Srimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Kudali Sringeri Mahasamsthan Dakshinamnaya has announced a cash prize of ₹10 lakh for students who successfully complete higher Vedic studies in Rig Veda and Yajur Veda at the mutt’s gurukula.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Shankaracharya Abhinava Shankara Bharati Mahaswamy stated that the initiative aims to preserve the ancient gurukula tradition and encourage rigorous Vedic education. The mutt has already commenced its gurukula activities to facilitate this.

The Shankaracharya explained that students will be trained in six core Shastras—Shiksha, Chandassu, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Jyothishya, and Kalpa—collectively known as ‘Shadanga’. Additionally, the curriculum includes Pratishakhya, along with Veda Samhita, Brahmana, and Aranyaka, making a total of ten granthas (epics).

• Students who complete all ten granthas and pass the examination will earn the title ‘Dasha Granthi’ and receive a cash award of ₹5 lakh.
• Those who continue their studies to the advanced level of Salakshana Ghanantha and pass the final examination will be awarded the title ‘Sadashagrantha Salakshana Ghanapathi’, along with a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

10-Year Free Education Program

The gurukula course spans 10 years, with some students requiring up to 12 years to complete their studies. Education is provided free of cost, covering both Rig Veda and Yajur Veda branches.

The Shankaracharya emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to preserve and promote higher Vedic education for future generations.

#Kudali#Gurukul pic.twitter.com/eF0Ne3Y3Lj

— Kudali Sringeri Maha Samsthan (@KudaliSringeri) February 4, 2025

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The post Kudali Shankaracharya Announces ₹10 Lakh Cash Prize For Students Completing Rig And Yajur Veda Studies appeared first on The Commune.

In a rare and prestigious recognition of Vedic scholarship, 20-year-old Chandramouli Muralikrishnan was honored with a cash award of ₹10 Lakhs by the Kudali Sringeri Maha Samsthan for achieving the highest level of proficiency in Rig Veda recitation. The award was presented by Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Mahaswamy, the 72nd Shankaracharya of the Maha Samsthan, during a grand felicitation ceremony at the Gayatri Mangala Mandira in Shimoga.

Chandramouli, hailing from a five-generation lineage of Vedic scholars, achieved this accolade for his mastery of Ghanapaaraayana, a rigorous and intricate oral tradition used to preserve the Vedas. He studied under the guidance of Sri Subrahmanya Ghanapaathi at Jagadguru Vidyasthanam in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, and has also completed the Dasha Granthi, which encompasses the study of ten foundational texts crucial for Vedic interpretation.

The event attracted a distinguished assembly of scholars, including Sri Dattavadhoot Guruji of Chaitanyashram, Sri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Kashi, and Guruji Narendra Kapre of Bhagyanagar, who came to honor and bless the young scholar. The highlight of the ceremony was Chandramouli’s recitation of all 10,552 hymns of the Rig Veda in the Ghana format from memory—a feat completed over 60 days during the Chaturmasa period, with daily sessions lasting up to eight hours.

The grand procession began at the Gayatri Temple, with Chandramouli being escorted to the Gayatri Mangala Mandira. The streets of Shimoga resonated with Vedic chants, bhajans, and celebrations, as the young scholar was honored by over 800 attendees. The felicitation ceremony was supported by 33 local organizations, signifying a renewed commitment to recognizing traditional scholars.

Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati, a prominent Vedic authority, emphasized the need to preserve Vedic heritage in its pure form, drawing a parallel between the conservation of seeds and the preservation of the Vedas. He expressed concern over the decline in recognition for Vedic scholars due to shifting cultural values and advocated for greater encouragement and support for those who dedicate their lives to Vedic studies.

In a symbolic gesture to revive traditional reverence, Chandramouli was also presented with a gold seal, a pearl necklace, and a gold bangle. Other dignitaries, including MLA S.N. Channabasappa and representatives of various Brahmin and cultural organizations, attended the ceremony, further underscoring the significance of this remarkable achievement.

The event marked a momentous occasion for Vedic scholarship in Karnataka, with the Maha Samsthan reaffirming its commitment to nurturing traditional learning and ensuring that scholars like Chandramouli receive the recognition and support they deserve.

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The post 20-Year-Old Vedic Scholar Honored With ₹10 Lakhs For Rig Veda Mastery By Kudali Sringeri Maha Samsthan appeared first on The Commune.