Prahlad Jani, also known as Mataji, was a mystic and spiritual guru from India who claimed to have lived without food and water for more than 70 years. He was born on August 13, 1929, in Charada village in Gujarat, India, and passed away on May 26, 2020, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
His claims of living without food or water have garnered worldwide attention and have been the subject of scientific scrutiny. In this article, we will explore Prahlad Jani’s life and the scientific studies conducted to verify his claims.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Prahlad Jani was born into a family of farmers in Charada village in Gujarat, India. Prahlad Jani left his family at the age of 7 and traveled to the Himalayas, where he lived as a hermit and continued his spiritual practices. He claims to have spent many years in solitude, meditating and fasting.
He claims that at the age of 11, he was visited by Hindu goddess Amba, who bestowed upon him the gift of life without food or water. This experience marked the beginning of his spiritual journey, and he started to explore meditation and other spiritual practices.
After the supposed visit from a goddess at the age of 11, Prahlad Jani began to dress as a female devotee of goddess Amba, donning a red sari, jewelry, and flowers in his hair. He adopted the name “Mataji,” which translates to “The Great Mother” in English.
Prahlad Jani’s decision to dress as a female devotee of Amba was a significant step in his spiritual journey. The color red is often associated with Hindu deities, particularly goddesses, and is considered to symbolize power.
Jani’s adoption of feminine attire and his name “Mataji” were not uncommon in the world of Indian spirituality, where gender roles are often more fluid than in Western culture.
Life Without Food and Water
Prahlad Jani claimed that he did not eat or drink anything for more than 70 years. He said that he survived on divine nectar that he received through a hole in his palate. He also claimed that he did not produce urine or feces during this time.
Jani’s claims were first brought to the public’s attention in the 1970s, and he became known as the “Breatharian Yogi.” His claims were met with skepticism, and he was subject to scientific scrutiny to verify his claims.
Scientific Studies On Prahlad Jani
Prahlad Jani underwent several scientific studies to test his claims of living without food or water. The first study was conducted in 2003 by the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) in Delhi, India. The study lasted for 10 days, during which Jani was kept under constant surveillance.
The researchers reported that Jani did not eat or drink anything during the study period and did not show any signs of dehydration or starvation. However, the study was criticized for not being rigorous enough.
At Sterling Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, Jani was part of yet another study in 2010. During the study’s 15-day duration, Jani was subjected to round-the-clock monitoring.
Once again, the researchers found that Jani did not consume any food or water during the study period without exhibiting any symptoms of dehydration or hunger. The new investigation was more comprehensive than the old one, and the results confirmed that Jani’s claims were true.
Legacy And Impact Of Prahlad Jani
Prahlad Jani’s claims of living without food or water have garnered worldwide attention and have been the subject of scientific scrutiny. His story has inspired many people and has led to a renewed interest in spiritual practices and meditation. Some people have even attempted to replicate Jani’s feat, although without success.
Jani’s legacy has also been the subject of controversy. Some have argued that his claims were a hoax, while others believe that his story is genuine. Jani’s spiritual journey and adoption of a feminine persona as “Mataji” speak to the fluidity of gender roles in Indian culture and the power of religious devotion.
In conclusion, Prahlad Jani’s claims of living without food and water for more than 70 years have captivated the world and sparked scientific curiosity. While his claims have been met with skepticism and criticism, the scientific studies conducted on him suggest that there may be some truth to his story.
Regardless of the veracity of his claims, Prahlad Jani’s story holds spiritual significance for many who see it as a testament to the power of faith and meditation. His legacy will continue to inspire and intrigue people for generations to come.
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