SWAMI SRIMAD SAMYAMINDRA THIRTHA The Divine Transition

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By MAHESH NAYAK glorious manner. An enlightened scholar, of Hindu theology, the other two being Photos: Manju Neereshwallya Swami Sudhindra Thirtha’s tenure lasted ‘Advaitha’ following Shaivite tradition of an unprecedented 67 years and it had seen Adi Shankaracharya and ‘Vishistadvaitha’ N 28TH JANUARY 2016, THE his stature rise to iconic heights. His following SriVaishnavism of Sri Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) charismatic personality was the glue that Ramanujacharya. Ocommunity was witness to a once had kept the community together. It is in The reason ‘Guruparampara’ plays in a lifetime event – the ascension of a his gigantic footsteps that his disciple such a predominant role in GSB new swami as the ‘Matadhipathi’ or the Swami Samyamindra Thirtha will have community life is a historical one. GSBs supreme spiritual head of Shree Kashi to follow and gradually evolve into his claim their origin to the Vedic river Math Samsthan. It is on this day that innate spiritual persona. Saraswati, in north . This river was Swami Srimad Samyamindra Thirtha The concept that this system gradually lost to the earth and the formally assumed leadership of the manifests, known as ‘Guruparampara’ is community subsequently migrated to

Swami Srimad Sudhindra Thirtha The idols of Vyas Raghupathi, Swami Srimad Samyamindra Thirtha 20th Matadhipathi of Ramachandra and and other 21st Matadhipathi of Shree Samsthan dieties of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan Shree Kashi Math Samsthan

community as the 21st Matadhipathi of the central to GSB community life. various places to finally settle down in Math, thus continuing an unbroken line ‘Guruparampara’ is in essence, a on the Konkan coast. Following the of succession spanning 475 years. The pontifical order commonly identified in Portuguese invasion of Goa, the grand ceremony to mark the occasion, mainstream as ‘ Math’ or community was forced to further disperse which took place in , reflected as ‘Dharma Peeta’. Under this system, in order to escape religious persecution. the royal splendour that the community the Math serves the role of a spiritual While some moved to neighbouring showers on the leader who is hailed as institution dedicated to the ideals of a southern , a large section ‘Guru Maharaj’, a title embodying the patron deity and a particular stream of settled all along the West Coast up to concept of ‘philosopher-king’. theology. Shree Kashi Math Samsthan has . and DK district too has The last such event to have taken place Shree Vyas Raghupathi as the patron deity a sizeable GSB population. Being of was in the year 1949, when his and follows ‘’ and the Vedic origin, the community was rooted predecessor and Guru, Swami Srimad ‘Dvaitha’ school of , propounded in religion. With a well organised Sudhindra Thirtha had succeeded Swami by the great sage Madhwacharya. This religious fabric comprising a network of ransition Srimad Sukrithindra Thirtha in a similarly philosophy forms one of the three streams clan temples and a centralising ‘Guru

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Math’ system, the community had thrived in Goa. Having left all this behind, the community now felt lost and a need was felt to reboot its former identity by establishing a new spiritual lineage. Moreover, it is also said the then king of Travancore who ruled their new homeland of , had declined to grant formal recognition to the new migrants in the absence of a guiding force in the form of a spiritual guru. During those days large parts of Kerala and were affiliated to Math. Hence, the GSB community people of Kochi took the initiative to approach Sri Vijayendra Theertha Swami of Kumbhakonam Math, Swami Srimad Samyamindra Thirtha during who was then camping nearby. his anointment ceremony at Haridwar in 2002 Explaining their predicament, they prayed to him to anoint one of their own as his Varnashrama system - the Hindu code of disciple and initiate the formation of new life. This is the final stage of renunciation ‘Dharma Peeta’ for the community. Sri in preparation of transition to the other Vijayendra Theertha Swami obliged their world. It is supposed to be attained in old request and anointed Swami Srimad age after retirement and after fulfilling all Yadavendra Thirtha who went on to of one’s worldly duties and desires. become the first ‘Matadhipathi’ of Shree However, in the case of a swami of a Kashi Math Samsthan which was monastic order like Shree Kashi Math, one established in 1541. Since then the Math enters Sanyas at a young age, thereby tradition has been continued by 20 of his precluding all other intermediary stages successors including the present Swami of life such as profession, family and Samyamindra Thirtha. retirement. Furthermore, Hinduism allows Apart from Shree Kashi Math, which one to be a swami at any age or stage in is based in the holy city of , GSBs life. Such monks live solitary lives or join owe allegiance to two other Guru Peetas. ENCE THE INSTITUTION OF any of the existing monastic orders. But Shree Saunsthan Gaudapadacharya swami has come to play a great in the case of anointment of future heads Kavale Math is the oldest of these. It was Hunifying role in GSB community of institutions like Shree Kashi Math, who founded in 740 AD by Shri life. The swami is considered to be the has the responsibility of providing Gaudapadacharya who was the guru of spiritual guide of the community and is administrative and community leadership, Shri Adi Shankaracharya and it follows placed above all. Up on accepting the role, early initiation is a must. Shaivite tradition. Shrimad Shivananda the individual is required to completely The process of selection is an elaborate Saraswati Swami Gaudapadacharya, the renounce his former human identity. This one. Traditionally, it is said the identity present Peetadipathi, is the 77th head of lifelong commitment involves acceptance of the candidate is revealed to the guru this Math, which is based in Goa. The of celibacy and personal poverty, as being swami in a dream. After a background other Peeta, Shree Samsthan Gokarn a monk the swami can have no worldly check of the boy, his horoscope is then Partagali Jeevottam Math was founded in possessions. Attaining knowledge, summoned for studying his suitability for 1475 and is based in Goa. Shri engaging in spiritual enquiry and devotion his future role. It is essential that his Vidhyadhiraja Theertha Shripad Vader to religious duties are the only pursuits horoscope should indicate both Swami is the 24th Matadhipathi of this then on. ‘Sanyasayoga’ and ‘Rajayoga’ – a math. Like Shree Kashi Math it follows The concept of ‘swami’ is in turn predestiny for the life of a monk as well Vaishnavite tradition and is affiliated to embedded in the concept of ‘Sanyas’ which as that of a king respectively – as his future Madhwa philosophy. is the final stage of life according the role demands a harmony of these two

16 MANGALORE TODAY - FEBRUARY 2016 CCCOOOVER STSTSTO RRORYYY qualities. After passing these requirements, the formal announcement is made with the consent of the prospective candidate and his parents. In the case of Swami Samyamindra Thirtha, a formal selection process was launched at the turn of the millennium and he became the chosen one after scrutiny of 48 horoscopes that were collected. Born on 12th September 1982, his birth name was Umesh Mallan. When the call came from the Samsthan, he was 18 years of age and was studying in the 2nd year of B. Com course at Laxmi College at Paravaoor in Ernakulam district of Kerala. He was the younger of two sons and his father Surendra Mallan was employed as a stenographer at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi which Rare photo of Samyamindra Thirtha being blessed by Guru before being anointed as Shishya functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is It is considered to be a great honour which fell on 20th June 2002. The rituals engaged in the design and development of to be called upon to serve the Math and took place at Vysashram in Haridwar on underwater surveillance systems for the boy cheerfully bowed down to the new the banks of the holy river Ganga. defence applications. It is said the young future that awaited him. He was formally Elaborate series of homas and havans were boy was dreaming of pursuing a career anointed by his Guru Swami Srimad performed as part of this ceremony. One the army and serving the nation, when the Sudhindra Thirtha by conferring Sanyas of the rituals that one has to perform before divine destiny unfolded before him. Deeksha on Jyesta Shuddha Dashami accepting Sanyas Deeksha is the ‘Atma Shraddha’. This is the performance of File photo : Shishya Sweekar by Guru Swami Sudhindra Thirtha one’s own last rites, which are normally done after death by one’s children. This signifies his renunciation of his birth identity and the acceptance of celibacy. Thereafter, Shishya Sweekar ceremony was performed, whereby the guru formally accepted the youth as his shishya or disciple. In recognition of his new spiritual identity, a new name was accorded to him by the guru. The choice of the new name is the prerogative of the guru swami and he chose the name of ‘Samyamindra’ which is said to mean ‘one who has total mastery over all the senses’ as ‘Indriya’ refers to our sensory faculties. It is a long standing tradition that the name of every swami of Shree Kashi Math ends with the suffix ‘indra’ or ‘endra’. Those who take interest in symbolism surmise a deeper meaning in the choice of the name. Swami Sudhindra Thirtha was known for his great devotion to

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Raghavendra Swami, the legendary sage of Mathralaya. It is also a matter of fact that the Kumbakonam Math which played a parental role in the birth of Shree Kashi Math is the very same math which is today popularly known as Raghavendra Swami Math, Mathralaya. An even more interesting connection is that the guru swami of Raghavendra Swami was known as Sudheendra Theertha. Hence it is conceivable that the senior swami should have contemplated on immortalising this symbolic connection between the two maths, by naming his own Shishya in a similar fashion. Prior to the anointment of the new disciple, Swami Sudhindra Thirtha had anointed another disciple in the late 80’s. He had been given the name ‘Raghavendra Thirtha’. This disciple had later abdicated his position Swami Samyamindra Thirtha with Swami Sudhindra Thirtha while offerring Trikala Pooja under a cloud of great controversy. It was following his departure, that the new theological training at Poornaprajna completion of study. shishya had been taken and named Vidyapeetha Sanskrit Pathashala, Then on the new graduate, came under ‘Samyamindra’, which happens to be one Bangalore. A Vedic institution established the direct mentoring of his guru Swami of the little known titles of the legendary by Sri Vishvesha Thheertha Swami of Sri Sudhindra Thirtha which would continue sage Raghavendra Swami of Mantralaya. Pejavar Math, a little over a half- throughout the senior swami’s life. On a Hence the circle is now complete! century ago, it is steeped in Madhwa parallel plane, from now on the young Following this important event, Swami stream of spirituality followed by Shree disciple also commences ‘Swaadhyaya’ or Sudhindra Thirtha issued a proclamation Kashi Math Samsthan. Here the young the lifelong practice of self learning. recognising Swami Samyamindra Thirtha disciple was training in every aspect of Dedicated time is set aside every morning as his new disciple on the day of Vedanta required for fulfilling his future for the swami to immerse himself in study Jayanthi or Guru Poornima, which is an duties. The training spanned for about to enrich his knowledge and understanding auspicious day for the Math. After this three years culminating with the ‘Sudha of the world. It is said that Swami followed almost three years of rigorous Mangala’ which signifies successful Sudhindra Thirtha would immerse himself in this practice even till his last day. He File photo of Samyamindra Thirtha with his parents and his elder brother before his anointment would often discuss his subjects of study with other experts to gain different perspectives and broaden his understanding. The senior swami actively guided the disciple in right conduct and in effectively interacting with devotees. He encouraged the discipline to travel extensively and reach out to the devotees. When the young vatu had gained in experience, his responsibilities were gradually increased in preparation for the discharge his future duties. As time went by, when the senior swami was satisfied with the progress the disciple had made, he began to entrust more important religious duties to him.

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He was now ready to be declared as the up in court. After due deliberations, the controversy has surfaced in the affairs of ‘Pattashishya’ or successor designate. court ruled in favour of Swami Sudhindra the Math. Following the of the Thirtha and recognised him as the 15th Guru, Srimad Vibhudhendra Tirtha HE ‘GURU PEETA’ EMBODIES legitimate head of the institution. The court in 1834, a peculiar set of circumstances the collective confidence of the also accepted that the voluntary abdication had led to dual claim to the position of Tentire community. Hence the of Raghavendra Thirtha and declared that Matadhipathi of the Math. For reasons swamiji is accorded divine status. He is he had no further role to play in the Math. which are not very clear, Srimad considered to be infallible and above Raghavendra Thirtha refused to Vibhudhendra Tirtha had anointed two controversy. The respect the community comply with the court orders and disciples under him. After he passed away, bestows upon the institution and the continued to illegally hold on to the various Srimad Sumatheendra Tirtha succeeded as individual is of the highest level. No sacred items and holy paraphernalia the Mathadhipathi as per the Guru dispute or conflict of interest is allowed belonging to the Math. It is to the credit Vibhudendra Swami’s will. After some to germinate and the succession is of Swami Sudhindra Thirtha and his time, differences arose between normally smooth. However, in the case wisdom that he dealt with this great and Sumatheendra Tirtha and Vasudendra of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, certain painful betrayal with equanimity and Tirtha, which resulted in Vasudendra unfortunate circumstances conspired to resolved the matter peacefully. In Tirtha approaching the court in Tellicherry threaten this edifice of community anointing Swami Samyamindra Thirtha solidarity. Raghavendra Thirtha, the and giving him the long years of personal disciple that Swami Sudhindra Thirtha had mentoring, the senior swami has also anointed earlier with a view to eventually ensured a smooth transition for the years groom him as his successor, had turned beyond him. All the legal hurdles have renegade in the early ‘90s. He had openly now been cleared, even as Raghavendra defied the guru swami and his untoward Thirtha has chosen to be a fugitive from behaviour was beginning to cause bad the law. The court has now entrusted the blood. In a fit, he even gave a written tasking of recovering holy items in his undertaking abdicating his position in the possession to the CBI. Math. Then changing his mind, he tried This is not the first time such a to withdraw the undertaking and attempted to assert himself independently. More confusion followed, and the train of events began to threaten harmony in the Above: Lord Vyas Raghupathi, the patron community. Fortunately, before greater deityof Shree Kashi Math damage could be done the matter ended Below: Vyasashram at Haridwar

22 MANGALORE TODAY - FEBRUARY 2016 CCCOOOVER STSTSTO RRORYYY seeking partition of the Math. The subsequent decree by the Trial Court was appealed in Madras High Court by Shrimad Sumatheendra Tirtha. Before the case could be disposed, Sumatheendra Tirtha attained Mukti at Alleppey on 31 January 1851. Later his disciple Shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha continued the leadership of the Math as the 17th Matadhipathi. In the light of these facts, Shree Kashi Math Samsthan is indeed fortunate that the issue of succession was resolved during the lifetime of Swami Sudhindra Thirtha and there is no scope for further confusion.

AVING NOW FORMALLY become the 21st Matadhipathi, HShrimad Samyamindra Thirtha has the very great responsibility to Srimad Samyamindra Thirtha swamiji carrying forward the traditions of Shree administering 'tapta mudra' to devotees Kashi Math Samsthan and the collective confidence of its lakhs of devotees. Over Then there is the annual ritual of the last few years he has gained Charthurmasa Vritha, wherein the swami widespread appreciation for undertaking camps at a particular temple for four strenuous efforts to connect with the months. This is an occasion that devotees people. The swami’s daily regimen is a look forward to with much eagerness as it rigorous one, chief among which is the is accompanied with great festivity. offering of Trikala Pooja to the patron Every Matadhipathi of Shree Kashi deities. This is to say he is required to Math Samsthan so far has left his mark in offer worship to the deities thrice a day. when he had to undergo surgery for some a unique way. It is now the turn of Swami The first of these is known as the ‘Nirmala ailment, he had insisted with the doctors Samyamindra Thirtha to guide the Visarjana’, wherein he ritually cleanses to plan the surgery and post operative care community with renewed vision. His the deities by personally clearing the in such a way as not to deprive him of the initial interactions with devotees have flowers and offerings of the previous day. opportunity to perform these duties. Even already done a lot to boost confidence in Following this he has the purificatory bath travel, which is quite frequent, is carefully his leadership and he has shown a and later on the Mahapooja, which is the planned so as not to disturb the practice. progressive streak which is bound to stand main pooja performed with elaborate floral Alongside this, is the continuous the community in good stead in the future. decoration of the deity. engagement with devotees, to whom he Today technology is rapidly changing the After this is the Bhiksha or the lunch, gives personal audience. Meeting way we all live and experience the world. technically in the form of alms. The last hundreds of devotees, giving them a Yet what ultimately can bind us all pooja of the day is the ‘Rathri Pooja’, patient hearing and proffering worthy together is not technology but our sense performed late evening. The three deities advice could try even the best of us. Plus of humanity. It is in this realm of human worshipped are Vyas Raghpathi, the regular spiritually rich public existence that spiritual leaders like Swami Ramachandra and Narasimha along with discourses which strike a chord with the Srimad Samyamindra Thirtha have a great the portraits of his three preceding guru masses. Yet the swami does all this role to play. For even as people lose swamis. Trikala Pooja is a mandatory cheerfully. Even personal code of conduct, connect with themselves to the virtual practice not to be missed under any which we freely exercise as per our world that is fast taking over our lives, circumstances, even when ill. It is said wishes, is tightly regulated. The ritual of we can take comfort in the fact that he that Swami Sudhindra Thirtha would show shave and tonsure of the head is to be done will have the means to see clearly and lead such great devotion that on one occasion, every full moon day and never in between. us wisely.n

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The Kashi Mutt Samsthan is one of The Kashi Mutt Samsthan, Varanashi built in 1540 the three religious seats of the GSB community, the other two being Kaivalya Mutt and Gokarna Parthagali Mutt. Kashi Mutt is believed to have been founded in 1541 AD by Sri Vijayendra Theertha Swamiji of Kumbhakonam Mutt who gave the Deeksha to the first Swamiji Sri Sri Vijayendra Thirtha (1517-1614) Yadavendra Theertha. It is the firm Founder of the Samsthan belief of historians and research scholars that Shri Kashi Math was established at the instance of the Mahajan of Cochin who made a request to Shrimad Kashi Mutt Samsthan Vijayeendra Tirtha, the junior Swamiji of Sri Kumbhakonam Math to give ' sanyas deeksha' to a suitable Gowda The Divine Presence Saraswat ' vatu' to start a religious seat of their own. As directed by him they purchased a place in Varanasi, built a Math and started a pontifical lineage under the name of Sri Kashi Math. He had selected Varanasi as he was proceeding to that pilgrimage centre as soon as his Chaturmas in Cochin would Sri Keshavendra Thirtha, 2nd pontif who be over. He also obtained approval and Sri Yadavendra Teertha, the first pontiff of discovered the Vedavyasa idol n the River Samsthan recognition from his preceptor Sri Ganga in the 17th Century Surendra Tirtha as evidenced by a Bhagawat Purana, Shri Vedavyasa is the belongs to Vaishnava Sampradaya that copper plate and ' ' rayasapatram' ' in seventeenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. firmly believes that Lord Vishnu is Kannada photo copies of which were He was born 5000 years ago as the son of supreme.Inside the Math there are four also published in some books. History Parashara and Satyavati. Vedavyasa small shrines in which the following says that the Sri Shri Kumbhakonam recompiled the sacred texts of the Vedas deities are installed and worshipped: (1) Mutt gave two idols of Lord and so that they might become more easily Sri Rama installed by 1st Guru. Shrimad Lord Vyasa to Sri Yadavendra Teertha understandable to men Yadavendra Tirtha (2) Sri Gopalkrishna along with the rights to guide the GSB The Kashi Mutt Samsthan is installed by 3rd Guru Shrimad Upendra Samaj in spiritual matters. headquartered in Kashi or Varanasi and Tirtha (3) Sri Narasimha by The second pontiff discovered the owns 30 temples spread across India. The 5th Guru Shrimad Raghavendra Tirtha idol of Lord Veda Vyasa in River imposing edifice of Sri Kashi Math stands and (4) Sri Bindu Madhava by the 7th Ganga in the 17th century and this is on Brahma Ghat of the River Ganga in Guru Shrimad Madhavendra Tirtha the idol of Sri Vyasa which is today the Varanasi. The Mutt is housed in a spacious The Sri Kashi Mutt Samsthan presiding deity of the mutt. Purana building and has about 110 rooms. A building it is definitely a heritage site of mentions that Lord Shiva had requested legend says it that the Math was all GSBs and more so of Sri Kashi Math Lord Vishnu to assume Veda Vyasa constructed and gifted by the ruler of Kashi followers. By custom, the Muttadhipathi avatar to preserve and propagate the to one of the seers of Sri Kashi Math who never resides in a permanent place and holy word that is Vedas. Shri Adi resolved the problem of sudden instead travels extensively, camping at Shankaracharya worships him as Lord disappearance of the bangles kept by the various temples to which he is Vishnu while Shri Madhwacharya princess while taking a dip in Ganga. Sri ceremoniously invited. Every seer of the giving his mantra states that by Kashi Math follows Dwaita Philosophy, Guruparampara has carved a name of worshipping Shri Vyasa alone one will which propounds that the Soul is different his own among the saints of the GSB get all round knowledge. According to from Soul Supreme God. The Math Samaj.

26 MANGALORE TODAY - FEBRUARY 2016 CCCOOOVER STSTSTO RRORYYY ASCENSION OF SRIMAD SAMYAMINDRA TIRTHA SWAMIJI AS MATHADIPATHI Gurparampara and Beyond

By V. SUDHISH cannot allow our identity to be lost. Existence without identity SHRI KASHI MATH SAMSTHAN, would not be ‘life’ or ‘living’- it Varanasi is a Dharma Peetha of the would not be worthwhile. The Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) institutions of temples and Maths community – a religious institution help us and guide us to preserve with glorious traditions and a hoary and nourish all this. Thus their past. The GSBs are those Saraswats need and importance. who migrated from Goudadesha, The Rishi Parampara of known as Trihothrapura in the ancient times which imparted Puranas. The Peetha has been religious and spiritual knowledge occupied and adorned by great Yatis and guidance and tended the who radiate spirituality and divinity. people gave way to Yati It is said, ‘To know modern times Parampara. Since the time of Shri one must know antiquity.’ Historic Adi Shankara, Maths have been continuity with the past is both a duty the centres for religious and and a necessity. One should have a spiritual guidance for the laity. sense of history as well as an The Guru is the head of the Math awareness of it. Without it life would and it is settled that in all religious be humdrum and prosaic. Human and spiritual matters his existence is not just animal existence judgement is final. The Maths but a yearning and preparation for have been the bastions of better and higher things, the Hinduism - of our religion and attainment of which would not be culture through the ages. possible without adherence to A Math Samsthan like Shri Dharma - Dharma which protects Kashi Math Samsthan means and those who adhere to it and that would includes the Mathadhipathi- be possible only with the help and Swamiji, the disciples, their guidance of a Dharma Guru. temples and everything connected All institutions are the result and with them, all the GSBs, the entire expression of the accumulated experience community - all these of the ages. Change is the law of nature - the present without some knowledge of cumulatively constitute the Samsthan. The but there are certain things and ideas which the past. father’s allegiance to a particular Math is are immutable and unchanging. The old We GSBs have our distinct customs perpetuated by his progeny. Mathadhipathi order, it is true, changes, yielding space and traditions, language and culture. All is not just a person, so also to the new, but it always leaves to its this makes up the personality of a person. Mathadhipathya - it is a representative successor a large legacy of ideas and Tradition, it is said, is an enormous position. Shri Kashi Math Samsthan is the habits, which in their turn become the magnifier. But it is not like instant coffee. ultimate authority in matters of Dharma nucleus of fresh acquisitions, each Every generation would have to cherish it pertaining to temples coming under its generation leaving its mark on succeeding and defend it and carry it forward. It is purview. generations. All human institutions have imperative for us as for any other race or It is of interest and significance that all the centuries in them and like the community to cherish and preserve our His Holiness Shrimad organic world, obey the law of evolution culture and heritage. The hallmark of India Swamiji expressed this idea: “ The Guru by which they are gradually transmuted. is no doubt unity in diversity. While we Parampara is the Math which is the We cannot rightly interpret or understand mingle with the rest of the society we Dharma Peetha. Dharma Peetha came into

MANGALORE TODAY - FEBRUARY 2016 29 CCCOOOVER STSTSTO RRORYYY existence for the Dharmic uplift and Guru with Patta Shishya progress of the Samaj and to ensure that there is no deterioration or decline of Dharmic values and for establishment of Dharma. That means the Samsthan exists for the purpose of Dharma and not for the purpose of performing Daiva pooja only. It is enough to have temples for the performance of poojas. There is no need for a Mathadhisha for that purpose only. The Mathadhishas are there for the purpose of establishing of Dharma (Dharma Prathishtapana). Our Samsthan came into being on account of the earnest desire and prayers of the Cochin Mahajan that our Samaj should have a Dharma Peetha and Dharma Guru of its own for Dharma Prathishtapana. That is how the Samsthan came into existence. For us, Madhwas, Daiva pooja is an absolute Paramahamsa- in the ascending order. The The position and life of a necessity and it is our belief that even the Swamijis of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan Mathadhipathi unlike an ordinary sanyasi Brahmadika Devas perform pooja to the are Paramahamsas. All are sanyasis but is a very difficult one, it is like wearing a Lord. So, we have to perform Daiva pooja because these sanyasis head a Samsthan crown of thorns. It carries with it heavy and the deities (Shri VyasaRaghupathy and the functions are also administrative. The responsibilities and obligations and many others of the Samsthan) are for Swamiji’s Paramahamsa sanyasis are not supposed times irreconcilable duties and functions. aradhana (worship). The Samsthan was to wear gold and jewels but because our As the Mathadhipathi, Swamiji has to founded not for the performance of Daiva Swamijis are Mathadhishas with royal accept all royal honours that go with the pooja only but for Dharma Prathishtapana. functions and digvijaya they do wear Peetha and partake in its glory and The Dharma Prathishtapana has to go on jewellery and silk for the sake of the grandeur. These include wearing silk and eternally. So the Samsthan has to be there Samsthan’s Vaibhava (grandeur). Some gold, having seemingly grand Bhiksha and all the time.” Mathadhipathis (like Shringeri phalahar in silver plates and vessels, There are four types of sanyasis – Shankaracharya) even wear a crown having royal umbrella and such other Kuteechaka, Bahoodara, Hamsa and during Durbars and Digvijayas. regalia. But for a sanyasi such honours and paraphernalia are not permissible. Swamiji being essentially a sanyasi and also a Mathadhipathi these two positions have to be reconciled. This has to be done with more japa and anushtana and the awareness that the honours given are not for the individual (vyaktitva) but for the institution - Peetha. In Shriman Madhwacharya’s ‘ Yati Pranava Kalpa’ it is stated that it is the primary duty and obligation of a sanyasi to establish the supremacy of Vishnu. How much more is it the obligation of a Mathadhisha! The genesis of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan is well known. The position of the Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple and the Cochin Mahajan and their relation with the Samsthan is both important and

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unique. Shri Kashi Math Samsthan was who had the longest reign as Mathadipathi with vidya (knowledge), shraddha (faith founded on the earnest request of the and attained Mukti on January 17, 2016. and conviction- the totality of positive Cochin Mahajan. The Vigraha of Lord Apart from scaling rare peaks of attitudes) and upanishad (deep thinking - Venkatapathy in the Cochin temple was excellence in religion and spirituality, they contemplation) becomes supremely also given by the Samsthan. are models of good, simple living and great efficient. Of each of these stellar spiritual The history and evolution of our Math thinking, showing us how to live a life of giants it may be said “ his is truly clarum Samsthan unfolds a procession of great promise and fulfilment made possible by et venerable nomen” (an illustrious and personages from Shrimad Vijayindra ceaseless striving, devotion and dedication venerable name). Tirtha Swamiji believed to have been a backed by the grace of the Almighty. They How to reconcile the ever changing GSB, the progenitor of the Samsthan and exemplified what is said in the Chandogya Nature (Prakruti) and the enduring values Shrimad Yadavendra Tirtha Swamiji, the Upanishad: Yadeva vidyaya karothi, and verities is a daunting task. Every first Yati and Matadhipathi to Shrimad shraddaya, upanishada, tadeva institution and society has to adapt itself Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji the 20th Guru viryavattaram bhavati - Whatever is done and be resilient so as to be relevant and purposeful to meet from time to time the hi altering conditions of a changing world with its shifting emphasis and differing needs. It is here we are guided by the Dharma Guru. The Mathadisha – Dharma Guru occupies a pivotal position and has a significant role. In the Guru Parampara the 19th Guru Shrimad Sukrathindra Tirtha Swamiji was a great saint, a sage non-pareil, the radiance of whose spirituality continues to inspire and bless us. He is verily a Kalpataru whose very name sanctifies both those who chant and those who hear. His greatest blessing to the community was his Sishya – Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji. Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji was truly a divine person whose gracious and

32 MANGALORE TODAY - FEBRUARY 2016 CCCOOOVER STSTSTO RRORYYY bewitching smile attracted and captivated one’s soul and drenched one in the ocean of divine love. Having deep and abiding faith in God and the Guru he always maintained equipoise. He impressed upon us not to engender aversion and animosity even if you cannot generate love and empathy. What Swamiji endeavoured and achieved was expansion without diminution or dilution of the core. Swamiji’s journey through life from the purvashram and from the banks of the Shambhavi in Mulki on his initiation in 1944 to the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar in 2016 has been a story of our times and the onward march of the community. The Guru Parampara reflecting the genius of the human race and the spiritual ethos of our great seers has moved with unbroken continuity through the ages. Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji, the 21st Guru, has now ascended the Peetha of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan. His Holiness was born on Sunday, September 12, 1982, under Ardhra nakshatra, in Bhadrapada of Dundubi Samvatsara, sh. sh. 1904 at North Parur, as the son of Shri Surendra Mallan and Smt. Nindila, for initiation into Sanyasashrama to Ambalamedu and studies continued on a of Vaccha Gotra. Their Kuladevata is perpetuate the holy Guru Parampara of more serious note. The Chaturmasas of Shanteri Kamakshi Ramnath. The younger the Samsthan. After seeing a number of 2004, 2005, 2006 were observed there. of the two sons in the family, his horoscopes the choice fell on Umesh The year 2004 marked the 60th year of purvashram name was Umesh Mallan. He Mallan who was in his 20th year. It was a Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji’s was religiously inclined even from defining moment. He was the chosen one Sanyas Ashrama. In January 2007 both younger days and as a young boy was very of Providence. A new journey began. Guru and Sishya performed much liked by Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha After the preliminary Tirtha Yatra and Kanakabhisheka to Lord Venkatpathi at Swamiji. He was studying for the B.Com other requisite ceremonies he was initiated Kochi to mark the 125th anniversary of Degree in Lakshmi College, North Parur into Sanyas Ashrama at Haridwar, on the Tritiya Pratishta. That month also saw when destiny came calling and the course Thursday 20th June 2002, the day of Ganga the Sahasra Chandra Darsana function of of his life completely changed. Avatara - Jyesta Shudha Dasami of the Guru Swami. Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji was on the Chitrabanu Samvatsara, sh. sh. 1924. He April 2007, His Holiness moved to lookout for initiating a suitable vatu to was named Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha. Bangalore Shri Kashi Math for further continue the parampara. The process The name signifies one having complete prosecution and completion of studies in began in September 2001 with Swamiji’s control over the indriyas - senses. Shastra and Vedanta. The Chaturmasas of Rayasa to Cochin Tirumala Devaswom Guru and Sishya were together at 2007, 2008 and 2009 were observed in reminding the Cochin Mahajan of the Haridwar for some months, including the Bangalore. In January 2009 Guru and special historic ties between them and the Chaturmasa of 2002. Then the initiation Sishya Swamijis were at Bhatkal for the Samsthan and as per usage calling upon into the religious lore began. In May 2003 400th Punyathiti Aradhana of the first them to get the horoscopes of he moved to Walkeshwar, . The Swami - Shrimad Yadavendra Tirtha Brahmacharis from Cochin and the nearby 2003 Chaturmasa was observed there. In Swamiji. After a vigorous study and samoohams for selecting a suitable vatu January 2004, the camp was shifted to rigorous training befitting a Swami,

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Punyathiti of Shrimad Yadavendra Tirtha Swamiji II, whose Vrindavan is situated there. In January 2012 both Swamijis performed the Jeernodhara Prathishta and Kumbabisheka at Lord Venkataramana Temple, Mangalore. June 2012 witnessed the Parihara and Punar Prathishta Mahotsava of the Samsthan deities in Mangalore. Swamiji’s 2012 Chaturmasa with the Samsthan deities was observed in Haridwar. The year also marked the centenary of the Sanyasdeeksha of Shrimad Sukrathindra Swamiji. 2013 Chaturmasa was held at Bangalore and 2014 Chaturmasa at Walkeshwar, Mumbai. That also commemorated the centenary of Shri Varadendra Tirtha Swamiji’s Mukti. Swamiji also had a camp at Badri and at the Moola Math in Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji performed Varanasi. A new Math at was the Sudha Mangala on Sunday, 24th built and the Tirumala Math was fully January 2010 – Madhwa Navami- Magha renovated. All this was under the guidance Shudha Navami of Virodhi Samvatsara and supervision of Samyamindra Tirtha sh.sh. 1931. It was the first in the Swamiji to whom the Guru Swamiji had community after Shrimad Sudhindra delegated powers, functions and duties. Tirtha Swamiji’s Sudha Mangala in 1955. In May 2015, His Holiness performed the Sudha Mangala is the successful Sahasra Shankabhisheka to Lord completion of the study of Nyaya Sudha Venkatpathy at Gosripur, Kochi, the first of Shrimad Jaya Tirtha – Tikacharya . It of its kind in any of the GSB temples. is a commentary on Shrimad personality - with thoughts, words and 2016 heralded different events and Madhwacharya’s works and is considered deeds matching and pure, to be entrenched ultimately a change of guard at the helm the ultimate in the study of Madhwa in swadharma and self discipline, to of the Samsthan. His Holiness entered Sidhanta. That demonstrates Swamiji’s empathise and have compassion and render sanyasashrama in difficult times. Over the scholarship. help. 14 years since then he has matured and On the occasion of the Sudha Mangala It is a message for all and is a beacon ripened into a great Yati. As certified by of Samyamindra Thirtha Swamiji, especially for the Sishya showing the path the Guru, Samyamindra Tirtha Swami has Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji wrote a Rayasa and the goal and counselling how to go shown the right temperament and qualities Patram to the Shishya in Sanskrit verse. through the journey of life, particularly of leadership worthy of the Peetha. Apart from the felicity of expression it the very onerous life of a Yati and a The times we live in are characterised reveals the richness of thought and brings Mathadipathi blended into one. by a loss of the sense of values. Just as out Swamiji’s own personality and outlook Samyamindra Swamiji remembered and continuity of memory is necessary for the on life. His Holiness emphasised the need reminded himself of this on his ascending sanity of an individual, continuity of to be established in one’s swadharma and the Peetha. tradition and culture is necessary for the to propagate it, so also to be firmly self- After the successful completion of his sanity of the community. His Holiness as disciplined and to inculcate discipline in studies Swamiji started undertaking tours the 21st Guru, will be leading the others. He exhorted that you should not and holding camps and conducting all community in the 21st century. It is our hurt anyone by thought, word or deed and other religious activities as a worthy ardent hope and prayerful wish that the that you should be compassionate and representative of the Pontiff. The 2010 community will adhere to the right path helpful to those who seek help and solace. Chaturmasa of both the Swamis was in and scale greater heights in the days to There can perhaps be no greater Haridwar. The Chaturmasa of 2011 was come under the leadership of the new philosophy of life- to be an integrated held at Hemmadi to mark the 300th Swami.n

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