The Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelanam was held in Bengaluru on 16 June 2025, with Pujya Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham presiding over the event.

During his address, His Holiness appreciated the efforts of Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi and Sri Jayendra Puri in organizing the conference. He described the Sammelanam as having a “Common Minimum Programme” (CMP) and stressed that it should blossom into a “Common Maximum Programme” in the future. His Holiness added that these concentrated efforts would enable India to become a “Vishwa Guru”—a world leader in peace and harmony.

Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelanam

Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipati Pujya Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal today graced the Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelanam held in Bangalore. The Sanskrit version of Sankalpam of the Sammelanam was read out by His Holiness.… pic.twitter.com/pz6iq519ZI

— KanchiMatham (@KanchiMatham) June 16, 2025

The meeting drew a galaxy of spiritual leaders from across India and abroad, with over 1,000 saints in attendance, including Swami Ramabhadracharya, Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Pontiff of Suttur Math, as well as representatives from the Buddhist and Jain communities. Participants from Japan and the USA also took part in the event.

To prevent attacks on the Hindus & to impart Hindu education to Hindu children, more than 1,000 saints from across India gathered in Bengaluru under the banner of the Bharatiya Sant Mahaparishad. all the saints resolved to unite & fight collectively to protect the Hindus. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/A89h3HvNBa

— Mohan Gowda (@MohanGowda_HJS) June 16, 2025

The saints collectively resolved to unite and work together to protect Hindus and impart education about their heritage to children in the community.

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The post Bharatiya Sant Maha Sammelan Held In Bengaluru, Resolve To Preserve Hindu Dharma, Culture, And Education appeared first on The Commune.

A distinguished Rig Veda scholar from the holy town of Annavaram in Andhra Pradesh is set to become the 71st Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Duddu Satya Venkata Surya Subramanya Ganesha Sharma Dravid will be anointed on April 30, 2025, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya—an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar—at a ceremony in Kanchipuram. The announcement was made by the Kanchi mutt.

The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham claims an unbroken lineage spanning over 2,500 years, tracing back to Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have founded the institution in 482 BCE. The installation of the 71st pontiff also coincides with the 2534th birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya on May 2, making the occasion even more significant. Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya, the 70th pontiff who has led the Peetham for nearly four decades, will oversee the anointment.

Early Life

Sri Duttu Satya Venkata Surya Subramania Ganesha Sharma was born in 2001 in Dhuni, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Srinivasa Surya Subramania Dhanvanthri, serves as a Vratha Purohit at the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple in Annavaram. His mother is Alivelu Mangadevi.

Sri Sharma received his Vedic education under the tutelage of Chandukutlu Hosamane Ratnakara Bhat Sharma of Karnataka.

He further pursued studies in Shabdamanchari, Dhaaturupavali, Samasa Kusumavali, and other Sanskrit texts under Pallamudi Sathya Venkata Ramanamurthy, a Vedic scholar associated with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Additionally, he began learning Vedic interpretation and Sanskrit grammar under Sri Kammampalli Satheeshacharyar, a Rig Veda scholar and Sanskrit teacher.

Besides his traditional Vedic training, Ganesha Sharma also pursued formal education, completing studies up to Class 10, beginning from LKG (Lower Kindergarten) in Annavaram.

Vedic Journey

In May 2009, during a summer vacation, his grandfather, the late Sri Duttu Subramaniam, took young Subramania Ganesha Sharma to visit his maternal uncle’s home in Tirupati. There, they had darshan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham’s Shankaracharya from a distance.

Noticing the boy, the Acharya called them close, blessed him, and advised that the boy should be enrolled in Vedic studies under Sri Ratnakara Bhat Sharma, a renowned Rig Veda scholar and Salakshana Ganapati serving at the holy Dwaraka Tirumala.

Following the Acharya’s guidance, young Ganesha Sharma was enrolled under Sri Ratnakara Bhat Sharma.
Under his Guru’s watchful guidance, he remained for 12 years, serving diligently and learning the Rig Veda Samhita, Aitareya Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishads. He also studied Pada and Krama recitations.

Later, he received advanced training in related Vedic texts like Pratishakhya and Vyali Shiksha under the guidance of Sri Srinivasa Sharma, the son of Ratnakara Bhat Sharma, who was famous for his expertise in Mantra Ucchadana and served at the Suryanarayana Temple in Arasavalli.

His immersion in Sanskrit, Vedic texts, and Vedanta studies laid deep foundations for his scholarship in Vedic philosophy.

Service at Temples And Association With The Mutt

Ganesha Sharma served as a Rig Vedic Parayana scholar at the Gnana Saraswathi Temple in Basara, Telangana.

During the Chaturmasya observance at Vijayawada, he had the darshan of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. He also had the rare opportunity to have darshan during the Mahamaham festival, which takes place once every 12 years in Kumbakonam, and during the 2019 Athivaradar Darshanam at Kanchipuram.

When Shankaracharya camped at Mahabubnagar, he informed him of completing his Vedic studies and temple service Later, during the Chaturmasya celebrations at Kakinada in 2022, he participated in the Pratishakhya Sadas, receiving further blessings.

Before embarking on a pilgrimage to Kashi, he continued to have regular darshan and perform Vedic recitations at the Shankaracharya’s camp at Nizamabad, expressing his deep interest in Sanskrit learning.

On December 16, 2023, after completing his pilgrimage to Kashi, he visited Basara Saraswathi Temple, received Teertha Prasadam from Shankaracharya, and submitted a report on his progress in Sanskrit learning and his study of Vedarthas (interpretations of the Vedas).

He also mentioned his efforts to teach Rig Veda Padapatha to two young students, earning the Acharya’s affectionate blessings and encouragement to participate in Paramacharya’s Aradhana festivals.

Recent Activities

In January 2024, he participated in Rig Veda Samhita Parayanam at Skandagiri as part of Paramacharya’s Aradhana celebrations, expressing his growing interest in Vedantic studies.

He also undertook pilgrimages to holy places like Dandalam (the pre-ascetic village of Vijayendra Saraswathi), Kakavakkam, and Soolameni Agraharam.

Following Acharya’s guidance, he spent ten days at Tirupati in March 2024, participating in Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal’s Aradhana Mahotsavam.

On April 12, 2024, he personally performed abhishekam for Saraswathi Devi at Basara, praying for permission to continue his higher education at Kanchipuram. The next day, he visited Kanchipuram, had darshan of Kamakshi Devi, and paid respects at the Brindavanams (samadhis) of Paramacharya and Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.

On April 14, 2024, Shankaracharya personally outlined a detailed study and practice plan for him under his direct supervision.

With the blessings of the Peetham, Sri Ganesha Sharma continues his advanced studies in Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Shadangas, Dashopanishads, and various Shastric disciplines.

As the 71st head of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sharma Dravid will guide one of India’s most prestigious Advaita Vedanta centers, located near the revered Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram. The mutt is recognized for its role in Vedic education, manuscript preservation, spiritual discourse, and social welfare initiatives.

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The post Who Is Duddu Satya Venkata Surya Subramanya Ganesha Sharma Dravid? The 71st Shankaracharya Of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam appeared first on The Commune.

Sringeri has been an abode of eternal devotion and it’s not a surprise that the last year has found a renewed, growing reverence and attachment to the Vyakhyana Simhasana of Sringeri. With my humble namaskara at the holy feet of current Jagadgurus and Adi Shankara Bhagatvatpada, I would like to write about my personal experiences with reading and more importantly experiencing this book. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekara Bharathi III is worshipped fervently over generations across the geography of this holy land. However, what amazes me is the fact that he continues to be the subject of immense study and evokes a deep interest amongst the asaktas alike across the spectrum.

This book, first published in 1964, provides a very deep insight into the life and times of the very revered and worshipped Jagadguru. This is perhaps one of the first accounts of Jagadguru’s life in Kannada, with references to multiple works like “The Saint of Sringeri” & “Sparks from the Divine Anvil” by R. Krishnaswamy Iyer (also known as Sri Jnananda Bharathi Swami).  There are other works on the life of Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekara Bharathi by other prominent authors like Prof. S. K. Ramachandra Rao that provide a uniquely different perspective on the life of the Jagadguru.

One of the major highlights of this book is the very comprehensive history of the Sharada Peetam with a very good insight into the various Jagadgurus starting from Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada. The book comprises some wonderful verses throughout the book. The book details the life of Adi Shankara including his pravara (Atri Gotra, Yaju Shakya) and details his journey through the holy land of Bharatvarsha, establishing the 4 peetas – Sharadha Peeta (Sringeri), Govardhana Peeta (Jagannath kshetra – Puri), Kalika Peeta (Dwarka) & Jyotir Peeta (Badrinath).

One of the very interesting insights into Sringeri is the fact that Chandramoulishwara Linga and Ratnagarbha Ganapati are considered to have been brought from Kailasa. Detailing the various Gurus in the unbroken parampara, the book details the rejuvenation of the Adhyatma during the times of Vidyateertha, Bharathi Teertha & Vidyaranya Swamigal. The contributions of the various rulers of the region across centuries including Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan make for a fascinating read, for the book not only expounds the spiritual and dharmic side of the matha, it also provides a very interesting picture of the historical events that occurred during the same time.

In other words, this book becomes an excellent socio-cultural-historical account of the land across centuries. The life and times of Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi VIII (also known as Sri Ugra Narasimha Bharathi) & the journey of Shivaswamy to become Jagadguru Sri Sachidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharathi (also known as Abhinava Shankara) are captured in luminous terms, especially the establishment of Samskrutha Sanjeevani pathashala, identifying Adi Shankara’s birthplace at Kalady and getting a temple constructed at the site etc.

The book then provides the biographical sketch of Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekara Bharathi III Mahaswamigal. When one reads the trials and tribulations of the parents of Mahaswami in his poorvaashrama days i.e. Gopala Shastry and Lakshmamma, one is bound to find very deep empathy at the couple who would have lost 13 children just after their birth. When they decide to embark on a teertha yatra, they are blessed by Bhagwan Mahabaleshwar at Gokarna.

At this juncture, the author provides one of the most magnificent and comprehensive descriptions of Malenaadu’s ethereal beauty. Gopala Shastry and Lakshmamma are blessed with a boy who is named Sri Narasimha. The divine role in guiding the life of the young Vatu is observed at every step with the sitting Jagadguru taking a deep interest in the studies and progress of the young prodigy. Later, it can be observed that Jagadguru had chosen Narasimha as his successor in a very divine composition wherein every verse ends with “sarvajñanaṁ śrī nr̥sinhaṁ kuru śivadayitē “.

When the sitting Jagadguru i.e. Abhinava Shankara attains Mukti owing to age-related issues, the young Narasimha is brought to Sringeri and ordained into Sanyasa as per the wishes of the late guru. It needs to be observed that this decision wasn’t necessarily agreeable to all parties, but the ruling Mysore Maharaja, Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, ensured that the wishes of the Jagadguru were respected and adhered to by all related stakeholders.

The studies of the young Jagadguru were facilitated by very reputed scholars in all streams related to Dharmashastra. However, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharathi III swami would meditate near the vana of his predecessor and Guru and would be able to find solutions to complex problems running in the mind. This form of Guru-Sishya communication would become a recurring theme throughout the book and also is one of the miraculous qualities attributed to the Jagadguru even today.

The rest of the book provides a very detailed insight into the various tours undertaken by the Jagadguru in spreading the message of Dharma across the land. However, the book is also replete with miracles associated with the Jagadguru. One such example is the Swami speaking in chaste Tamil on his very first tour to Tamil Nadu given he had no prior exposure to the language. The author uses excellent metaphors to describe the spiritual and cultural interconnect between geographical boundaries attributing the flow of 2 teerthas – Physical Kaveri and Jnana Ganga from Sringeri.

The book later describes the gradual withdrawal of Mahaswami from the daily functions of the matha and intensifying his sadhana toward self-realization. His trance-like demeanour is considered to be abnormal by many close associates, who hire a reputed doctor to check on the Mahaswami. What is supposed to be a scientific investigation turns out to be a humbling, but enlightening exercise to the respected doctor.

The book also details the selection of Sri Srinivasa as the successor and later ashramapravesha as Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyateertha Mahaswamigal. After Sishya sweekara, the sitting Jagadguru’s withdrawal from routine life and focussing more on sadhana becomes much more intensified, as he is released from the chains of responsibility. Though he does come out of his Avadhuta-like trance sadhana and graces the audience with renowned scholars and leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, he is more focused on remaining a recluse & prefers not to come in full public view.

There are more miraculous events attributed to the Mahaswami like enabling the Nepal king to reclaim his kingdom or being able to view and perceive the pain of people suffering from floods in Kerala when no one was even aware of such an event occurring at that time. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharathi III believed in focusing on one’s own sampradaya and didn’t appreciate conversions or oneupmanship across sampradayas. He was widely respected by people of all faiths and beliefs cutting across the spectrum. The final moments of his life where he decides to give up his mortal coil through Yoga are really hair-raising & quite shocking. The book concludes with a good chapter on the reigning Jagadguru of that time i.e. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyateertha and the continued work on various dharmic and social activities.

The book is such a wonderful gem that it’s a literal field of diamonds i.e. diamonds of timeless, eternal knowledge. Jagadguru always emphasized that one needs to perform sadhana to discover the Guru within oneself. If we can comprehend and assimilate even a fraction of Jagadguru’s teachings, life and society will be a much better place. A very divine and very highly recommended read.

Personal Note: I was lucky and blessed to receive the first edition of the book from Sri Ramprasad K V, whose parents originally owned the book. I can’t express enough my immense gratitude for blessing me with such a wonderful masterpiece. 

Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.

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The post Book Review: Maha Tapasvi Sri Chandrashekara Bharathi By Hurugalavadi Lakshminarasimha Sastry – The Living Light Of Sharada Peetham appeared first on The Commune.

I offer my salutations to the holy feet of Sri Sri Chandrashekara Bharati Swami who is the epitome of spiritual enlightenment. I also offer my humble salutations to the genius of the original author, Vidyalankara Prof. S. K. Ramachandra Rao, whose magnanimous work opens up the world of an era gone by and provides us with a very deep, spiritual, educational, and emotional view into the lives of the one the most inspirational and spiritual personalities to grace the earth. This book is an English translation of the famous Kannada book “Sharadha Peethada Mankiya” (The Jewel of the Sharadha Peetha). The translation by Sri. Karthik is excellent and presents the content in its original form without losing the essence due to translation, along with some very interesting inclusions towards the end of the book.

The book starts with a prologue of the author, where we are exposed to the very heartfelt, deeply emotional, and spiritual words of the author. Considering that the author himself is a doyen of multiple fields, we can only imagine the impact of the spiritual guru on the author and through his work, on the general populace. For Kannada readers, some of the content is reminiscent of the works of DVG (Sri. D. V. Gundappa) along with ample references to Ve. Si. (Veerakesari Seetarama Sastri). DVG has contributed immensely to the development of the book by providing a lot of material, which is acknowledged by the author too. As the author outlines, the purpose of this book is mainly to inspire generations and not any form of publicity. This book does more than inspire.

It is quite difficult to write a review of this book without mentioning the deeply personal and spiritual experience one would experience during the reading of the same. The journey of Pataguppe Ishwari Narasimhasastri to one of the highest spiritual, religious, and powerful seats as the Jagadguru of Sringeri Sharadha Peetha is interesting, intriguing, laden with many contradictions, yet imparts an undeniable and unmistakable imprint on the reader’s psyche. Being born as the grandson of an emancipated soul who becomes an Avadhuta, Narasimha Sastri’s journey as a brilliant student to being the unexpected, perhaps unwanted choice of the previous Jagadguru as the successor to the famous seat is quite extraordinary, to say the least.

The author starts the description from Sri Sri Ugranarasimha Bharathi swami with an excellent explanation of the events during the Hyder Ali campaign and reinstating the seat at Sringeri. The author explains the familial background and journey of Kunigal Ramaswamy’s son Shivaswamy to Sri Sri Satchidananda Shivabhinava Nrsimha Bharathi swami. There are some enlightening anecdotes along the flow. In one instance, swami describes himself as “He who is happy with God’s boon of Deafness”. The book also captures the contribution of the Vijayanagar Empire, the royal Wodeyar family along with various Dewans across the period. The book is also an excellent resource for understanding and comprehending the activities of Sringeri Matha, especially identifying and creating a temple in Adi Sankara’s birthplace, Kalady as well as the establishment of Shankara Matha in Bengaluru.

The journey and experiences of Narasimha Sastri is quite an extraordinary one. Owing to the precarious financial situation of the family, Narasimha grows up in the house of Nanjangud Srikanta Sastri. Fate’s twists and turns are totally unpredictable and at times quite shocking. In an astounding turn of events, Narasimha Sastri is appointed as the heir apparent to the Sharadha Peetha, much to the chagrin of the same Nanjangud Srikanta Sastri who also happens to be the chief administrator of the temple. It is also quite surprising to read that the reigning monarch, Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV also didn’t approve of the choice, but bowed down to the wishes of the incumbent Jagadguru. The impact of Sri Virupaksha Sastri on the young Jagadguru in shaping his values, principles, and perhaps the spiritual outlook of the latter is inspirational and educative at the same time.

The book outlines the various compositions of the Jagadguru and is highlighted in various sections of the book. One of the most profound compositions is on Madurai Meenakshi, which leaves a very deep impact on the reader. The disenchantment of the Jagadguru in the day-to-day (loukika) affairs of the Matha and intense focus on the inner and spiritual development gives a very deep insight into his personality. The events around the Sanskrit commentary on Viveka Chudamani, a task started by his predecessor and Guru are quite insightful, especially his last comment on the same topic.

One of the standout facets of his personality is the very open struggle to deal with Sanyasa while grappling with his responsibilities towards his parents, especially with his mother. His transition into an avadhuta form with intense focus on Spiritual Sadhana and inner growth is partly due to his teacher Sri Virupaksha Sastri and his intense dedicated devotion towards his predecessor and Guru. The life experiences of the Swami give the reader many points to consider for imbibing in their own lives.

Towards the end of the book, there is a short anecdote on Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra Swami, whose work Atma Vidya Vilasa became an integral part of Swami’s life. The book also has a very wonderful English translation of Atma Vidya Vilasa for the readers to savour.

As a reader, I felt a very deep personal connection with the Swami through this book. At times, some of the anecdotes or experiences seem to talk to me directly. The book leaves the reader with a sense of calm to deal with situations and perhaps an unmistakable change in the thought process of the reader. This book is perhaps a life-changing experience for me and am sure many can relate to this claim through their own experiences.

It’s just not a MUST READ, but a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED book, but a book worth worshipping, drawing inspiration from, and imbibing in our daily lives.

~~~ Sri Gurubhyo Namah ~~~

Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.

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The post Book Review: The Saint Of Sringeri By Vidyalankara Prof. SK Ramachandra Rao – The Spiritual Journey Of A Jagadguru appeared first on The Commune.