Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Dakṣiṇāmnāya Śrī Śāradā Pīṭham | Established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya
The Living Guru-Shishya Parampara
The Sringeri Peetham currently operates under a unique dual-leadership model, embodying the living tradition of the Guru-Shishya Paramparā (master-disciple lineage). The senior pontiff, Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharathi Tirtha Mahaswamiji, is referred to as "Mahasannidhanam." He is assisted in all duties by his chosen successor-designate, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji ("Sannidhanam"). This arrangement ensures a seamless transition and continuity of the sacred tradition.
Born as Seetharama Anjaneyalu on April 11, 1951, in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, he displayed a prodigious intellect from a young age. In 1966, at the age of 15, he approached the 35th Jagadguru, seeking spiritual guidance. On November 11, 1974, he was initiated into sannyāsa. He formally ascended the Vyakhyana Simhasana (throne of wisdom) on October 19, 1989. He is widely revered as a sage of the highest order, with extraordinary knowledge of Vedanta and the Shastras.
Born as Sri Kuppa Venkateshwara Prasada Sharma on July 24, 1993, in Tirupati, he hailed from a family of Vedic scholars. He mastered the Kṛṣṇa Yajur Veda by age five. In 2009, he sought to study the Shastras directly at the feet of the Jagadguru. Impressed by his sincerity, the Mahasannidhanam initiated him into sannyāsa on January 23, 2015, anointing him as the successor.
The core philosophy of the Sringeri Peetham is Advaita Vedanta, proclaiming the ultimate truth of "Aham Brahmāsmi" (I am Brahman). However, this profound knowledge is awakened only through the grace of a true Guru. The Jagadgurus emphasize that the sole path to liberation (Moksha) is Jnana (knowledge). They live with the austerity of renunciants while compassionately guiding all of humanity.
The Primordial Lineage
Deva Parampara (Divine)
- Lord Sadashiva
- Lord Narayana
- Lord Brahma
Rishi Parampara (Sages)
- Vasishta Maharishi
- Shakti Maharishi
- Parashara Maharishi
- Veda Vyasa
- Sri Shuka Acharya