanta Divas on February 12th, we recall the poignant incident in which our beloved Baba was poisoned in Bankipur Central Jail in 1973. This day has been consecrated as Niilakanta Divas, symbolizing Baba’s selfless role in absorbing the poison, much like Lord Shiva’s legendary act of saving the universe by drinking the poison and retaining it in His throat, which turned blue.

In commemoration of this event, we honor Baba’s unwavering spirit and His unshakeable commitment to protecting humanity. As we observe Niilakanta Divas, let us reaffirm our devotion to Baba’s ideals and our pledge to uphold the principles of Neo-Humanism.

February 12th every years holds profound significance for Ananda Margiis worldwide. On this day in 1973, our Most Lovesome Guru, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, was treacherously poisoned by a prison doctor in Patna’s Bankipur Jail. This heinous act was an attempt to silence His voice and thwart His mission.

Throughout history, visionary leaders and spiritual icons have faced similar persecution, often meeting with tragic ends. However, Ananda Margiis choose to observe this day not as a somber occasion, but as a celebration of triumph and resilience.

We commemorate February 12th as Niilakantha Divas, an auspicious day that honors Lord Anandamurti ji’s unwavering spirit and unshakeable commitment to establishing and protecting dharma.

This observance serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of spirituality, compassion, and wisdom. As we reflect on the significance of Niilakantha Divas, we reaffirm our dedication to the principles of Ananda Marga and our commitment to spreading love, peace, and harmony throughout the world.

Throughout Ananda Marga history, Our Beloved Baba, who have dared to challenge injustice and seek clarification on doubts have often faced severe repercussions.

Baba since His advent have sought truth and protested against wrongdoings so He along with His missionary followers were frequently targeted by evil forces that sought to maintain their power and control. One of the most nefarious tactics employed by these forces was the administration of poison to Beloved Baba, a subtle yet deadly means of silencing dissenting voices.

In addition to physical harm, these individuals were also subjected to slander and character assassination. Our Ananda Marga mission’s reputations were tarnished, and their credibility was undermined through malicious rumors and false accusations. The perpetrators of these injustices often misused their authority, exploiting their positions of power to mercilessly deal blow after blow to those staunch margiis and Dadas/Didis, who dared to challenge them.

The assaults were not limited to physical harm; they also took the form of emotional and psychological trauma. The victims were often left feeling isolated, vulnerable, and powerless. Despite these overwhelming challenges, many individual missionary continued to courageously speak truth to power, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Our margiis/Dadas/Didis bravery and resilience serve as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and resistance. However, it is also essential to acknowledge the immense suffering and hardship that entire Ananda Marga endured. Their struggles should not be forgotten or overlooked, and their sacrifices should be honored and remembered.

In remembering these courageous cadres of Ananda Marga Society, we are reminded of the importance of standing up against injustice and seeking truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Our cadres of Ananda Marga sets examples inspire us to cultivate the courage and resilience needed to challenge evil forces and promote justice, compassion, and equality. By learning from their experiences, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where individuals can seek truth and challenge injustice without fear of retribution.

The flame of a lamp has the profound ability to illuminate countless other lamps, spreading its warmth and light far and wide. Similarly, a great personality Baba had the power to awaken numerous sleeping hearts, inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential. This phenomenon is not limited to the physical realm; it also has a profound impact on the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions.

In the realm of spirituality, the eternal glow of the boundless élan vital of Cosmic Consciousness has been illuminating the life-lamp of universal humanism since time immemorial. This cosmic energy is the divine spark that resides within every being, guiding and directing them towards their higher purpose. As this energy awakens, it sets off a chain reaction, inspiring and uplifting countless individuals and communities.

The concept of élan vital, coined by French philosopher Henri Bergson, refers to the vital force or energy that drives all living beings to evolve and grow. In the context of Cosmic Consciousness, this energy is amplified and intensified, becoming a boundless and eternal force that permeates every aspect of existence. As this energy illuminates the life-lamp of universal humanism, it fosters a deep sense of connection and unity among all beings in and around the Globe.

Universal humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of their background, culture, or creed. As the eternal glow of Cosmic Consciousness illuminates this philosophy, it inspires our entire Ananda Marga designatories to work towards the betterment of humanity as a whole. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect, spreading love, compassion, and understanding throughout the world.

In conclusion, the eternal glow of the boundless élan vital of Cosmic Consciousness has been illuminating the life-lamp of universal humanism since time immemorial. As this vital energy continues to inspire and uplift humanity, it reminds us of our deep connection to one another and to the universe as a whole. By embracing this energy and allowing it to guide us, we can work towards creating a brighter, more compassionate, and more harmonious world.

February 12, 1973, marked a pivotal moment not only in Ananda Marga but also bears testimonial history, as a heinous crime which was perpetrated against Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. This assassination attempt, orchestrated from the highest echelons of power in Delhi, was a blatant display of malice and corruption.

The aftermath of this event is a testament to the enduring spirit of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Despite suffering from the debilitating effects of poisoning, He embarked on a remarkable 5-year, 4-month, and 2-day fast, demanding a judicial inquest into the circumstances surrounding the attempt on His life.

The refusal of the authorities to grant this inquest, despite Baba’s unwavering commitment to justice, raises disturbing questions about the involvement of those in power. It is evident that they feared an impartial investigation would expose their complicity in this nefarious crime.

Many devotees believe that the long-term effects of the poisoning significantly compromised Baba’s health. However, His remarkable resilience and determination enabled Him to recover and continue His mission.

Upon His release, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji resumed His tireless work, perhaps this was part of His reason for undertaking such a fast to set example in History that Supreme Father came out victorious and broke His fast and travelled throughout the world after His release and started the next day on 3rd August with a general darshan “LIVE WITHOUT FEAR” and henceforth rendering marathon dictating numerous books and treatises on various subjects, including the life histories of Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva, Neo-Humanism, 5018 Prabhata Samgiita series, regarding all multifarious branches of Philosophical, Social, Spiritual and Intuitional knowledge, and touch the Mysterious emanation of Microvita, Gurukul, and the among others.

This remarkable productivity, in the face of adversity, serves as a testament to Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji’s unwavering commitment to His mission and His unshakeable spirit. Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai.

Truly at His Beloved Feet,

Compiled By:
Acarya Gatimayananda Avadhuta