Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamin

Chapter 1 - A Prelude

As the 35^th Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham established by Sri Adishankara Bhagavatpada, and as a matchless Tapasvin and Jivanmukta, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamiji shines resplendently as an exalted crest jewel among yogis.

As a young boy, He displayed deep devotion to God, fearlessness, universal compassion, same-sightedness in pleasure and pain and a strong desire to see God – the traits every spiritual seeker aspires and prays for.

“My Guru’s command is inviolable. As a disciple, it is my duty to carry it out” – this was the feeling His Holiness had when He received a difficult instruction from His Guru on the day He was initiated into sannyasa. He was not even 14 years of age at that time. His Holiness’s devotion and surrender to His Guru were natural, total and unconditional.

His Holiness who was a master exponent of shastras and its intricacies, was once asked why He had not passed a verdict in His capacity as the Jagadguru to settle a sabha debate. He replied poignantly thus – “I am not sitting here as any Jagadguru. On the contrary, I am seated as one who was taught the shastras and am confirming what I learnt.”

His Holiness who occupied the throne of Transcendental Wisdom in an unbroken lineage of exalted saints, once regretted that He did not have the privilege of doing anything for a convulsing beggar on the roadside as another car driver had come to the latter’s aid before His Holiness’ water vessel could reach him.

His Holiness who, by virtue of a mere glance or touch, could cause spiritual upliftment in sincere and qualified seekers, asked for forgiveness from rosebushes with tears in His eyes since He was going to cause them pain while grafting them.

His Holiness, who regulated His continuous abidance in nirvikalpa samadhi as per His Guru’s directives, accommodated true fleeting emotions and interpersonal exchanges to effectively carry out pontifical duties; tirelessly worked for the upliftment of the Mutt; toured extensively the length and breadth of the country for the sustenance of sanatana dharma; showered His boundless compassion and grace to all those who approached Him.

His is a life that exemplifies the highest upanishadic tenets, one in which He donned many roles with consummate ease, and one that serves as an authentic illustration of transcendental wisdom. The words and deeds of His Holiness, always immaculate and perfect, served and will serve as a guide to all aspirants in their own journey towards higher good.

What follows is a condensed version of the biography of His Holiness; the basis of this write-up was the book “The Multifaceted Jivanmukta”, a monumental work which covers the biography of His Holiness in detail and is available for free download.