Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamigalu

|Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamigalu
Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamigalu2023-05-19T11:31:58+00:00

Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji – The Founder of JSSMVP

The Founder of JSSMVP

His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the 23rd pontiff of the Srimath, was born on 29.8.1916 and ascended the holy seat on 24.02.1928 when he was hardly twelve years. He took up the responsibilities of the Srimath along with his guru Manthra Maharshi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji.

A firm believer in the good of one and all, he was at the helm of affairs of the Srimath for more than half a century – a period full of events and activities. He sought nothing but the welfare of all.

He completed his primary education at Suttur and took to studying Sanskrit in Mysuru at a young age. During this time, Swamiji engaged in lengthy spiritual and academic discussions with spiritual leaders. To pursue higher education, Swamiji went to Varanasi. However, as per his predecessor’s desire, His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahaswamiji and Sri Gowrishankara Mahaswamiji of Panchagavi Math, he returned to Mysore to continue studies and get involved in social service.

He was a scholar in Kannada and Sanskrit and a patron of art and literature. He was thoughtful and sensitive to an astonishing level. Unlike others, he had mastered the art of turning every good thought into reality. The wisdom of all his predecessors culminated in him. Every step he took was a step forward in search of new areas of service. That is how he could build a galaxy of educational institutions. He served society tirelessly, without any selfish ends.

His Holiness started a hostel in the 1940s at Niranjanalaya (his rented residence) for needy students in Mysuru. Primary Schools, High Schools, PU Colleges, Degree Colleges, Engineering colleges, Medical colleges, etc., soon followed. He also established many Trusts and Societies, such as JSS Medical Service Trust, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Rural Development Foundation, JSS Sangeetha Sabha, Shivarathreeshwara Endowment Trust, Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahitya Parishath, etc. that catered to many social needs.

Sri Rajendra Swamiji, who succeeded the Srimath with a great legacy, did not limit himself to religious activities but responded to the problems of inequality, poverty and misery in society. The services of the Srimath were extended accordingly to the community’s needs. Before India attained independence, Swamiji had identified that lack of knowledge was the cause of several problems faced by the masses and thus started the JSS Mahavidyapeetha (1954) to provide education. Under the aegis of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, he began schools and colleges for Jnana Dasoha (education), hostels for Anna Dasoha (boarding and lodging) and hospitals for Arogya Dasoha (health services) that led to overall social development. He was compassionate in supporting the poor and the oppressed and provided opportunities to thousands who needed shelter.

The early period of his pontification was challenging. It was often said that he had to struggle relentlessly to get even a small work done. A single-minded dedication to a task aimed at the welfare of all prompted him to tread the path of sacrifice. His Holiness attained heavenly abode on 6th December 1986, and his shrine can be visited at Suttur.

Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar conferred on His Holiness the title of ‘Rajagurutilaka’ in 1970 as a recognition of his immense contribution to society. Posthumously, Sri Shivaratri Rajendra Mahaswamiji was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Mysore in 1989.