Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji

Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, the 35th Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, was a beacon of spiritual wisdom and a profound scholar of Advaita Vedanta. His life was a testimony to deep meditation, unwavering devotion, and the embodiment of dharma. Renowned for his serene demeanor and mastery over the scriptures, he guided countless disciples on the path of self-realization. Mahaswamiji's teachings emphasized the importance of inner purity, self-discipline, and unwavering faith in the Guru's guidance. His life and teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth to live a life rooted in spiritual values and to strive for the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation). 

Life and spiritual journey

1. Born to Venkatalakshmi Ammal and Rama Sastry on November 13, 1917, he was named Srinivasa and showed piety and wisdom from a young age.
2. As a child, he expressed a desire to renounce worldly life and see God, displaying exceptional qualities of wisdom and foresight.
3. His Upanayana ceremony was performed at the Sharadamba temple, marking his entry into brahmacharya and scriptural studies.
4. He was an obedient and conscientious student, catching the eye of the Jagadguru, Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal.
5. In 1931, at the age of 13, he was initiated into the holy order of Sanyasa and named Abhinava Vidyatirtha by his Guru.
6. His Guru foresaw his potential to equal great Yogis in spiritual attainment and initiated him into meditative contemplation.
7. By age 15, he began deep contemplation of the Self, reaching Savikalpa Samadhi by 16 and Nirvikalpa Samadhi before 20.
8. Formal lessons in Vedanta followed, confirming his spiritual experiences and understanding of scriptures.
9. On September 26, 1954, Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati ended His mortal life, and on October 16, 1954, Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha formally took over as the 35th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
10. As an able administrator, he started improving the Math's infrastructure, including building a new guest house and renovating shrines.
11. Despite financial challenges, he remained confident in the Math's spiritual mission, decentralizing power and ensuring efficient administration.
12. He established branch Maths and consecrated many temples, spreading the Math's spiritual influence.
13. His incredible memory and attention to detail reflected his deep spiritual focus and administrative capabilities.
14. Starting in 1956, he embarked on his first tour, covering the four southern states over six years.
15. In 1964, he started his second major tour, covering southern and northern India continuously for four years.
16. He met the Shankaracharya of Dwaraka during his first all-India tour, a significant event hailed by press and public alike.
17. In 1967, he celebrated Maha Shivaratri in Nepal at the request of King Mahendra, being the only Amnaya Pithadhipati to visit Nepal after Adi Shankara.
18. In May 1979, he organized a historic summit meeting with the Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of Dwaraka, Badri, and Puri, showing unity among spiritual leaders.
19. Throughout his tenure, he extensively traveled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, blessing devotees and spreading spiritual teachings.
20. His tireless work to elevate people's spiritual awareness, combined with his compassion, truthfulness, patience, fortitude, and righteousness, made him a revered spiritual leader.

1. Sandhyavandanam: A guide to daily spiritual practices.
2. Arivoottum Sirukathaigal: Short stories imparting wisdom.
3. Meijnana Vilakkavuraigal: Explanations of true knowledge.
4. Nenjil Niraintha Jagadguru: Teachings of the universal teacher.
5. Yog, Sakshatkar Tatha Jeevanmukti: Discourses on Yoga and liberation.
6. Shikshaprad Neetikathaen: Moral stories for spiritual education.
7. Dukhon Se Paramanand Tak: Journey from sorrow to bliss.
8. Scientific Evidence Vedantic Light: Bridging science and Vedanta.
9. Divine Discourses: Collection of spiritual talks.
10. Yoga, Enlightenment and Perfection: Insights on attaining spiritual perfection.
11. Edifying Parables: Parables for moral and spiritual guidance.
12. Exalting Elucidations: In-depth explanations of spiritual concepts.
13. The Multifaceted Jivanmukta: Exploring the life of a liberated soul.
14. Yoga, Sakshatkara Mattu Jivanmukti: Comprehensive treatise on Yoga and enlightenment.