Meet man who quit high-paying IT job to become monk, son of former US Army commander, is part of Mahakumbh 2025 as...

Vyasanand Giri has been appointed the Mahamandaleshwar of the Shri Niranjani Akhara at the Mahakumbh 2025. He is a promoter of yoga, meditation, and Sanskrit. His anointment occurred during a grand ceremony at the Mahakumbh, where he was honored with mantras. Tom, now known as Vyasanand Giri began following the principles of Adi Shankaracharya at age 15. Later, after coming under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he renounced his family life and took up sannyasa.

During the welcome ceremony, prominent figures such as Swami Kailashanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Anand Akhara, and Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and Secretary of Niranjani Akhara, draped him in a saffron robe and adorned him with garlands. Other saints also showered him with flowers to celebrate this occasion. 

Who is Vyasanand Giri's father?

Vyasanand Giri's father, Thomas Merritt Nalls, served as the Deputy Director of Operations in the US Army. He began practicing the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya at a young age.

Vyasanand Giri received sannyasa diksha from Swami Kailashanand during the 2013 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. Currently, he runs a large ashram in Arizona, USA, where he promotes yoga and meditation. Given his contributions, he has been honored with the title of Mahamandaleshwar by the akhara. According to Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri, the Niranjani Akhara aims to promote Sanatan Dharma globally, and this initiative will be accelerated under Vyasanand Giri's leadership. He is recognized as a dedicated ascetic with unique devotion to spirituality.