Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji
Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji, a revered saint of the 10th century AD, gained prominence by mediating peace between two warring kings, Rachamalla IV of the Gangas of Talakadu and Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty. His wise counsel led both kings to abandon their conflict and embrace peace, fostering a historic moment of reconciliation and friendship.
Following this significant event, King Rajaraja Chola invited Shivayogi Swamiji to establish a Math to commemorate the newfound peace. Responding to the king’s request, Adi Jagadguru Shivayogiji founded the Math on the banks of the River Kapila in Suttur, near Nanjangud Taluk of the Mysuru district.
The Math, rooted in the principles laid by Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji, upholds the ideals of “Work is Worship” and “Selfless Service.” It serves the community without discrimination, contributing to society by establishing educational institutions, free hostels, medical and healthcare units, and literary and cultural centres, continuing the saint’s legacy of altruism and service.
Jagadguru Manthra Maharshi Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji
Renowned as Mantramaharshi, Jagaduguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji was the 22nd pontiff of the Srimath. His period was a significant chapter in the history of the Math. Born in 1887, Swamiji had to shoulder the responsibilities of the Math at the tender age of sixteen. His period heralded a new beginning in the history of Srimath. He rationalised the administration of the Math by documenting the activities and maintaining the land records.
Realizing the needs of the changing society, His Holiness focused on the services the Math had to provide to the community. He realised that education was necessary for progress and took initiatives to fulfil this requirement. The whole life of Swamiji was a penance. He spent the last years of his life for writing Shadakshari Mahamantra a million times and earned the title of ‘Mantra Maharshi’. Distinguished personalities such as Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, erstwhile king of Mysore, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Presidents of India, were inspired by the dedication of Mantra Maharshi and had appreciated his devotion.
Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji
“Education is a necessity to realise freedom and democracy.“
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the 23rd pontiff of the Sri Math, was born on 29.8.1916 and ascended the holy seat on 24.02.1928 when he was hardly twelve years old. He took up the responsibilities of the Math along with his Guru Jagadguru Sri Mantra Maharshi Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji. He was at the helm of affairs of the Math for more than half a century, a period full of events and activities. He sought nothing but worked for the welfare of all.
Sri Rajendra Swamiji who succeeded the Math with a great legacy did not limit himself only to religious activities but responded to the problems of inequality, poverty, and misery in society. In the 1940s, His Holiness started Niranjanalaya, a hostel (at his own residence) for needy students in Mysuru. The services of the Math were extended accordingly to the needs of society. Much before India attained independence, Swamiji had identified that lack of knowledge was the cause of several problems faced by the masses and started JSS Mahavidyapeetha (1954) for providing education. Under the aegis of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, he began schools and colleges for Akshara Dasoha (education), hostels for 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. Gradually he started, Primary Schools, High Schools, PU Colleges, Degree Colleges, Engineering and Medical colleges etc. He also established many Trusts and Societies such as JSS Medical Service Trust, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Rural Development Foundation, JSS Sangeetha Sabha, Shivarathreeshwara Endowment Trust, and Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahitya Parishath, etc. that catered to many social works.