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Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

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Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Spiritual ambassador with ancient wisdom and modern outlook.

His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, of Jagadguru Sri Madhwaachaarya Moola Mahaa Samsthaanam, Shri Puthige Matha, Udupi, India, was predestined at the age of 12 as the 30th Pontiff of the 750 years old illustrious and everlasting Indian Vedic traditional lineage of Jagadguru Sri Madhwaachaarya, who upheld the famous vedic Dwaitha philosophy.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Birth and childhood

The then pontiff of Shri Puttige mutt Sujnanendra tirtha Swamiji was in quest of a worthy disciple(sishya) and a successor for the divine throne, he had gone through nearly five hundred horoscope (jathakas) hailing from different mutts and places, finally his search came to end when he came across Hayavadana’s horoscope which was meticulously evaluated by several renowned scholars(pundits) and they eventually gave nod for his ascension, thus Hayavadana Acharya was initiated to the highest order of monastery life by Sujnanendra tirtha Swamiji on 8th April, 1974 ( Chaitra masa Krishna paksha Tritiya, Swati nakshatra) in ShriPuttige mutt, Udupi, since then he’s been revered as Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji , a landmark and dawn of new era in Shri Putthige mutt lineage.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Initiation into monastery (Sanyashrama)

The then pontiff of Shri Puttige mutt Sujnanendra tirtha Swamiji was in quest of a worthy disciple(sishya) and a successor for the divine throne, he had gone through nearly five hundred horoscope (jathakas) hailing from different mutts and places, finally his search came to end when he came across Hayavadana’s horoscope which was meticulously evaluated by several renowned scholars(pundits) and they eventually gave nod for his ascension, thus Hayavadana Acharya was initiated to the highest order of monastery life by Sujnanendra tirtha Swamiji on 8th April, 1974 ( Chaitra masa Krishna paksha Tritiya, Swati nakshatra) in ShriPuttige mutt, Udupi, since then he’s been revered as Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji , a landmark and dawn of new era in Shri Putthige mutt lineage.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Early education (Shastra Vidhyabhayasa )

Shri Sujnanedra tirtha swamiji after giving sanyasa deeksha to Shri Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji was there for around just three months in this world, then he left his mortal body and attained Haripada. During those times Shri Vibhudesha tirtharu had invited Shri Vidyamanya tirtharu to Adamar mutt and train his disciple Shri Vishwapriya tirtharu, at that time Shri Vidymanya tirtharu decided to accommodate and train other yatis along with Shri Vishwapriya tirtharu, i.e. Shri Vidyadheesa tirtharu of Adamar mutt, Shri Vidyesha tirtharu of Bhandarkeri mutt, Shri Sugunedra tirtharu of ShriPuttige mutt.

His Holiness Shri Vidyamanya Theertha Swamiji was a renowned scholar and a saint, he was the spiritual and academic teacher of Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji. Sugunendra Swamiji for twelfth years had studied under the tutelage of Shri Vidyamanya tirtha Swamiji all the four branches of Veda, Upanishads, Pancharatra agama, Nyaya, Vyakarana, Tarka, Shriman Nyayasudha and Vysasatraya, and all other Sarvamoola granthas of Shrimadhacharya. Along with other Indian philosophies he had particularly mastered and built a fort around Dwaitha tattva vadha.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

First Paryaya – (18th Jan 1976- 18th Jan 1978)

His Holiness Shri Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji at the age of fifteen was the youngest of all the yatis to ascend the Sarvanga peeta and complete the paryaya for the first time in the history of Shri Krishna mutt spanning over 750 years, even the people closest to Shri samsthana and his ardent well-wishers were amused how can a young swamiji bear the onus and complete such humongous task with no prior experience.
His holiness Shri Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji had executed his responsibilities unblemished with utmost devotion to Lord Krishna & Mukhyaprana, this earned him rich praises from senior pontiffs of other mutts.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Second Paryaya – (18th Jan 1992- 18th Jan 1994)

His Holiness Shri Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji ascended the divine throne for the second time when he was in his early thirties, it was during this paryaya he took bigger sankalpas like.

1. Erection of Swagatha Gopura (Welcome tower) at the main entrance of Udupi.

This structure is a landmark for Udupi and gives a distinct identity for itself and is associated with high emotional values to the people visiting Udupi Krishna mutt.

2. Construction of Indraprastha Guest house for the pilgrims

His Holiness Shri Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji understood the challenges faced by numerous pilgrims visiting Udupi with accommodation, so he constructed a guest house ‘Indraprastha’ which is big enough and can accommodate hundreds of people.

This structure is a landmark for Udupi and gives a distinct identity for itself and is associated with high emotional values to the people visiting Udupi Krishna mutt.

3. Construction of Gita Mandir near the premises of Krishna mutt

The foundation of this structure was laid by the then President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and later the building was inaugurated by the then king of Nepal – Birenda Bir Bikram Shah in 1993. This magnificent multi-storeyed building hosts the Dhyana Mandir for the pilgrims to meditate, Madhva Mandir, Akshara Mandir and the Vishwaroopa Darshana.

Inside the Gita Mandir all the 700 shlokas of Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit have been transcribed on the black granite stone, also in another hall there are several thousand copies of Bhagavad-Gita published in various languages across the world. This was one of the long pending dream projects of HH Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji close to his heart which eventually got materialized later in his second paryaya and cherished by him.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Third Paryaya – (18th Jan 2008- 18th Jan 2010)

The third paryaya had evoked a lot of interests not only within India, across the globe as by that time HH Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji had become a world renowned saint as he had travelled to numerous countries and met several world renowned political and religious leaders which made him apple of the eye. This event was witnessed by large number of devotees, scholars, political and religious leaders, statesmen, celebrities, artists, worldwide media making it truly an international event.
It was during this third paryaya he had contributed Navaratna Kachita ratha(chariot). The ratha was named Navratna ratha as it measures nine feet height, weighs about two tonnes, it consists 500kg of copper, 18kg of silver, 12 kg of gold and studded with 1.5 lakh gemstones.

Construction of Anna brahma hall and distribution of food for free whoever visits Udupi Krishna mutt.

This is yet another magnificent sankalpa taken by HH Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji during his second paryaya in alleviating hunger as irrespective of age, gender, place and social status, etc every human being can feel hunger, and this is the only quest which can be quenched wherein a devotee after having sumptuous food feels and says “enough.

I’m done, I can’t have more, I’m satisfied.” It doesn’t matter whether they were devotees of Lord Krishna, school/college students out on an excursion, people coming from nearby far off places, everyone are welcomed with open arms with open heart and prasadam is served in the Krishna mutt. This was a commendable accomplishment which needs to be acknowledged and reciprocated with gratitude to HH Sugunendra tirtha Swamiji.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

INDIAN AMBASSADOR OF PEACE

A very significant contribution and a unique contribution of Sri Swamiji is spreading the Tatva Vaada, the Madhwa Philosophy to the world outside India. He has visited western eastern and even middle east countries and blessed the devotees with the message of Acharya Madhwa. He has established 14+ spiritual centers outside India. Through these centers, he has fulfilled the spiritual needs of the migrant Indian community and inspired them to pursue their religious practices and to initiate their next generation to Hindu fold.

The multifarious abilities of His Holiness Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, enabled him to be the International President of Religions for Peace an Organisation on par with the UNO, New York. This honour was conferred upon our Swamiji consecutively for three terms during which parama poojya Swamiji visited Kazhakistan, Kenya, Turkey, Phillipines, Japan, Taiwan, Amman, Vatican city, Salt Lake city, Madrid, Seville,   Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Moscow, Dar es Salaam, Kyoto, Hiroshima to hold parleys on religious amity.

Delivering his mos t significant address at UNO’s General Assembly, Sri Puthigesri laid emphasis on the need for restraint on several countries’ Defence Ammunitions and root out the ever-growing acts of terrorism world over.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Swamiji’s contributions to Younger Generations

In the ever-growing sophisticated urbanization, it is becoming difficult to get value-education. Kids are taught the subjects that are required to earn a lively hood job and money centered life thereafter. Parents don’t have time either to educate kids on priories of life!

Understanding the needs of the society, His Holiness Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji has started different types of schools to cater to the needs of different sects of the society. Below is a bird’s view highlights of the services he is offering for the value based education to strengthen our next generation

Higher Primary School, Kemundel

When a 120 year old school in an absolute remote village called Kemundel was almost in closing stages, His Holiness Sri SugunendraTheertha Swamiji took over the school. He revamped the entire system and now this school is a most sought-after school for nearby many villagers.

1. Founded in the year 1890 and has completed 128 years and its glory to continue.

2. This is a Kannada medium school located in an absolute rural area supporting a couple of villages around it.

3. After Swamiji took over the school, student strength increased from 35 to 120 and is increasing year on year.

4. The school is provided with a bus and other basic facilities by Sri Swamiji to help kids from remote places to reach the school.

5. A fresh mid-day meal is provided to all children every day.

6. All these facilities and uniforms are provided fully free of charge.

7. The school has achieved recognition at state and district level in extracurricular activities.

8. School was selected from Karnataka state for the “Inspire Award” by the department of science and technology, Government of India.

9. The school with the unique opportunity for the children to learn English and Sanskrit from the first standard itself.

Puthige Vaidika-Loukika Vidyapeetha: (Indian value-based education-regular modern schooling)

India is famous for its spiritual education through Gurukula systems. There are hardly few places in India where the Spiritual knowledge is given in the Indian traditional Gurukula System. Generally it is difficult for parents and students to decide whether or not to join full-fledged Gurukula studies leaving the modern schooling system.

His Holiness started a unique Gurukula system, where kids are provided value based Indian traditional education but still facilitating regular school academics. This was the first of its kind experiment by His Holiness and benefitted many families longing for Gurukula education. It adopts the best of both the worlds. The accommodation, food and Indian heritage education is totally free of cost. Kids have modern facilities for staying and studying. There are two such facilities, one in Udupi town and other in Bangalore City.

Puthige Vaidika Vidyapeetha

Here students are imparted the Indian heritage education, the Vedic science. Students from this institution contribute to the elite sect of society who can inspire people through their scholaric education and mentor the people to elevate out of their problems.

Today many of the students from this institution are respectful priests in the temples. Hundreds of graduates from this Vidyapeetha are serving Puthige Matha branches across the globe.

Along with the main Gurukula at Puthige village in Karnataka, there is one in Bhadraka, Odisha and one more at Chenai, Tamilnadu

Seasonal Sessions (Camps, “Shibhira”)

Swamiji’s love for kids is endless. There are occasional programs conducted during summer holidays and during other festival seasons. Kids learn various aspects of life in a short span of time through fun filled activities. Even Online classes were held during pandamic.

This is conducted in most of the branches of Sri Puthige Matha across India and abroad. Hundreds of kids and families benefit from this every year.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Vadiraja Research Foundation

Parama Poojya Swamiji started a research center which is meant for protecting and studying the manuscripts which are of high value to the Indian tradition. In this center. In addition, this center also provides educational sessions on the useful information on manuscripts and about reading them. Vairaja research foundation has conducted many seminars including scholar’s world over.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Publications

To increase awareness in public and inspire them for the positive happy life Parama Pooja Swamiji has published many books from time to time.

Suguna Mala and Suguna Digest: Sugina Mala is Kannada monthly, and Suguna Digest is English quarterly. In these periodicals, thought provoking articles on Sriman Nyayasudha by Swamiji, are published every month. Along with these articles, this magazine is enriched with many educational articles by Great Scholars such as Sri Bannanje Govindacharya, Malagi JayathIrtha acharya, Sagri Raghavendra Upadhyaya , Shri Ramanathacharya and many more. 

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Indian Centers

There are more than 21 centers within India, apart from 14+ centers outside India.  Sri Puthige Swamiji with his great concern towards Indian heritage, took many projects to rejuvenate and resuscitate the centuries-old temple premises, its structures adding up with new make-overs, new long lasting looks.

One such beautiful and special temple is The Aave temple with Sri Swamiji consecrating Sri Govardhana Kshetra, the mighty 5 storied hillock modelled cave temple on the Bull Temple road, in Basavanagudi, Bengalur. It stands as a marvel even after two decades of its built as the most unique tribute to Lord Govardhana Krishna. Today it has become a tourist attraction and an epicentre of religious and spiritual as well as educational and cultural events, on a daily basis. The design and the carvings of many graffittis on the interior walls bespeak Bhagavatha and its tell-tale stories to every visiting devotee, young or old.

Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji

Upcoming Fourth Paryaya

Parama Poojya Swamiji will take up the “Sarvajna Peetha” for the fourth time starting Jan 2024 for two years. This 2 year Paryaya is dedicated to Gitacharya, Lord Sri Krishna and is called “Vishwa Gita Paryaya” For this historical Paryaya period, he has rolled out a mega plan of 5 magnum-opus projects.

1. Koti Gita Lekhna Yajna: A crore people to write Bhagavad Gita and submit to Lord Krishna

2. Gita Chanting: Dawn-to-Dusk chanting of Gita by various teams

3. Swarna Gita Ratha: Golden Gita Chariot to be offered to Sri Krishna to commemorate 50 years of Sanyaasa life of Parama Poojya Swamiji

4. Udupi Kshetra vasa: Building accommodation facilities for devotees coming to Udupi

5. Madhwsga Vrutta: To remember Jagadguru Sriman Madhwacharya who brought Lord Krishna from Malpe Sea shore, an Idol of Madhwacharya carrying Udupi Krishna will be installed at the junction leading to the temple and naming it as Madhwesha Vritta along with welcome Arch.

The main branch of this Matha is in the village by name Puthige. The idol of Vithal with Rukmini and Satyabhama gifted to the first pontiff Shri Upendra Tirtha by the Acharya Madhva is worshipped here. 

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