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Chandrashekara Bharati Aradhana

Chandrashekara Bharati III (born as Narasimha Sastri; 1892–1954 ) was the Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham during 1912–1954. He was one of the most significant spiritual figures in Hinduism during the 20th century. He was known to be a Jivanmukta (Sanskrit - for one liberated while alive).

Biography

Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati was born on Ashvayuja Shukla Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashvayuja) in Nandana samvatsara (corresponding to October 16, 1892). In purvashrama, His father was Gopala Sastri and mother, Lakshmamma. A notable feature of his life was that his birth, upanayanam, sannyasa and videha mukti (death), all happened on Sundays.

Childhood Days

The childhood days of Narasimha Sastri (as he was named by his parents) were passed in Sringeri. He was an introvert and had little attraction for the objects of the world. His parents performed the Choodakarma (a rite performed). He was then sent to the local Anglo-vernacular school run by the government. His Brahmopadesha was performed when he was eight. He was regular in the performance of Sandhyavandanam three times a day, and Agnikarya, twice a day.

Narasimha, after his twelfth year, changed over to Sadvidya Sanjivini Pathasala in Sringeri under the express wishes of Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Sri Narasimha Bharati, the then head of the Mutt. The Jagadguru kept a close watch over the progress of his ward.

The then Acharya of the Sringeri Mutt had established in 1910 an institution of higher Vedantic training- Bharatiya Girvana Prouda Vidya Vardhini Shala in Bangalore. Narasimha Sastri moved to Bangalore in 1911 with his parents and plunged into his studies. He was taught there Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta.

Sanyasa

In 1912, Narasimha Sastri became the successor to the Sharada Peetham. Before Narasimha could arrive in Sringeri, the Acharya had attained Videha Mukti. So, on April 7, 1912, Narasimha Sastri was initiated into Sannyasa and given the yoga patta of Chandrashekhara Bharati. He was ordained in the dashanami tradition of Sri Adishankaracharya.

Kumbhabhisheka and Digvijaya

In 1916, the Kumbhabhisheka (consecration) of the Sharada Temple in Sringeri was performed by Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswami. In 1924, he left Sringeri on his first Digvijaya (tour). At Kaladi, in 1927 he established a Vedanta Pathashala. He then returned to Sringeri after visiting a few more places in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Avadhuta Sthiti

After returning to Sringeri, the Mahaswami assumed the Avadhuta Sthiti (the state of being an Avadhuta). He was absorbed in the inward bliss of the Atma. He named a successor to the Peetham. In 1938, he undertook a yatra, he resumed his classes on Vedanta and wrote thought-provoking and erudite articles in a journal published by the Mutt. He granted interviews to genuine seekers and gave darshan to the public.

Videha Mukti

After 1945, the Mahaswami gradually withdrew from all activities. However, his fame had spread far and wide. The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, visited Sringeri to pay homage to the Jagadguru. The President discussed with the Mahaswami on Dharma and other allied subjects.

On September 26, 1954 (the day of the Mahalaya Amavasya), the Mahaswami took a bath in the Tunga River in Sringeri. Afterwards, he sat in padmasana posture and attained Videha Mukti. His body was discovered floating in the river.

Works

Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati’s main works are:

  • Gururaja Sukti Malika containing 36 compositions in about 400 pages. Printed in Sanskrit and Tamil
  • Bhashya (commentary) on Vivekachoodamani of Sri Adi Shankaracharya