Chitrapur Guru Parampara
Encyclopedia
The Chitrapur Guru Parampara(Devanagariगुरु प्रंप्रा,) or Guru Heritage of the Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins is the lineage of spiritual teachers (guru
s), also known as Mathadhipatis(Head of the Chitrāpur Math
- ) who have led the community throughout its history.
These teachers are viewed as the torch-bearers of the rich culture and heritage that the community has passed down from generation to generation.
Starting with Param Poojya Parijnanāshram I Swamiji
in 1708, the Parampara
(lineage) continues through to the present Mathādhipati of the Chitrāpur Math Param Poojya Sadyojāt Shankarāshram Swamiji
. He is currently the 11th Mathādhipati of the Shri Chitrapur Math.
. But usually Saraswat refers to the Saraswat Brahmins who come under the Chitrāpur Matha
at Shirāli
and are hence called Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins(Bhānaps or Smārtha Sāraswats). Due to drought and famine, they migrated southwards towards Goa and Maharashtra. But Portuguese invasion of Goa forced the Sāraswats established neat Gomantak region to migrate further south towards Karnataka and settled down in the Kanara
regions of Karnataka
. Their superior intelligence and administrative experience helped them attain several important posts in the regions in which they migrated to.
The Bhanap people are a very small community that is scattered in all parts of the globe. But the common thread that binds all these people is the Guru Parampara and the Chitrapur Math
During the reign of the Hindu Chiefs of Nagar or Keldi(1560–1768) in the Kanara regions of Karnataka, the Smartha Saraswats held esteemed positions in the government. These were a variety of administrative and accountancy positions. Since they were established in different villages of the region, they adopted the names of the Villages as their surnames.
Their superior intelligence and high efficiency of work created envy among the local people there. Their jealousy went to such an extent that they wanted to remove the Saraswats from their highly respective posts. For this they went and complained to the King of Nagar.
THE COMPLAINT: The Saraswats did not have a Guru
and hence did not have a spiritual existence of their own.
The King heeded to the words of these jealous people and issued an official decree whereby "If the Saraswats did not show him their Guru, a heavy penalty would be imposed upon them". It so happened that the Guru of the Shenvis had left for Benaras. The representative of the Saraswat community made this point to the King but he was not satisfied with it.
The Saraswat Brahmins were aghast. All the elders of the community held a Dharan(Community prayer) at the Temple of Lord Mahābaleshwar(Bhavānishankar) at Gokarna. The intesity of prayer is as quoted:
"The Saraswats gathered together,
And prayed in all humility,
Giving up hunger,thirst and sleep...
Such was the intensity
The devotees with prayers in their hearts,
Unceasingly for long nights and days,
Surrendered unto Lord Mahabaleshwar,
At Gokarn,that sacred place."
Lord Bhavānishankar is said to have answered their prayers. In a dream he appears and assures his devotees that a Sanyasi would arrive at the banks of the Kotiteerththe next day and that he would guide the community as their Guru.
As the dream had proclaimed, a sanyasi clad in saffron robes and carrying the vigraha(idol) of Lord Bhavānishankara in his cloth pouch arrived at the banks of the Kotiteerth- the village tank.
"Sacred ash smeared on the forehead,
The Guru arrived,the Benevolent One,
Clad in flaming saffron robes,
Resplendent like the Sun!
A 'Danda' adorned in one hand,
A 'Kamandalu' in another,
The brilliance of Shankara on his face,
The gentle smile of a mother!
A 'rudraksha mala' adorned his nech,
A 'Jholi' by His side,
Carried the 'Vigraha' of Lord Bhavanishankara,
Our Gurudev had come down to guide."
This great one was Parijñānāshram I
, the first Guru, who established in 1708, the glorious Guru parampara in which the present guru
Sadyojāt Shankarāshram
is the Eleventh(11th) in succession
The Saraswat installed Swami Parijñānāshram I at the Sri Vishveshwar Vithal Temple and brought him to Nāgar and before the king. But the king refused to accept him as their guru
until and unless the Shankarāchārya
of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham
gave his consent.
Parijñānāshram Swamiji travelled from Gokarna to Shringeri. At first he was denied entry into the temple by the priests there. In the night "Jagadguru" had a dream where he saw that idol of Sharada Devi had lost its lustre as she was upset as her son was denied entry into the temple. In the morning the Jagadgururealised this when he saw the idol and immediately called for Parijnanashram Swamiji and gave his consent to the new Swamiji. He was also awestruck by Parinanashram swamiji's piety, yogic abilities and his knowledge. The King wholeheartedly welcome the new Mathādhipati of the Sāraswats. Thus the Guru parampara was established.
The Swamiji consented to stay on at the Sri Vishweshwar Vithal Temple on the banks of the Kotiteerth in Gokarna
which became the first Math or Monastery (The Adi Matha) of the Sāraswats. He led the community till 1720 when Shankārashram I Swami
became the Mathādhipati(Head of the matha- generic name for head of the community). He attained Mahāsamādhi(death) on the Krishna Chaturdashi Day of the Month of Chaitra
in 1720.
at Shirāli
became the Head math(Monastery) of the Sāraswats. His divinity has many popular folklore attached to it. Many devotees in grief and sorrow attained happiness due to his divine grace (See Swamiji's Miracles). Swamiji suddenly suffered from an untimely illness and succumbed to it and attained Mahāsamādhi in 1757. He had not adopted a shishya(disciple) to continue the lineage or parampara
The elders of the community gathered together and sought to resolve the impending peril. They went to a saintly person, who practised Yoga
, from the Pandit family in Kollur
and asked him if he would take up the reins of the Mathādhipati. He graciously acknowledged and thus was ordained as Parijñānāshram II Swamiji.
Not being the type who liked to wield power, Swamiji accepted a shisya(Disciple) very soon and spent most of his time practising yoga at Kollur. He attained Mahāsamādhi in 1770 leaving behind his successor Shankarāshram II
In 1781, swamiji accepted a shishya(disciple) and christened him Keshavāshram. In 1785 swamiji attained Mahāsamādhi and Swami Keshavāshram became the 5th mathādhipati of the Sāraswat Brahmins. The samādhi of His Holiness Shankarāshram Swamiji is located at the small hamlet of Mallāpur in Karnataka at the Mallāpur Math.
He is attributed with very many miracles (See Miracles) and the popularity of the matha got a tremendous boost under his Ādhipatya(governance). He accepted a shishya in 1804 and ordained him Vāmanāshram. Thus another sacred link was added to the Guru parampara.
In the year 1823, Keshavāshram Swamiji attained Mahā-samadhi. His samādhi is located at Shirali
After accepting a shishya Vamanāshram Swamiji gave up the administrative responsibilities and took the path of Tyāga(sacrifice) in 1836. Stories of his divine powers and intensity of prayer are legends among the Sāraswats (See Miracles). Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1839. His samādhi stands at Mangalore
within the premises of the Mangalore Math.
Swamiji accepted a shishya in 1857 and ordained him as Pāndurangāshram. With the dynamism of youth in Pādurangāshram swami, Swami Krishnāshram could introduce many reforms for the benefit of the community.
Swami Krishnāshram attained Maha-samadhi in 1863. His samadhi(shrine) is located at Shirali.
and Logic
was unquestionable. Even after taking charge of the matha, he continued to learn the Vedanta
and the Upanishads. He stressed on the need for education in the community. Under his guidance, a school was established and he brought about the development of general infrastructure of Shirāli.
Swamiji stressed on Dharma
(the right way to live) and encouraged a sense of patriotism in our country. He came under criticism for imposing a ban on foreign travel. Anyone who went abroad or anyone who associated with a person who went abroad were excommunicated. Overall, the period under the leadership of Swami Pāndurangāshram is called The Glorious Age of the Saraswats.
Various miracles have been attributed to swamiji. Swamiji was reluctant in adopting a shishya because of the lack of discipline within the community. Eventually when swamiji was very sick, he relented to the pressure of the people and accepted a shishya.The new shishya, who was just 8 years old, was ordained as Ānandāshram. Thus a sacred link in the Guru Parampara could be established. Pāndurangāshram Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1915. His samādhi is at Shirāli.
Swami Anandashram accepted a shishya in 1959 and ordained him as Parijñānāshram. Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1966. His samadhi is situated in Shirali.
He was responsible for the starting of cottage and small-scale industries like printing press, handlooms and powerlooms, agro-industries in the regions around the math. With the financial stability regained, the Rathōtsav(Car Festival) was restarted which had been stopped under Swami Ānandāshram due to acute financial strain.
His far-sighted and monumental development ideas did not go well with the "orthodox" members of the community. This resulted in a rift occurring within the community. It also led to an open display of disrespect towards this Swamiji by certain lobbies within the community.Swamiji true to his divine grace made the ultimate Tyāga(sacrifice) by giving up the administration of the Matha in 1981. This was reminiscent of Swami Vāmanāshram who had done the same in 1836. Swami Parijñānāshram III attained Mahā-samādhi in 1991. His samādhi is at Karla
in Maharashtra.
After the Samadhi of Parampoojya Parijnanashram Swamiji, The Karla Math continues to be managed by the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community, under guidance from His successor, H H Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji the 11th Guru in the Chitrapur Saraswat Guruparampara and Spiritual Head of the Institutions running the Karla Math
Under Swami Sadyojāt Shankarāshram's guidance, the Shrivali Trust was established which has provided high quality medical care and drinking water to the people.Free value based education is provided at the Shrivali School Various temples have been reconstructed from the state of ruin and general infrastructure developed. The Shri Chitrapur Math Charitable Trust today works for the empowerment of the villagers providing livelihood to the underprivileged. Swamiji has stressed on the development of the youth as a force and has resulted in the conducting of very many Shibhirs(youth camps) for the physical,mental and spiritual development of the youth in the community.
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
s), also known as Mathadhipatis(Head of the Chitrāpur Math
Chitrapur Math
Chitrapur Math is the central Math for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. This Math is located in Shirali in North Kanara area of Karnataka and has been there since 1757. The other Maths of this community are located in Gokarn, Karla, Mangalore and Mallapur...
- ) who have led the community throughout its history.
These teachers are viewed as the torch-bearers of the rich culture and heritage that the community has passed down from generation to generation.
Starting with Param Poojya Parijnanāshram I Swamiji
Parijnanashram I
Swami Parijnanashram I or Adi Parijnanashram was the first guru and Mathadhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins...
in 1708, the Parampara
Parampara
Parampara denotes a succession of teachers and disciples in traditional Indian culture and Indian religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism...
(lineage) continues through to the present Mathādhipati of the Chitrāpur Math Param Poojya Sadyojāt Shankarāshram Swamiji
Sadyojat Shankarashram
Sadojyat Shankarashram is the spiritual leader of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community of India. He is the eleventh guru, in the long line of spiritual leaders of this Brahmin community. It has its spiritual centre or 'math' at Shirali, Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka.- References :...
. He is currently the 11th Mathādhipati of the Shri Chitrapur Math.
The Parampara
The Guru Parampara is as given. It shows the reigning period of each Mathādhipati along with his place of birth as well as place where his shrine(samādhi) is located.| MATHĀDHIPATI | REIGN | BIRTHPLACE | SAMĀDHI |
| Param Poojya Parijñānāshram Swamiji I Parijnanashram I Swami Parijnanashram I or Adi Parijnanashram was the first guru and Mathadhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins... | (1708–1720) | Unknown | Gokarn |
| Param Poojya Shankarāshram Swamiji I Shankarashram I Swami Shankarashram I was the second guru and Mathādhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswats. He was ordained as the Mathādhipati in 1720 and served as the head till his Mahā-samādhi in 1757... | (1720–1757) | Haritē | Shirali Shirali Shirali is a village in the located in the Bhatkal subdistrict of Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Matt and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple... |
| Param Poojya Parijñānāshram Swamiji II Parijnanashram II Swami Parijnanashram II was the third Guru and Mathādhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswats whose reign was between 1757 to 1770. He was ordained as the guru by the elders of the community after Swami Shankarāshram I died without selecting a shishya... | (1757–1770) | Kollur Kollur Kolluru is a tiny hamlet situated about from Kundapur Town, about away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the southern part of India... | Shirali |
| Param Poojya Shankarāshram Swamiji II Shankarashram II Swami Shankarāshram II was the Fourth head guru or Mathādhipati of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. His reign was from 1770 to 1785.... | (1770–1785) | Mallāpur | Mallāpur |
| Param Poojya Keshavāshram Swamiji Keshavashram His Holiness Swami Keshavashram was the fifth guru of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community,that is, the Fifth Mathādhipati of the community. His reign was from 1785 to 1823, a period of 38 years... | (1785–1823) | Kandlūr | Shirali |
| Param Poojya Vāmanāshram Swamiji Vamanashram Swami Vāmanāshram was the Sixth guru of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. His period of reign was for 16 years from 1823 to 1839.... | (1823–1839) | Mangalore Mangalore Mangalore is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located about west of the state capital, Bangalore. Mangalore lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, and is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district in south western... | Mangalore |
| Param Poojya Krishnāshram Swamiji Krishnashram His Holiness Swami Krishnāshram was the seventh guru of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. He was the seventh mathādhipati . His reign lasted for 24 years from 1839 to 1863.... | (1839–1863) | Vithal | Shirali |
| Param Poojya Pandurangāshram Swamiji Pandurangashram His Holiness Swami Pāndurangāshram was the EIGHTH guru of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. He was the guru for a period of 52 years from 1863 to 1915... | (1863–1915) | Mangalore | Shirali |
| Param Poojya Anandāshram Swamiji Anandashram Swami Swami Ānandāshram was the ninth guru and the Head of the community of the Chitrapur Saraswats. He succeeded his guru Swami Pandurangashram in 1915... | (1915–1966) | Shirali | Shirali |
| Param Poojya Parijñānāshram Swamiji III Parijnanashram III Swami Parijnanashram III was the tenth guru of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. He succeeded his teacher Swami Ānandāshram in 1966 after the latter died.... | (1966–1991) | Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million... | Karla |
| Param Poojya Sadyojāt Shankarāshram Swamiji Sadyojat Shankarashram Sadojyat Shankarashram is the spiritual leader of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community of India. He is the eleventh guru, in the long line of spiritual leaders of this Brahmin community. It has its spiritual centre or 'math' at Shirali, Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka.- References :... | (1997–Present) | Chennai Chennai Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India... | ----------- |
The Saraswat Brahmins
Saraswat is the generic term for the Brahmins or learned people who inhabited the fertile basin between the ancient rivers of Saraswati and Drishadawati in KashmirKashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
. But usually Saraswat refers to the Saraswat Brahmins who come under the Chitrāpur Matha
Chitrapur Math
Chitrapur Math is the central Math for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. This Math is located in Shirali in North Kanara area of Karnataka and has been there since 1757. The other Maths of this community are located in Gokarn, Karla, Mangalore and Mallapur...
at Shirāli
Shirali
Shirali is a village in the located in the Bhatkal subdistrict of Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Matt and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple...
and are hence called Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins(Bhānaps or Smārtha Sāraswats). Due to drought and famine, they migrated southwards towards Goa and Maharashtra. But Portuguese invasion of Goa forced the Sāraswats established neat Gomantak region to migrate further south towards Karnataka and settled down in the Kanara
Kanara
The Kanara or Canara region comprises three coastal districts of Karnataka, namely Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada and Kasaragod district of Kerala in southwestern India. Kanara forms the southern part of the Konkan coast...
regions of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. Their superior intelligence and administrative experience helped them attain several important posts in the regions in which they migrated to.
The Bhanap people are a very small community that is scattered in all parts of the globe. But the common thread that binds all these people is the Guru Parampara and the Chitrapur Math
The Origin of the Guruparampara
Their superior intelligence and high efficiency of work created envy among the local people there. Their jealousy went to such an extent that they wanted to remove the Saraswats from their highly respective posts. For this they went and complained to the King of Nagar.
THE COMPLAINT: The Saraswats did not have a Guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
and hence did not have a spiritual existence of their own.
The King heeded to the words of these jealous people and issued an official decree whereby "If the Saraswats did not show him their Guru, a heavy penalty would be imposed upon them". It so happened that the Guru of the Shenvis had left for Benaras. The representative of the Saraswat community made this point to the King but he was not satisfied with it.
The Saraswat Brahmins were aghast. All the elders of the community held a Dharan(Community prayer) at the Temple of Lord Mahābaleshwar(Bhavānishankar) at Gokarna. The intesity of prayer is as quoted:
"The Saraswats gathered together,
And prayed in all humility,
Giving up hunger,thirst and sleep...
Such was the intensity
The devotees with prayers in their hearts,
Unceasingly for long nights and days,
Surrendered unto Lord Mahabaleshwar,
At Gokarn,that sacred place."
Lord Bhavānishankar is said to have answered their prayers. In a dream he appears and assures his devotees that a Sanyasi would arrive at the banks of the Kotiteerththe next day and that he would guide the community as their Guru.
As the dream had proclaimed, a sanyasi clad in saffron robes and carrying the vigraha(idol) of Lord Bhavānishankara in his cloth pouch arrived at the banks of the Kotiteerth- the village tank.
"Sacred ash smeared on the forehead,
The Guru arrived,the Benevolent One,
Clad in flaming saffron robes,
Resplendent like the Sun!
A 'Danda' adorned in one hand,
A 'Kamandalu' in another,
The brilliance of Shankara on his face,
The gentle smile of a mother!
A 'rudraksha mala' adorned his nech,
A 'Jholi' by His side,
Carried the 'Vigraha' of Lord Bhavanishankara,
Our Gurudev had come down to guide."
This great one was Parijñānāshram I
Parijnanashram I
Swami Parijnanashram I or Adi Parijnanashram was the first guru and Mathadhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins...
, the first Guru, who established in 1708, the glorious Guru parampara in which the present guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
Sadyojāt Shankarāshram
Sadyojat Shankarashram
Sadojyat Shankarashram is the spiritual leader of the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community of India. He is the eleventh guru, in the long line of spiritual leaders of this Brahmin community. It has its spiritual centre or 'math' at Shirali, Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka.- References :...
is the Eleventh(11th) in succession
Sāraswats Under the Swamis
The Sāraswats have lived a glorious period of over 300 years under the Guru Parampara. Each swamiji has contributed in his own way to the development of the community. The divine powers possessed by the greats and their deeds towards humanity are stuff of legends.Under Parijñānāshram I(1708 - 1720)
See the main article: Swami Parijñānāshram IParijnanashram I
Swami Parijnanashram I or Adi Parijnanashram was the first guru and Mathadhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswat Brahmins...
The Saraswat installed Swami Parijñānāshram I at the Sri Vishveshwar Vithal Temple and brought him to Nāgar and before the king. But the king refused to accept him as their guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
until and unless the Shankarāchārya
Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya, is a commonly used title of heads of mathas in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. The title derives from Adi Shankara, a 9th century CE reformer of Hinduism. He is honored as Jagadguru, a title that was used earlier only to Lord Krishna...
of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the southern Advaita Vedanta matha. It is located in Shringeri. It is claimed that it is the first of the four original mathas established by Adi Shankara.-Location:...
gave his consent.
Parijñānāshram Swamiji travelled from Gokarna to Shringeri. At first he was denied entry into the temple by the priests there. In the night "Jagadguru" had a dream where he saw that idol of Sharada Devi had lost its lustre as she was upset as her son was denied entry into the temple. In the morning the Jagadgururealised this when he saw the idol and immediately called for Parijnanashram Swamiji and gave his consent to the new Swamiji. He was also awestruck by Parinanashram swamiji's piety, yogic abilities and his knowledge. The King wholeheartedly welcome the new Mathādhipati of the Sāraswats. Thus the Guru parampara was established.
The Swamiji consented to stay on at the Sri Vishweshwar Vithal Temple on the banks of the Kotiteerth in Gokarna
Gokarna, India
Gokarna is a village in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka state, India. It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination in India. Gokarna is a temple town and is referred to in a number of Hindu historical literature pieces. The main deity is Lord Mahabhaleshwara, a...
which became the first Math or Monastery (The Adi Matha) of the Sāraswats. He led the community till 1720 when Shankārashram I Swami
Shankarashram I
Swami Shankarashram I was the second guru and Mathādhipati of the Chitrāpur Sāraswats. He was ordained as the Mathādhipati in 1720 and served as the head till his Mahā-samādhi in 1757...
became the Mathādhipati(Head of the matha- generic name for head of the community). He attained Mahāsamādhi(death) on the Krishna Chaturdashi Day of the Month of Chaitra
Chaitra
Chaitra is a month of the Hindu calendar....
in 1720.
Under Shankarāshram I (1720 - 1757)
Swami Shankarāshram was the mathādhipati from 1720 until his Mahāsamadhi in 1757. Under his leadership, the Chitrāpur MathChitrapur Math
Chitrapur Math is the central Math for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. This Math is located in Shirali in North Kanara area of Karnataka and has been there since 1757. The other Maths of this community are located in Gokarn, Karla, Mangalore and Mallapur...
at Shirāli
Shirali
Shirali is a village in the located in the Bhatkal subdistrict of Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Matt and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple...
became the Head math(Monastery) of the Sāraswats. His divinity has many popular folklore attached to it. Many devotees in grief and sorrow attained happiness due to his divine grace (See Swamiji's Miracles). Swamiji suddenly suffered from an untimely illness and succumbed to it and attained Mahāsamādhi in 1757. He had not adopted a shishya(disciple) to continue the lineage or parampara
Under Parijnānāshram II (1757 - 1770)
With Shankarāshram I Swamiji attaining samādhi without ordaining a new successor, the community was again put into a state of peril. The King had again ceased the assets of the math with the condition that a new mathadhipati had to be installed.The elders of the community gathered together and sought to resolve the impending peril. They went to a saintly person, who practised Yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
, from the Pandit family in Kollur
Kollur
Kolluru is a tiny hamlet situated about from Kundapur Town, about away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the southern part of India...
and asked him if he would take up the reins of the Mathādhipati. He graciously acknowledged and thus was ordained as Parijñānāshram II Swamiji.
Not being the type who liked to wield power, Swamiji accepted a shisya(Disciple) very soon and spent most of his time practising yoga at Kollur. He attained Mahāsamādhi in 1770 leaving behind his successor Shankarāshram II
Under Shankarāshram II (1770 - 1785)
Swami Shakarāshram II was considered as the avatār(incarnation) of Lord Dattātreya. He was a true Jñāni(knowledgeable one) and people from all parts of the country flocked to hear his spiritual discourses. Very many miracles have been attributed to him(See Miracles).In 1781, swamiji accepted a shishya(disciple) and christened him Keshavāshram. In 1785 swamiji attained Mahāsamādhi and Swami Keshavāshram became the 5th mathādhipati of the Sāraswat Brahmins. The samādhi of His Holiness Shankarāshram Swamiji is located at the small hamlet of Mallāpur in Karnataka at the Mallāpur Math.
Under Keshavāshram (1785 - 1823)
Keshavāshram Swamiji took charge of the math in 1785. He was a very learned person and a scholar in the Sanskrit scriptures. Knowing that education was the key to success, Keshavāshram Swamiji encouraged the Sāraswats to have English education during British rule Thus when the other communities ostracized the English language, the Saraswats got well educated in English and thus could hold positions of high esteem even under the British.He is attributed with very many miracles (See Miracles) and the popularity of the matha got a tremendous boost under his Ādhipatya(governance). He accepted a shishya in 1804 and ordained him Vāmanāshram. Thus another sacred link was added to the Guru parampara.
In the year 1823, Keshavāshram Swamiji attained Mahā-samadhi. His samādhi is located at Shirali
Shirali
Shirali is a village in the located in the Bhatkal subdistrict of Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Matt and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple...
Under Vāmanāshram (1823 - 1839)
Vāmansāshram Swamiji became the mathadhipati in 1823. Vāmanāshram Swamiji had the distinction of serving as the shishya of Keshavāshram Swamiji for 19 years. He was a person who was more involved in spiritual pursuits than in administration. So in order to reduce the burdens of administration, he accepted a shishya. This shishya was ordained as Krishnāshram in the year 1836.After accepting a shishya Vamanāshram Swamiji gave up the administrative responsibilities and took the path of Tyāga(sacrifice) in 1836. Stories of his divine powers and intensity of prayer are legends among the Sāraswats (See Miracles). Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1839. His samādhi stands at Mangalore
Mangalore
Mangalore is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located about west of the state capital, Bangalore. Mangalore lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, and is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district in south western...
within the premises of the Mangalore Math.
Under Krishnāshram (1839 - 1863)
Param Poojya Krishnāshram Swamiji gained control over the matha in 1839. He was a dynamic and able administrator. His contributions to architecture and infrastructure still stand today. He ordered the construction of temples and mathas, set right existing ones and gradually got over many people from their Vaishnava practises.Swamiji accepted a shishya in 1857 and ordained him as Pāndurangāshram. With the dynamism of youth in Pādurangāshram swami, Swami Krishnāshram could introduce many reforms for the benefit of the community.
Swami Krishnāshram attained Maha-samadhi in 1863. His samadhi(shrine) is located at Shirali.
Under Pāndurangāshram (1863 - 1915)
Param Poojya Pāndurangāshram took charge of the math in 1863.He is the longest serving Mathādhipati till date(A period of 52 years). He is considered one of the most brilliant of all the swamis and his mastery over SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
and Logic
Logic
In philosophy, Logic is the formal systematic study of the principles of valid inference and correct reasoning. Logic is used in most intellectual activities, but is studied primarily in the disciplines of philosophy, mathematics, semantics, and computer science...
was unquestionable. Even after taking charge of the matha, he continued to learn the Vedanta
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...
and the Upanishads. He stressed on the need for education in the community. Under his guidance, a school was established and he brought about the development of general infrastructure of Shirāli.
Swamiji stressed on Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
(the right way to live) and encouraged a sense of patriotism in our country. He came under criticism for imposing a ban on foreign travel. Anyone who went abroad or anyone who associated with a person who went abroad were excommunicated. Overall, the period under the leadership of Swami Pāndurangāshram is called The Glorious Age of the Saraswats.
Various miracles have been attributed to swamiji. Swamiji was reluctant in adopting a shishya because of the lack of discipline within the community. Eventually when swamiji was very sick, he relented to the pressure of the people and accepted a shishya.The new shishya, who was just 8 years old, was ordained as Ānandāshram. Thus a sacred link in the Guru Parampara could be established. Pāndurangāshram Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1915. His samādhi is at Shirāli.
Under Ānandāshram (1915 - 1966)
Ānandāshram Swamiji had served as mathādhipati for a glorious period of 51 years. Those were the years when India went through turbulent times of the Independence struggle. Under Ānandāshram Swamiji the Sāraswat community developed at a rapid rate. The financial development was given top priority as the community was facing a financial crisis during the early parts of his reign. He brought about many social reforms like permission to go abroad and taking back the people from the community who had been ostracized for foreign visits. The community underwent tremendous progress(economically and morally) under his regime.Swami Anandashram accepted a shishya in 1959 and ordained him as Parijñānāshram. Swamiji attained Mahā-samādhi in 1966. His samadhi is situated in Shirali.
Under Parijñānāshram III(1966 - 1991)
Parijñānāshram Swamiji took charge of the matha after the glorious years under Swami Ānandāshram. He was very intelligent, had a progressive outlook and a keen thirst for knowledge - Vedic as well as technical. His dynamic approach to matters regarding the matha brought back the financial stability it needed. His scientific temper resulted in the establishment of a printing press, Observatory and other technical advancements.He was responsible for the starting of cottage and small-scale industries like printing press, handlooms and powerlooms, agro-industries in the regions around the math. With the financial stability regained, the Rathōtsav(Car Festival) was restarted which had been stopped under Swami Ānandāshram due to acute financial strain.
His far-sighted and monumental development ideas did not go well with the "orthodox" members of the community. This resulted in a rift occurring within the community. It also led to an open display of disrespect towards this Swamiji by certain lobbies within the community.Swamiji true to his divine grace made the ultimate Tyāga(sacrifice) by giving up the administration of the Matha in 1981. This was reminiscent of Swami Vāmanāshram who had done the same in 1836. Swami Parijñānāshram III attained Mahā-samādhi in 1991. His samādhi is at Karla
Karli
Karli is a town on the highway between Pune and Mumbai in southern Maharashtra in India. It is on a major trade route that runs from the Arabian Sea eastward, into the Deccan...
in Maharashtra.
After the Samadhi of Parampoojya Parijnanashram Swamiji, The Karla Math continues to be managed by the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community, under guidance from His successor, H H Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji the 11th Guru in the Chitrapur Saraswat Guruparampara and Spiritual Head of the Institutions running the Karla Math
Under Sadyojāt Shankarāshram (1997 - Present)
After a 6 year search for a Guru, (1991–1997) the Sāraswat community was blessed with a Mathādhipati and Guru - H H Param Poojya Sadyojāt Shankarāshram Swamiji. In Him the community found an erudite Vedic Scholar, an exponent of the advaitic Philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya,Teacher, reformist leader. and much more. Ordained into Sanyas by HH Swami Ishwarānanda Giriji Maharaj as Sadyojāt Samvat Giri[59][60]., He took up the reigns of Shri Chitrapur Math in February 2007 as Sadyojat Shankarashram Swami at a well attended, elaborate Ceremony graced and blessed by H H Shankaracharya of Shringeri Shardamba Peetham.Under Swami Sadyojāt Shankarāshram's guidance, the Shrivali Trust was established which has provided high quality medical care and drinking water to the people.Free value based education is provided at the Shrivali School Various temples have been reconstructed from the state of ruin and general infrastructure developed. The Shri Chitrapur Math Charitable Trust today works for the empowerment of the villagers providing livelihood to the underprivileged. Swamiji has stressed on the development of the youth as a force and has resulted in the conducting of very many Shibhirs(youth camps) for the physical,mental and spiritual development of the youth in the community.