Our Sadgurus

It has been widely recognized in our ancient land that God Realization is not possible without a Guru. Our country has been blessed with the presence of Sadgurus and saints who have guided, from time to time, men and women to the path of righteousness, dharma, and Self-realization, uplifting humanity from the shackles of materialism. Within our era, Guru Maharaj Ji was such a Sadguru. Presently, we are fortunate to have such a Sadguru in Revered Swami Purushottamacharya Ji. It would, therefore, be only fitting to begin the book on Guru Mahima by mentioning a few words about them.

Vaikunthvasi Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj

Anant Shri Vibhushit Indraprastha & Haryana Pithadhiswar Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj (Guru Maharaj) was born on 27th May 1937 in the state of Rajasthan, district Savai Madhopur, village Padla, in an affluent Brahmin farmer family.

As a child, Guru Maharaj was an ardent devotee of Lord Narayan and had a zealous desire for helping others. He was naturally endowed with Divine and Religious sentiments. In his early childhood, he was in close contact with Mahant Shri Ganeshpuri Ji of the renowned Mehndipur Balaji Temple (Rajasthan), whose inspiration further made Guru Maharaj totally committed to human welfare and Kainkarya (spiritual service to humanity).

In the Sanskrit Students, Teachers, and Scholars School of Bada Khatla, Vrindavan, U.P., Guru Maharaj got initiation and education from Khatlesh Swami Shri Gobindacharya Ji, who was a Guru in the Ramanuja tradition. He completed his early studies under his Guru’s skilled supervision and divine patronage; thereafter, he went to the sacred town of Kashi to further pursue the study of Vedic literature and Shastras. Guru Maharaj thoroughly learned and understood religious convictions from their roots.

The words of the great saint Tulsidas, Anubhav Gamya Bhajiyai Jehi Santha, had a tremendous impact on Guru Maharaj. He then proceeded to the dense and rugged forest of Bhangarh (which is now a wildlife sanctuary) about 200 km from his birthplace, where he did arduous penances spanning twelve years before he reappeared among people to perform benevolent human welfare service. During this period of self-mortification, Guru Maharaj reclined in huts near Todabhim at Panchmadi Narayani Mata, Bhartuharji, and Pandarpur, respectively. Guru Maharaj not only learned and analyzed the study of the holy mantras but also mastered how to keep them under his control.

Guru Maharaj started setting up Sidhdata Ashram in 1989 on a piece of land on Vyas Pahari of the Aravali mountain range, which comes under the Faridabad division. This land has been known for spiritual and religious activities previously performed in the ancient era by Rishi Parshuram, Rishi Parasher, Rishi Vyas, and Maa Kunti. How Guru Maharaj came across this piece of land is an interesting fact – while traveling from Faridabad to Delhi, Guru Maharaj Ji’s vehicle broke down. When Guru Maharaj got down from his car, he saw an illusionary shining source of water. With the intention of seeing the source of water, he inspected the area but found nothing. There, Guru Maharaj heard the voice of the Lord, who inspired him to build an Ashram on that land. This evidence was enough for Guru Maharaj to set up the Ashram at this very place. After a few initial obstacles, Guru Maharaj successfully completed the Ashram.

In 1996, with inspiration from the Lord and the intent of human welfare and promulgating the teachings of Sri Sampradaya, the construction work of Shri LakshmiNarayan Divya Dham began on the auspicious occasion of the Vijaya Dashmi festival (Dussehra). The construction of this temple, which has now become a pilgrimage place for millions of people, was completed in a short span of four years because of the untiring and selfless efforts of Guru Maharaj and the voluntary service of thousands of devotees.

It is believed and experienced by millions that at this holy and sacred temple, all wishes of the devotees, pertaining to Dharam (religious faith), Arth (wealth and livelihood), Kaam (ensuring posterity), and Moksh (salvation), are fulfilled based on the Bhav (expression of faith) of the devotee.

In 1998, impressed by the extraordinary qualities and exceptional virtues of Guru Maharaj, the Vaishnav community bestowed on him the most honorable and highest echelon in the Sampradaya as Indraprastha & Haryana Peethadhiswar Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya. This position was bestowed on him on the holy banks of the river Ganga on the divine occasion of Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, in the presence of Jagadgurus, Peethadheeshwars, Tridandi Swamis, Acharyas, and a large number of the Vaishnav community.

During his lifetime, on 23rd April 2007, Guru Maharaj appointed Swami Purushottamacharya Ji (Guruji) as his successor. Guru Maharaj gave up his human form on 22nd May 2007 and went to the abode of the Supreme Lord Narayan.

Guru Maharaj always emphasized that we humans should set a goal in our lives, the main ones being Simran (recitation of God’s name), Sharnagati (acceptance of God as your master), Maanavta (practicing humanity), Lokseva (service to mankind), and taking Gurumantra (initiation).

There are millions of incidents shared by devotees of how Guru Maharaj solved their problems by his divine grace, thus increasing their faith in the Supreme Lord.

Guru Maharaj’s permanent presence has, is, and always will be felt by all devotees in every corner of the Ashram and in their hearts. His aura has traveled beyond the realm of time and space in unison with the divinity and service to the Lord and humanity.

Anant Shri Vibhushit Indraprastha & Haryana Peethadheeshwar Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji Maharaj

According to the Shastras, the soul of a father is enriched completely with its qualities and attributes, and it reappears on this earth in the body of his son. With the grace of the Omnipotent, devotees are able to see this inconceivable reality and universal truth as Guru Maharaj’s spiritual mantle was passed on to Guruji. Vaikunthvasi Anant Shri Vibhushit Indraprastha and Haryana Pithadhiswar Ramanujacharya Swami Srimad Jagadguru Sudarshanacharya Ji’s (Guru Maharaj) eldest son and his disciple, Anant Shri Vibhushit Indraprastha and Haryana Pithadhiswar Ramanujacharya Swami Purushottamacharya Ji (Guruji), was born as a praiseworthy son to an honorable father.

Possessing exemplary intellect and abilities right from his early years, Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji has contributed to several activities of the Ashram and the construction of Sidhdata Ashram since its inception in 1989. The foundation stone of Shri Sidhdata Ashram was laid on 27th May 1989 by Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji under the divine guidance and patronage of Guru Maharaj.

Looking at Guruji’s humble nature, affectionate and polite demeanor, clear perception, and other precious qualities, Guru Maharaj appointed him as the President of Janhit Seva Charitable Trust. He was also bestowed with the position of President of Sidhdata Satsang Seva Samiti. Guruji fully justified his appointment to these positions and carried out the responsibility with persistent efforts and complete conscientious efficiency. He not only completed the unfinished tasks and vision of Guru Maharaj but has ever since shown great far-sightedness, and the ability to work indefatigably towards human welfare, setting a quintessential example of Selfless Seva Bhav.

From 19th to 23rd April 2007, Pujya Guruji (Swami Purushottamacharya Ji) successfully completed the Pran–Pratishtha ceremony (a ceremony to instill life into the idols) of various Gods and Goddesses in Shri LakshmiNarayan Divya Dham at Sidhdata Ashram, thus showcasing his extraordinary prowess and capabilities. On 23rd April 2007, in the presence of the entire Vaishnav community, Guru Maharaj (Srimad Jagadguru Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji) coronated Guruji as his successor.

After Pujya Guru Maharaj gave up his human form, Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji was appointed as Peethadheeshwar of Indraprastha and Haryana (Head of Indraprastha & Haryana seat) and was coronated as Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya in the presence of the Vaishnav community, Jagadgurus, saints, and devotees on 4th June 2007. This auspicious occasion took place in Shri LakshmiNarayan Divya Dham at Sidhdata Ashram. Public welfare and public interests are endowed in Guruji’s nature. He is in constant touch with all his devotees in India and overseas, keeping their overall well-being in view and solving all their problems with his divine grace. Satsang (spiritual discourses) conducted by Guruji creates deep devotion and spontaneous faith in the hearts of devotees as they see a mirror image of Guru Maharaj in him.

Guruji is constantly working with keen interest in the overall progress of the Ashram, dissemination of Vaishnav faith, and public welfare. Under Guruji’s infallible guidance and acumen, both Shri Lakshmi Narayan Divya Dham and Janhit Seva Charitable Trust are progressing successfully.

Summary:

The article highlights the essential role of a Guru in achieving God Realization, tracing the lineage of Sadgurus who have guided humanity toward spiritual enlightenment. Vaikunthvasi Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, dedicated his life to human welfare and spiritual service, establishing the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Divya Dham temple and Sidhdata Ashram. His spiritual mantle was passed on to his son, Swami Purushottamacharya Ji, who continues his legacy, leading the Ashram and guiding devotees with wisdom and compassion.

Swami Purushottamacharya Ji, recognized for his humility, clear perception, and dedication to service, was appointed as the successor to Guru Maharaj and later coronated as the Peethadheeshwar of Indraprastha and Haryana. He has successfully carried forward the vision and unfinished tasks of Guru Maharaj, working tirelessly for the progress of the Ashram, the dissemination of Vaishnav faith, and the welfare of the public. Guruji’s satsangs inspire deep devotion and faith among devotees, and his leadership continues to steer the Ashram and its associated charitable trust toward success.

Important Points:

1. The importance of a Guru in achieving God Realization.
2. Vaikunthvasi Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj’s dedication to human welfare and spiritual service.
3. The establishment of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Divya Dham temple and Sidhdata Ashram by Guru Maharaj.
4. Swami Purushottamacharya Ji’s role as the spiritual successor of Guru Maharaj.
5. Swami Purushottamacharya Ji’s early involvement in the Ashram’s activities.
6. The foundation of Sidhdata Ashram laid by Swami Purushottamacharya Ji in 1989.
7. Guruji’s appointment as President of Janhit Seva Charitable Trust and Sidhdata Satsang Seva Samiti.
8. The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony conducted by Guruji in April 2007.
9. The coronation of Swami Purushottamacharya Ji as Peethadheeshwar of Indraprastha and Haryana.
10. Guruji’s continuous efforts in public welfare and spiritual guidance.
11. The successful progression of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Divya Dham and Janhit Seva Charitable Trust under Guruji’s leadership.
12. The deep devotion and faith inspired by Guruji’s satsangs.
13. Guruji’s unwavering commitment to the dissemination of Vaishnav faith.
14. The significance of Guru Maharaj’s teachings on Simran, Sharnagati, Maanavta, Lokseva, and Gurumantra.
15. The spiritual legacy of Guru Maharaj and its continuation by Swami Purushottamacharya Ji.