“Education is a basic necessity to
realise freedom and democracy.“ - Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji
Rajagurutilaka Jagadguru
Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the 23rd pontiff of the Sri Mutt, was
born on 29.8.1916 and ascended the holy seat on 24.02.1928 when he was hardly
twelve years. He took up the responsibilities of the Math along with his guru
Jagadguru Mantra Maharshi
Shivaratheeshwara Mahaswamiji.
He was a firm believer in the good
of one and all. He was at the helm of affairs of the Mutt for more than half a
century, a period full of events and activities. He sought nothing but worked
for the welfare of all.
Early Life
He completed his primary education
at Suttur and took to studying Sanskrit in Mysuru at the tender age of eight.
During this time, Swamiji used to engage in lengthy spiritual and academic
discussions with spiritual leaders. With an aspiration to learn Sanskrit,
Swamiji went to Varanasi. However, as per the desire of his predecessor His
Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji and Sri Gowrishankara
Mahaswamiji of Panchagavi Mutt, he returned to Mysore to continue studies and
got himself engaged in social service also.
A scholar in Kannada and Sanskrit,
Swamiji knew English also. He was a patron of arts and literature. He was
thoughtful and sensitive to an astonishing level. Every step he took was a step
forward in search of new areas of service. That is how he could build a galaxy
of educational institutions.
Contribution to the Society
His Holiness started Niranjanalaya, a hostel (at his own
residence) and educational institutions for needy students in Mysuru. He also
established many Trusts and Societies which include the fields of Medicine,
Rural Development, music, literature, etc. that catered to many social works.
Sri Rajendra Swamiji who succeeded
the Mutt with a great legacy responded to the problems of inequality, poverty and
misery in society. He started the JSS Mahavidyapeetha (1954) for providing
education. He began Akshara Dasoha (education), Anna Dasoha (boarding and
lodging) and hospitals for Arogya Dasoha (health services) that led to
all-around social development. He was very compassionate to support the poor
and the downtrodden and provided opportunities to thousands who needed shelter.
His Holiness attained heavenly
abode on 6.12.1986, and his shrine can be visited at Suttur.
Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar
conferred on His Holiness the title of ‘Rajagurutilaka’ in 1953 as a
recognition of his immense contribution to society. Posthumously, Sri
Shivaratri Rajendra Mahaswamiji was awarded honorary doctorate by the
University of Mysore in 1989.
Lineage
- Adijagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji
- Jagadguru Sri Ghanalingadeva Mahaswamiji
- Jagadguru Manthra Maharshi Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji
- Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji.
- Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji