Prahlad Jani: The Yogi Who Lived Without Food and Water

The Fasting Yogi

In a world driven by science, logic, and reason, there occasionally emerges a figure who defies every established law of nature. Prahlad Jani, also known as “Mataji,” a yogi from Gujarat, India, claimed to have lived for decades without food or water. His story is more than just about spirituality; it is also about a deep mystery that baffles believers, scientists, and skeptical individuals alike.

The Beginning of a Miracle Man’s Life

Prahlad Jani was born in Charada village, Gujarat, in 1929. From an early age, he was drawn toward spirituality and the path of saints (sant). He claimed that he moved out of his house when he was seven and began living in the woods. His vision of the goddess Amba Mata, who he believed blessed him with the ability to survive without food or drink, makes his story even stranger. Jani stated that he had not eaten or drunk since that point, even into his 90s. This extraordinary claim placed him among the bharat ke mahan sant—India’s great saints—whose lives continue to inspire curiosity and faith.

Living Without Food and Water-The Fasting Yogi

For most of us, it is impossible to survive beyond a few days without water and beyond a couple of weeks without food. However, Jani’s existence appeared to mock biology itself. His life reminds many readers of ancient yogic wisdom preserved in texts like The Hindu Yogi Science of Breath and Yogi Katha Amrit, which explore the hidden powers of meditation and breath control.

The Investigations of Science

Doctors and scientists from all over the world were intrigued by Jani’s mysterious survival. He was monitored under strict conditions on two major occasions:

Study in 2003 at Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad
For ten days, Jani was observed without food or water. No urination, stool, or dehydration was noted, and he showed no significant weight loss.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Study in 2010
This time, he was monitored for fifteen days. A team of thirty medical professionals and military scientists watched him constantly through CCTV. Again, he neither ate nor drank, yet his health remained stable.

Both studies left science puzzled. Was this a case of mastery over body and mind similar to that described in the life stories of a Himalayan yogi? Or was it something beyond even yogic science?

The Unknown Facts About Prahlad Jani

The Nectar from the Palate: Jani claimed a divine nectar sustained him, swallowed from his palate. Was it spiritual energy or an unknown biological function?
Ageless Body: Even in his 80s and 90s, he remained energetic and healthy.
Power of Meditation: Some suggested his yogic practices allowed him to recycle energy within his body, a concept often linked with famous yogis of India.
Connection with Divinity: For Jani, his power came from Goddess Amba Mata. To devotees, this was proof of divinity.

Other Intriguing Aspects

Celibacy for a Lifetime: He lived unmarried, claiming celibacy protected his divine gift.
Military Interest: DRDO explored his survival as a possible aid for soldiers in extreme conditions.
No Medical Illnesses: Remarkably, he never developed diseases linked to malnutrition or dehydration.
Aura of Devotees: Visitors felt calmness near him, often describing an aura beyond human explanation.
Cave of Silence: Jani lived in a cave near Ambaji Temple. Visitors claimed eerie silence, strange whispers, and even malfunctioning watches.
Strange Lights: During night prayers, devotees reported glowing orbs around him, while skeptics dismissed them as camera defects.

Was He a Purusha Siddha?

In Indian mysticism, Siddha Purushas are beings who have mastered nature. Many believed Jani was one of them, sustained by prana shakti (life force energy). This belief connects him to the legacy of bharat ke sant—spiritual masters who transcend normal human limits.

The Mysterious Demise

Prahlad Jani passed away on May 26, 2020, at the age of 90. Strangely, his body showed no signs of decay for days, almost as if death hesitated to touch him. Devotees said his soul had merged with the goddess, while others believed he had only transformed. His peaceful passing mirrored his mysterious life.

Last Thoughts: Spirituality or Science?

Prahlad Jani’s story stands at the crossroads of faith, science, and mystery. Was he a divinely ordained miracle? Or had he mastered a hidden yogic technique unknown to modern medicine?

In the end, his life reminds us of the timeless wisdom carried by India’s saints—hindi sant, bharat ke mahan sant, and famous yogis whose existence challenges the boundaries of logic. Whether one reads ancient works like The Hindu Yogi Science of Breath, Yogi Katha Amrit, or modern accounts of a Himalayan yogi, one truth remains: the universe still holds secrets beyond our comprehension.

Disclaimer

The story of Prahlad Jani is shared for information and awe. While some reports claim it is true, many scientists do not believe it. This blog is not intended to encourage anyone to follow such practices blindly. It remains an unsolved mystery—a fascinating part of the spiritual history of bharat ke sant.