Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami – Pontiff of Sri Ramachandrapura matha at Shivamogga, Karnataka, revives Indian traditions and awakens religious consciousness among devotees

Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami is the 36th pontiff of the Sri Ramachandrapura matha, located in Hosanagara Taluk of Shivamogga District in Karnataka. He is not just the mathadhis (head of the Math), but also the 36thin the revered lineage of pontiffs. Today, let us learn about his life and work, in his own words.

Special Column

The sacrifice by the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation and Dharma. The ‘Warriors of Hindutva’ is a series of articles that sheds light on their life and their struggle to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that it serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing Hindu Rashtra and inspires many others. – Editor

1. Life and initiation into Sanyas

Swamiji was born in Chaduravalli village, located in the Sagara Taluk of Shivamogga District, Karnataka. His birth name was Harish Sharma. From a young age, he was deeply inclined toward spirituality. He studied the Vedas, Upanishads, scriptures, and Yog, and later received advanced education in Vedantha at Gokarna and Mysuru. In 1994, he was initiated into Sanyasa by Sri Sri Raghavendra Bharathi Swami.

2. Religious and social service

Sri SriRaghaveshwara Swami has launched several initiatives for Dharma, tradition, and cow protection (Go Samvardhana). Through the Kamadhenu Gomandira initiative (a vast cow shelter system), he has carried out programmes to protect the lakhs of cows. With religious programmes like Gita Ramayan, Ramrajya, and spiritual camps, he has awakened religious consciousness among devotees.

A follower of Advaita Vedanta, Swamiji emphasizes both spiritual contemplation and social responsibility. Under his guidance, Sri Ramachandrapuramatha runs numerous social, cultural, educational, environmental, and spiritual initiatives. Through his sermons and writings, he draws people toward the path of divinity.

Spiritual light in the lives of lakhs of devotees

Swamiji has played a unique role in promoting Hindu culture, traditions, Dharma, and social service. His initiatives — cow protection, environmental conservation, Gita Ramayan, and preservation of Indian traditions — aim to guide future generations in the right direction. By spreading the message of ‘Dharma protects those who protect it’ (Manusmriti, Chapter 8, Verse 15), he has brought spiritual light into the lives of lakhs of devotees.

3. Key initiatives and spiritual practice

A. Geet Ramayan : A programme that spreads the message of the Ramayan through music and devotional performances.

B. Environmental conservation : Several initiatives through the Math focused on afforestation and ecological preservation.

C. Spiritual camps and events : Conducting global spiritual discourses, lectures, and religious camps to guide devotees toward the righteous path.

4. Sri Ramachandrapura matha’s multifaceted contributions

The Math is active not only in the religious domain but also contributes significantly to education, health, environmental, and social services. Under Swamiji’s leadership, initiatives like Sri Gurukul University, Ayurveda Research Centre, and traditional Pathshalas (schools) have been established. Swamiji is a distinctive religious leader striving to revive Indian traditions. Under his guidance, the Math has become a centre of social and religious awareness. Many devotees are learning cultural values and being inspired to follow the core tenets of Hindu Dharma.

5. Cow protection and environmental conservation

Cow protection (Go Samvardhana) is one of Swamiji’s foremost life missions. He initiated the Kamadhenu Gomandira, a large-scale cow shelter programme to protect lakhs of cows across India.

Key initiatives under this :

A. Kamadhenu Peetha : A special division dedicated to cow protection and conservation.

B. Ahimsa Milk : A project promoting ethical dairy practices aligned with cow protection and natural farming.

C. Environmental programmes : Promoting sustainable agriculture, animal conservation, and eco-friendly projects.

6. Work in education and social service

A. Sri Gurukul University : Reviving traditional Gurukul education to promote Sanskrit learning.

B. Ayurveda Research Centre : Promoting health and traditional healing systems.

C. Astrology and Vedic Studies Centre : Institutions like Vishnugupta University have been established to revive and promote Vedic culture.

Sri Ramachandrapura matha has become a major institution not only in the religious sphere but also in meeting various societal needs. Under Swamiji’s leadership, Vishnugupta University was launched, which is envisioned to become a global centre for Hindu philosophy, Vedic studies, and Sanskrit education.