The Controversial Journey of Swami Nithyananda: From Godman to Fugitive and the Myth of Kailaasa

Nithyananda, born Arunachalam Rajasekaran on January 1, 1978, in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who has been at the center of numerous controversies throughout his life. His journey from a spiritual guru to an international fugitive involves allegations of sexual misconduct, legal battles, and the establishment of a self-declared nation.

Early Life and Spiritual Pursuits:

Nithyananda claimed to have experienced spiritual enlightenment at the age of 22. In 2003, he established the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam ashram near Bengaluru, Karnataka, which expanded into multiple centers both in India and internationally. His teachings, rooted in Hindu philosophies, attracted a significant following over the years.

Sex Scandals and Legal Issues:

In 2010, a video surfaced allegedly showing Nithyananda in a compromising position with Tamil actress Ranjitha. Both Nithyananda and Ranjitha denied the video’s authenticity, claiming it was morphed. However, forensic investigations reportedly confirmed the video’s authenticity. This scandal led to widespread media coverage and public outcry.

Following this, multiple allegations emerged. In 2010, a woman accused Nithyananda of rape over a period spanning five years during her stay at his ashram. By June 2018, a Karnataka trial court framed charges against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape and unnatural sex. Nithyananda denied these allegations.

In 2019, authorities in Gujarat filed a case against Nithyananda for alleged abduction and wrongful confinement of children to collect donations for his ashram. Facing mounting legal pressures, Nithyananda fled India and has remained in hiding since.

Establishment of Kailaasa:

In December 2019, Nithyananda announced the creation of a self-proclaimed nation called “Kailaasa.” He described it as the world’s only sovereign Hindu nation, intended as a refuge for persecuted Hindus. Kailaasa reportedly has its own flag, passport, and currency known as “Kailashian Dollars.” However, the legitimacy of this nation is widely questioned, and it lacks recognition from any established country.

Kailaasa’s Claim to International Presence:

In a surprising and controversial move, representatives of Kailaasa managed to participate in a United Nations meeting in early 2023, during a discussion on sustainable development. The representatives claimed to be speaking on behalf of the “Sovereign State of Kailaasa,” promoting it as a legitimate Hindu nation. Their statements caused confusion and sparked debate globally, as the UN later clarified that the intervention came during a public event open to all NGOs and was not an official endorsement or recognition of Kailaasa as a sovereign nation. Still, the incident grabbed international headlines and highlighted the extent of Nithyananda’s attempts to legitimize Kailaasa on the world stage.

Vijayapriya Nithyananda serves as the self-proclaimed “permanent ambassador” of the “United States of Kailasa” (USK), a fictional nation founded by fugitive Indian godman Nithyananda. In February 2023, she represented USK at a United Nations meeting in Geneva, where she asserted that Nithyananda was being persecuted in his birthplace for reviving ancient Hindu traditions. Vijayapriya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba and is proficient in English, French, Hindi, and Creole. She resides in the United States and is known to have a tattoo of Nithyananda on her right arm.

Recent Death Rumors and Fact-Check:

In April 2025, rumors began circulating about Nithyananda’s death. These claims were primarily propagated by certain Tamil media outlets. However, representatives from Kailaasa promptly refuted these rumors, asserting that Nithyananda is “alive, safe, and active.” They provided evidence of his participation in a live-streamed Ugadi celebration on March 30, 2025, to substantiate their claims.

Conclusion:

Swami Nithyananda’s life has been marked by a blend of spiritual teachings and controversies. From establishing a global spiritual organization to facing serious legal allegations and creating a self-declared nation, his journey continues to intrigue and polarize public opinion. As of now, despite the numerous rumors and allegations, Nithyananda remains a significant figure in contemporary spiritual discourse.

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