Swami Vivekananda is still a very relevant spiritual figure in modern Indian history. What he had to say on strength, self-confidence, spirituality and service is very inspiring to many. What is even more amazing is what he achieved in his short time, which ended at the age of 39. He passed away on July 4, 1902, at Belur Math, which was sudden, but in reality his health had been failing him for some time.
Swami Vivekananda’s Declining Health
Swami Vivekananda had a very full life. He travelled all over India, went to the West, gave lectures, engaged in spiritual work and ran the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, which at times took a great toll on his body. In his later years, he battled health issues which included asthma, diabetes and chronic insomnia.
He kept on working and teaching as his health deteriorated.
What Happened on July 4, 1902?
The day of Vivekananda’s passing out did in fact see great activity. Early in the morning of July 4th, he sat in meditation for what was to be many hours and also spent time teaching students on the topics of the Vedas, Sanskrit grammar and Vedanta philosophy. Also, he held forth on plans for a Vedic college, which was very much at the forefront of that day; also, reports of him spending time with the monks at Belur Math are plenty.
For his followers, the event was very important as they saw Vivekananda’s exit into the spiritual world, which in some Hindu practices is termed Mahasamadhi.
What do you think was the cause of his death?
At the time of Vivekananda’s death, the exact medical cause of his death was not determined beyond a reasonable doubt by modern standards, which at that time did not have the medical investigation infrastructure we have today.
Historical accounts report that a blood vessel in the brain may have ruptured, which caused his death. As for his followers, they saw in his departure a spiritual phenomenon and tied it to the achievement of Mahasamadhi.
It is thus better to differentiate between the historical medical reports and the spiritual account of his life.
His Final Message Through His Life
Vivekananda’s legacy lived on past his death. Before he passed away, he had established institutions and also had inspired many disciples to carry on his work. In 1897, the Ramakrishna Mission was founded, which became a key player in education, health care, relief work and spiritual service.
His body was cremated at Belur Math on the banks of the Ganga at a place which he had reported to have indicated. Today the Swami Vivekananda Temple is at that location.
The issue of how he died is of great interest in that it presents a history of health decline with also a very spiritual approach to death. Over a century later, what is most amazing in the case of Vivekananda is not that he died young but what he was able to achieve in those 39 years. Still today we are told by his life that the mark a person leaves is not determined by the number of years they lived.
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