Inspiring Saint- His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamin

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श्रीमतां देशिकेन्द्राणां पादपचे नमाम्यहम् ।

मन्दोऽपि वन्दनाद्येषां विन्देत गुरुतुल्यताम् ॥

Little over twelve centuries ago Lord Shiva took the form of Sri Adishankara to resurrect the practice of Sanatana Dharma. To continue His work, He started four monasteries in four corners of the Bharatha Desha of which Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri is the first and foremost. An unbroken line of Acharyas have adorned this Peetham since then and have attained unbounded glory by their unique contribution towards sustenance and propagation of Sanatana Dharma.

Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal is the 36ª Guru in the line of succession adorning this great throne of transcendental Wisdom. No words are sufficient to explain the supreme joy that one experiences in His presence. It is too personal for anyone to detail in words. In fact, interactions with great sages can only be experienced and cannot be put into words. It is naturally so with His Holiness.

His spiritual stature is topmost. He is a scholar par excellence, yet simple and accessible to all devotees. His vast knowledge is something beyond comprehension. His memory and razor-sharp recollections are second to none. His communication skills are extraordinary. Added to this is His mastery over several languages.

He is a strict disciplinarian but most merciful when it comes to the needy He is benevolence personified but a task master like a supreme commander.

Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamin, Shankaracharya of Sri Sringeri J Sharada Peetham embodies the meaning of the word "Acharya". His Holiness' life bears a close resemblance to the life of Sri Adi Shankara in many aspects. Sri Shankara went all the way from Kerala to the banks of the river Narmada in Madhya Pradesh in search of His Guru. Similarly, His Holiness went from Andhra Pradesh to the banks of the river Shipra in Madhya Pradesh to study under His Guru. Furthermore, His Vijaya Yatras, the hymns that He composed on various deities, His debates with scholars and His astounding ability to deliver discourses on the intricate subjects of Vedanta to common man marks Him as the Shankara of this era. Proficiency in Sanskrit, strict adherence to tradition, deep devotion to God, universal compassion, keen interest in learning Shastras and respect for the ancient values are some of the traits of His Holiness that are life lessons for all to emulate.

With this intention we, in Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation, were fortunate to publish His first biography in 1995; and the book has since gone through three revisions until 2012. This special edition makes a valiant attempt to portray the Jagadguru's contribution to the propagation of Sanatana Dharma and welfare of the world.

The journey and transformation of a devout young boy into a sanyasi is summarised in the first three chapters of this book. The fourth chapter highlights His Holiness ascending the sacred Sharada Peetham as its Shankaracharya. His scholarly abilities are detailed in Chapter five. Chapter six and seven records the divine experiences of those who were fortunate to interact with Him intimately and receive His bountiful grace. The next chapter throws light on Jagadguru's unparalleled devotion to Sri Adi Shankara. It is mere coincidence that this chapter is numbered as Eight since the number Eight happens to be of great significance in the life of Sri Shankara. The world at large was blessed when His Holiness nominated Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharathi Swamin as His successor designate and this is recounted in chapter Nine. Chapter Ten brings out His distinctive style of propagating dharma at every single event be it a centenary event of a temple, a Pathashala or His Guru. His contribution to this World as Jagadguru Shankaracharya are detailed in chapter eleven. Chapter Twelve brings out the role of the Jagadguru as the torch bearer of Sanathana Dharma. The final chapter provides lessons for seekers to develop dispassion towards worldly affairs.