The Holy Guru-Shishya Parampara

सदाशिवसमारम्भां शङ्कराचार्यमध्यमाम् । अस्मदाचार्यपर्यन्तां वन्दे गुरुपरम्पराम् ॥

Obeisance unto the holy Guru Parampara, beginning from Lord Sri Sadashiva upto the present Acharya with Sri Shankaracharya in middle.

Significance of a Guru

Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji spoke about the significance of a Guru in one of His Anugraha Bhashanams:

In our tradition, a very high status has been accorded to the Guru. Without the Grace of the Guru, no one can attain fulfilment of the purpose of life. We all desire Moksha, and the sole means to attain it is Jnana (knowledge). The Veda says: “It is only by knowing the Supreme Brahman that one attains immortality. There is no other path”.

How can that knowledge be obtained by us? Can it be obtained by study of texts? No, this knowledge can be attained only through a Guru. In the Upanishads, we hear of holy ones approaching Gurus who are well versed in the Scriptures and established in the Supreme and making a request of the form, “O Guru! Please impart knowledge to me”. Even though the Rishis seeking knowledge may have been scholarly, it is certain that their acquisition of knowledge was solely dependent on their seeking it from a Guru. Only that knowledge which is obtained from the lotus lips of the Guru is potent. Sans a Guru, no matter how many texts we may delve into, we cannot attain that knowledge. There is a holy tradition everywhere which can be learnt only from the Guru.

The Compassionate Vision of Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Finding a true Guru who is both well-versed in the Shastras and firmly established in the Self is exceedingly rare. Understanding this immeasurable value of a Guru, in an act of supreme compassion for seekers across the ages, Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpadacharya established His four Chaturamnaya Peethams (monastic centers) at the cardinal points of India. These institutions serve as beacons of authentic spiritual guidance for earnest seekers while safeguarding the luminous heritage of Sanatana Dharma as revitalized by Shankara.

The Unique Distinction of Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Among these four pillars of Vedic tradition, the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham holds a distinguished place in history, maintaining an "Avichchinna Guru Parampara"—an unbroken succession of spiritual masters where each Acharya has been the direct disciple of the preceding one. Each succeeding Jagadguru in this unbroken lineage perfectly embodies Sri Adi Shankaracharya's divine qualities—Self-realization, masterful expertise in Vedanta, and comprehensive command of the Vedas—creating a living tradition in which the Sri Shankaracharya's wisdom and spiritual stature have remained vibrantly present across twelve centuries.

Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji, the successor-designate of the 36^th Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, has defined a Jagadguru as one who can provide definitive guidance to make one’s life truly meaningful and lead us on the path to Moksha.

Every Acharya of this Peetham demonstrates “Sthitaprajna” (steady wisdom) and guides everyone in the world through:

• Profound empathy for the spiritual maturity of each seeker
• Comprehensive mastery of the scriptures that illuminate dharma and liberation
• Unwavering establishment in the supreme state of Jivanmukti (liberation while living)

With this threefold excellence, the Jagadgurus guide receptive souls all over the world (Jagat) toward righteous living and spiritual fulfillment. Hence, they are called “Jagadgurus” (world teachers). As direct successors in Sri Shankaracharya's lineage, they bear the revered title "Jagadguru Shankaracharya."

Lives of Exemplary Balance

The Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of Sringeri Sharada Peetham exemplify a remarkable harmony between the austere renunciation of a sannyasi and the demanding responsibilities of a Mathadhipati (head of a monastic institution).

Their daily lives reflect:

• Intensive study and contemplation of sacred texts
• Rigorous spiritual disciplines and meditative practices
• Compassionate guidance for seekers at all stages of development
• Authoritative clarification of scriptural doubts for scholars
• Solace and refuge for those suffering from life's tribulations
• Living inspiration for those dedicated to dharmic principles
• Devoted worship and communion with the Divine
• Profound absorption in tapas (spiritual austerities)

Each breath of their sacred lives is drawn not for personal benefit but for Lokakshema—the welfare of the entire world.

Following in Sri Adi Shankaracharya's footsteps, they undertake Vijaya Yatras (tours) throughout India to:

• Inspire adherence to Vedic principles
• Consecrate temples and sacred spaces
• Bless and guide devotees from all walks of life
• Initiate and oversee dharmic and humanitarian initiatives

A Living Legacy of Wisdom

The biographies of these illustrious Acharyas merit reverent study, offering devotees not only a wellspring of devotion but also a practical pathway to chitta-shuddhi—the inner purification essential for advancing toward Self-realization.

These biographies and other books can be ordered through our online bookstore.

Lineage of Gurus

The sacred lineage of the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham presents an unbroken chain of thirty-six Jagadgurus to date, each illuminating the path of knowledge and devotion for generations of spiritual aspirants. Through their grace, the timeless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta continues to guide sincere seekers toward the ultimate truth of their own divine nature.