Who is Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati? Meet spiritual leader seen with Isha Ambani

New Delhi: The Mahakumbh Mela is known for its spiritual grandeur, but this year, it was also a star-studded affair. Among the saffron-clad saints and chanting devotees, one face stood out—Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.

The American-born spiritual leader was seen alongside Isha Ambani, Katrina Kaif, Raveena Tandon, Kailash Kher, and Vivek Oberoi, capturing public attention. But who exactly is she, and what led her from the halls of Stanford University to the banks of the Ganga?

Meet Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into a Jewish family in Los Angeles, she had a promising academic career at Stanford University, where she was pursuing a PhD in psychology. However, in 1996, a visit to India changed everything. She came with her then-husband Jim, knowing little about Hinduism but fascinated by Indian culture. What she didn’t expect was a life-altering spiritual awakening on the banks of the Ganga River.

The experience was so profound that she chose to renounce her past life. She divorced her husband, embraced Hinduism, and was ordained by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, becoming a renunciate at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.

 

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Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati details her transformation in her memoir, Hollywood, to the Himalayas. In the book, she reveals her struggles with childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and an eating disorder. Yet, her journey to spiritual enlightenment gave her a newfound purpose. Today, she is a revered orator, author, and humanitarian, dedicating herself to social causes and spiritual guidance.

Sadhviji has spent over 25 years immersed in spiritual service. She is the President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, which runs free schools, vocational training programs, and women’s empowerment initiatives. She also directs the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, which attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.

Maha Kumbh 2025

At this year’s Mahakumbh, her presence alongside high-profile figures only reinforced her growing influence. Isha Ambani and Katrina Kaif, among others, took a holy dip in the Prayagraj’s Sangam.