Swami Parijnanashram III (
Devanagari
Devanagari ( ; , , Sanskrit pronunciation: ), also called Nagari (),Kathleen Kuiper (2010), The Culture of India, New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, , page 83 is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental Writing systems#Segmental syste ...
: परिञानाश्रम्, ') (June 15, 1947 – August 29, 1991) was the tenth
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
of the
Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin
Chitrapur Saraswats are a small Konkani-speaking community of Hindu Brahmins in India. They are traditionally found along the Kanara coast and call themselves ''Bhanaps'' in the Konkani language.
This is a small community from India spread th ...
community. He succeeded his teacher
Swami Ānandāshram in 1966 after the latter died.
Swami Parijñānāshram III was one who had a keen thirst for knowledge-be it
Vedic
upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the '' Atharvaveda''.
The Vedas (, , ) are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the ...
or technical. His progressive outlook resulted in large scale development which gave the community and its head ''
matha
A ''matha'' (; sa, मठ, ), also written as ''math'', ''muth'', ''mutth'', ''mutt'', or ''mut'', is a Sanskrit word that means 'institute or college', and it also refers to a monastery in Hinduism. '' (Monastery) -
The Chitrāpur Matha the financial stability it needed. He aimed at making the Chitrapur village a self-sustaining viable township with an agricultural, industrial and commercial life of its own with an underlying spiritual base.
His progressive outlook also included compassion. Under his regime, several health-care facilities were developed. He was an animal lover and constructed deer parks, top quality cow-sheds and regularly visited and cared for the animals there.
He was a person who was highly interested in technical spheres of knowledge. He possessed a first grade
Ham Radio
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communic ...
license (Probably the first religious saint to possess such a license in India). Under His regime, a wireless station and an observatory post were established near
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
. He kept a keen interest in
archaeology
Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...
and established an Archeology museum at Chitrapur. His sense of compassion was well known by people both within and outside the community. He would visit devotees in hospitals regularly irrespective of status or wealth.
This development oriented mindset was something that was usually never anticipated from a religious figure. This progressive outlook did not go well with certain orthodox members of society. Swami Parijñānāshram felt restrained by the lack of acceptance from certain sections of society and which finally resulted in His abdication of the post of the Head of
Chitrapur Math
Shri Chitrapur Math is the central ''math'' (community temple) for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. It has been located at Shirali in the Bhatkal Taluk in the North Kanara district of Karnataka since 1757. The other ''maths'' of the commu ...
(''Mathādhipati'') in 1979. He relinquished the title of the Head of the Community fully by 1981.
After this, He travelled all across India and even went abroad (The first
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
of the community to do so), before He settled down in a ''matha'' constructed under his regime, at
Karla. He continued His service for the welfare of the people even though He was not ''Mathādhipati'' of the community. This allowed Him to extend His welfare programs to the down-trodden people irrespective of community, caste, creed or status.
Swami Parijñānāshram died on August 29, 1991 while He was staying at Bangalore. His body was later flown to
Karla where his ''samādhi'' is situated (at the Karla Math). He had not accepted a ''shishya'' (Disciple) to succeed Him as the Head of the community.
''(NOTE: In this article henceforth Swamiji will refer to Swami Parijñānāshram III)''
Early days
Swami Parijñānāshram was born to Shantābai and Shankarnārāyan Laxman Shukla (Bhat) on June 15, 1947 at
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
in
Karnataka
Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...
. He was named Ravīndra Shankarnārāyan Shukla (Bhat). He did His primary schooling till the age of 6 at Shirali, under the watchful eyes of the incumbent Head of the community
Swami Ānandāshram. Even before He was born, His mother Shāntabai claims to have known that her offspring was Divine, even while she was pregnant. Claims include she having dreams like the Vision of a 7 hooded serpent, the impulse to offer her offspring to Lord Bhavānishankar during the
aarti
''Arti'' (Sanskrit: Ārātrika, Hindi: Ārtī) is a Hindu ritual employed in worship, often part of '' puja'', in which light (usually from a flame) is offered to one or more deities. ''Arti(s)'' also refers to the songs sung in praise of the d ...
and so on.
In 1953, Shankarnārāyan Shukla (Bhat) and his family shifted to
Mumbai
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
where the education of young Ravīndra was done at Poddar High School,
Santa Cruz in Mumbai. He studied there till He was ordained to be the ''shishya'' of
Anandashram Swami. As a child He was an avid collector of stamps and coins- a hobby He pursued even after becoming the Head of the Community.
Ordination
At the age of 12, Parijnanashram was chosen by the incumbent
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
Anandashram Swami to be his ''shishya'' (disciple). He was ordained as the successor to Swami Ānandāshram in a grand ceremony of initiation as a disciple at Shivaji Park,
Mumbai
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
on March 1, 1959. At this ceremony, he was christened Parijñānāshram. This ceremony was attended by over 10,000 devotees. The religious heads of other Saraswat ''
matha
A ''matha'' (; sa, मठ, ), also written as ''math'', ''muth'', ''mutth'', ''mutt'', or ''mut'', is a Sanskrit word that means 'institute or college', and it also refers to a monastery in Hinduism. s'' were present at the ceremony and they blessed Him too.
He studied under His
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
for a long period of 7 years until Swami Ānandāshram attained ''Mahā-samādhi'' on September 16, 1966. After the ''Mahā-samādhi'', He took over as the sovereign head of the community of Sāraswats. This long period of tutelage under His
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
allowed Parijñānāshram to attain a great command over the Sanskrit scriptures. He toured along with His guru everywhere and thus could attain hands-on experience in the matters of spirituality as well as administration.
Developmental activities
Swamiji took charge of the finances of the ''matha'' and used it for large scale developmental projects. These projects were not just aimed at social development but also technical improvements. His eagerness to make the various institutions under the community self-sufficient was His ultimate aim. So that way, even if the generosity of the community waned, the institutions would not suffer.
Social Development Schemes
There were a number of social development schemes executed under the aegis of Swamiji. He was responsible for the restarting of the ''
Rathōtsav'' ("Car Festival") in 1973 which had been suspended for 35 years due to financial insecurity. Other ventures included the construction of housing societies, starting an institution for the physically and mentally challenged children as well as construction of temples and a ''matha''.
*Reviving the ''
Rathōtsav'':
The ''Rathōtsav'' or Car Festival was a gala celebration which united the entire community. This was suspended indefinitely by
Swami Ānandāshram due to the
financial situation that had crippled the community.
Under Swamiji's reign, the ''Rathōtsav'' was revived in 1973 as the financial position of the ''matha'' was strong. Over 2000 people attended the ''Rathōtsav'' of 1973.
*Ānandāshraya:
This was a shelter for the aged built at
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
close to the
Chitrapur Math
Shri Chitrapur Math is the central ''math'' (community temple) for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. It has been located at Shirali in the Bhatkal Taluk in the North Kanara district of Karnataka since 1757. The other ''maths'' of the commu ...
. It was completed on March 30, 1980 and could house around 40 couples. This was a promise that Swamiji had given to his
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
. The cost of its construction was initially put by Swamiji through His personal funds. The remainder was from money collected from the philanthropic members of the community.
Ānandāshraya provided these "orphaned" elders a place to stay and enjoy the last days of their lives with love, dignity and self-respect. They could attend all the activities at the
Chitrapur Math
Shri Chitrapur Math is the central ''math'' (community temple) for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. It has been located at Shirali in the Bhatkal Taluk in the North Kanara district of Karnataka since 1757. The other ''maths'' of the commu ...
which helped quell their spiritual desires.
*Swami Parijnanashram Educational and Vocational Centre for the Handicapped:
This institute was a vocational training cum school for children who were physically and mentally challenged. This was established in Bolinj, in the suburb of
Virār, Mumbai. It initially provided vocational training for 60 children (Aged between 3-18) under 5 different departments viz.: The Deaf and Mute; The Mute/Speech Impaired; The Physically Challenged; The blind; The Mentally Challenged.
This was a unique project pursued by Swamiji after His abdication. This institute was a revolutionary project completed in conjecture with the State and Central Government on October 31, 1985. It is an actively functioning institution which runs on funds from the Government and large number of charitable institutions/individuals. It can now accommodate 302 children who are given training in life skills by 56 professionally trained teachers.
''See their webpag
here'
*Development at
Karla:
Swamiji personally supervised in the construction of an ''
ashram
An ashram ( sa, आश्रम, ) is a spiritual hermitage or a monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or a ...
'' by name ''Jñānānand'' in the town of
Kārla in Maharashtra. He used this as a retreat while touring in Maharashtra and eventually as His abode after His abdication. He also constructed a temple for goddess
Durga
Durga ( sa, दुर्गा, ) is a major Hindu goddess, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother goddess Mahadevi. She is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars.
Durga's legend centres around co ...
called the Sri Durga Paramēshwari Mata Madir. The ''samādhi'' (Shrine) of Swamiji is also located at Karla.
*Shāntisukhada:
''Shāntisukhada'' was an organization founded under the aegis of Swamiji that was aimed at woman empowerment. Poor and destitute women of the village of Malavali in Maharashtra were provided with free sewing machines and imparted with training in tailoring so as to make them financially self-sufficient.
*Parijñānāshraya:
This was a housing colony of cottages built by the Kanara Saraswat Association (Se
here at the Panchavati hills nearby. It gave the members of the community a place to stay in amidst serene surroundings. This housing scheme was built on the lines of the houses at the
Tirupati
Tirupati () is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Tirupati district. The city is home to the important Hindu shrine of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and other historic temples and is refe ...
(Tirumala) hills.
*Renovation of Panchavati temple:
The temple constructed by
Swami Pāndurangāshram on the Panchavati hills near
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
by the name ''Panchavati Dhyān Mandir'' was renovated. Besides the renovation of the main structure, gardens blooming with roses and cacti were laid around the temple.
*Establishment of Deer park at Govardhan Hillock:
Swamiji, being an animal lover, supervised the establishment of a deer park atop the Govardhan hillock which is close to
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
. This deer park is now a tourist attraction. Moreover, the trees planted in the deer park have become home to several species of birds and can be a haven for bird watchers too.
Other developmental projects
The other projects undertaken during the regime of Swamiji were aimed at commercial, industrial and technical progress. The main project was the Chitrapur Gram Vikas Yojna (Chitrapur village development scheme). Other projects have been mentioned below:
*Chitrāpur Gram Vikās Yojana (Chitrapur Village Development Scheme):
This was a project that aimed at making Chitrapur Village a self-sufficient viable township with a blend of agricultural, commercial and industrial life with an underlying base of spirituality. This project aimed at utilising the land around the
Chitrapur Math
Shri Chitrapur Math is the central ''math'' (community temple) for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. It has been located at Shirali in the Bhatkal Taluk in the North Kanara district of Karnataka since 1757. The other ''maths'' of the commu ...
for socio-economic development. The various sub-projects that resulted from this Scheme are:
**''Development of cottage industries'': Cottage industries like Printing press, Handlooms, Power looms, Small-scale mills etc. were started. Funds were allocated for the establishment of new industries as well as for upgrading of existing ones. These cottage industries provided a regular source of employment for the people and the profits from these industries produced a constant source of income for the ''matha'' as well.
**''Encouragement of agriculture'': The Gram Vikas Scheme regularly allocated funds for improving agriculture in the regions owned by the ''matha''. Use of better fertilizers, improving quality of grains sowed etc. were parts of this agenda. The property at Kembre and Bengre farms were utilized which resulted in the ''matha'' attaining self-sufficiency in terms of rice, vegetables and coconuts.
**''Improvement in Dairy farming'': The cowsheds under the ''matha'' were modernized. The sheds were made larger, more roomy and airy for the cattle. Investments were made to purchase better Gujarati Surti cattle which provided more milk. The quality of feed given was also improved.
*Archaeology Museum at Shirali:
Swamiji had a keen interest in
archaeology
Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...
and history. He personally created a museum of Archaeology with many rare artifacts and idols that He had collected. This museum was opened in 1974 and provided the people a glimpse into the world of archaeology.
*Wireless Station and Observatory Post at Panchavati Hills:
Once on His visit to the Panchavati Hills near Shirali, the weather became very cyclonic. He noticed 2 fishermen trying to battle the cyclonic conditions in the Arabian Sea but they failed after their boat capsized and they drowned. This incident deeply hurt Swamiji as He was helpless and could not help the fishermen. Thus came the idea of starting a wireless station at Pachavati that could be used for communication in times of emergency.
A Wireless transmitter-receiver station was established with the help of people like Badakere Dutt, Kallianpur Ramanand etc. An Observatory post was also established which was manned all throughout the day and night, to guide ships and boats through the jagged rocks that adorn the coastline of
Shirali
Shirali is a village in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Shirali is home to two prominent temples: the Chitrapur Math and the Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple. The Chitrapur Math is the holiest temple of the Chitrapur Saras ...
, especially at night. Swamiji also studied and obtained a first grade
amateur radio
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communic ...
license within a period of 3 months of applying for it, a task that is difficult by normal standards. He was probably the first
sanyasi
''Sannyasa'' (Sanskrit: संन्यास; IAST: ), sometimes spelled Sanyasa (सन्न्यास) or Sanyasi (for the person), is life of renunciation and the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' As ...
to obtain such a license.
He was also an active user of the amateur radio.
*Commercial complex in Bangalore:
A large tract of land around the Chitrapur Math, Bangalore was being under-utilized. Swamiji established a project that would result in the construction of a residential and commercial complex. Once the project was completed, it provided the ''matha'' an income to the tune of Rupees 8 lakh (Rs.800,000). This amount, which has multiplied over the years, is still a source of good income.
*Updating Library:
The library in
Chitrapur Math
Shri Chitrapur Math is the central ''math'' (community temple) for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin sect. It has been located at Shirali in the Bhatkal Taluk in the North Kanara district of Karnataka since 1757. The other ''maths'' of the commu ...
was refurnished and updated. It acquired many rare Sanskrit books regarding a variety of religious subjects. Many new books too were acquired. The whole library was properly catalogued and books maintained in an orderly manner with proper connotations and captions.
*Travel abroad:
Swamiji and His retinue of priests travelled to the US and UK to show the members of the community settled there, the rituals and culture of the community. He carried along with him an idol of Lord ''Bhavānishankara'', the principle deity of the community. This brought the community abroad closer to the ''matha''.
Opposition and Abdication
Swami Parijñānāshram's regime was filled with lots of opposition from many quarters. His dynamic and progressive outlook was something that was never expected from a
sanyasi
''Sannyasa'' (Sanskrit: संन्यास; IAST: ), sometimes spelled Sanyasa (सन्न्यास) or Sanyasi (for the person), is life of renunciation and the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' As ...
like Him. The large scale industrial, commercial and technical development did not go well with certain orthodox sections of the society, especially certain people within the Chitrapur Math. This group tried to mobilise support against Swamiji and thus created a rift within the community.
Two sections emerged - those supporting Swamiji and those against.
Tired of all the opposition and accusations he had to face, Swamiji graciously relinquished the title of ''Mathādhipati'' or Head of the ''matha'' and community by 1981.
Certain aspects that caused the criticism and opposition are mentioned as follows:
*Constant court cases against Him: Swamiji had to face many court cases filed against him. The basis of these cases was the Chitrapur Math Trust deed, which was very weak in the sense that He was the sole trustee. This meant that anybody could find any small fault in the execution of developmental programs under the trust and the blame would fall on him. Swamiji came clean in all these court cases. The fact that a guru of a community had to go through trial in court cases, resulted in a character assassination of sorts.
*Total control over finances: It came to the notice of Swamiji that some members, who were part of the ''matha'', were involved in swindling the money generated from various activities of the ''matha''. In order to prevent such financial misgivings, he took total charge over the finances of the ''matha''. Moreover, He stopped certain rituals like ''Pādukapooja'' (
pooja of the wooden sandals of the Guru) to prevent the money offered by devotees from being kept by the priests for their own needs.
*Restriction of Trusts and schemes:
Swamiji was a person who wanted to help people of every community and not just the
Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin
Chitrapur Saraswats are a small Konkani-speaking community of Hindu Brahmins in India. They are traditionally found along the Kanara coast and call themselves ''Bhanaps'' in the Konkani language.
This is a small community from India spread th ...
Community. Most schemes for welfare development were bound by trusts and schemes that allowed the benefit to go only to the members of that community alone. He wanted to be a true ''
Jagadguru
, literally meaning " of the universe", is a title used in . Traditionally, it has been bestowed upon or used for belonging to the school (among the six traditional schools of thought in Hinduism) who have written Sanskrit commentaries on the ...
'' (Jagad = World +
guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
= Teacher). Thus He found discontentment in these projects and is cited as His chief reason to relinquish the title.
*Starting Archeology Museum:
Swamiji had a very keen acumen regarding archeology and hence wanted the people at Shirali and rest of the community to understand the beauty of archeology. For that purpose He planned to start an archeology museum at Shirali. Certain members of the community opposed this plan citing reasons like Idols of Gods (that were displayed at the museum) should not be used for purposes of entertainment and public display. Moreover, the funds used for that project could be used for other purposes. Swamiji was adamant with His decision which resulted in the museum being completed in 1974. This caused tensions within the administration of the ''matha''.
*Restarting of Rathōtsav during times of drought:
The ''Rathōtsav'' was restarted under Swamiji's wishes in 1973. There was a difference in opinion about the time of restarting of the Car festival or ''Rathōtsav''. The region was facing droughts and this festival will mean thousands of people turning up and staying at Shirali for 3–4 days at a stretch. But Swamiji's ardent desire prevailed and thus the festival was restarted. During the ''Sādhana Saptāha'' (Week of
Sadhana- See
Sādhana Saptāha) in Bombay in 1972 He told the community that the reasons for starting the festival was not much because of the improved financial condition of the ''matha'' nor the large number of people wanting it restarted. The principal objective was, Swamiji stressed, that the lore of the rites, rituals and essential forms of the Rathōtsav ceremonies was within full knowledge of only a limited number of priests, and with disuse, this knowledge would dwindle, leading possibly to ultimate extinction. He even hinted that He had plans to restart the festival in 1969 but could not because of certain pressures.
Swamiji was tired of the constant opposition He faced. So as an act of grace, He did the ultimate sacrifice (''Tyāga'') of relinquishing the title of Head of the community and the ''matha'' by 1981.
This was reminiscent of the ''Tyāga'' made by
Swami Vāmanāshram.
The Mahasabha of 1989
On December 24, 1989 the ''Mahasabha'' (Grand gathering/meeting) of the Sāraswats took place at Mumbai where Swamiji made His position regarding becoming the ''mathādhipati'' very clear to the community. He wanted the community to be one and the divisions to be mended.
Swamiji had received several letters asking him to go back to become the head of the community. This was so that the ''Guru parampara'' could be continued if He accepted a ''shishya'' (disciple). He stated that some people still considered Him as an excommunicated guru and any disciple of His too would be considered as excommunicated.
Later the ''Mahasabha'' reached the conclusion that the
guru parampara would be continued by that person whom Swamiji had accepted as a ''shishya'' (disciple) and that any other person anointed as the head of the community would not be part of the original ''Guru Parampara'' that started in 1708.
Given below are parts of the ''āshirvachan'' (spiritual discourse) Swamiji gave to the ''Mahasabha''. The statements in parentheses are not part of the original lecture but added to give more information to the reader.
The Mahasabha then recorded a resolution :
RESOLVED that the only way to continue the present parampara founded by Adi Parijnanashram Swamiji is to install H.H.Parijnanashram Swamiji III as the Mathadhipati and accept a Shishya initiated by Him.
Further RESOLVED that as per tradition, custom and usage, Chitrapur Saraswat community has accepted only that Shishya who has been initiated by our own Guru and in view of this tradition, it is our resolve that no other Shishya who is initiated by any other Sanyasi will be acceptable to the community.
Despite these decisions, the ''Kshamāyāchana'' (Letter of forgiveness) by members of the Karla Math (People who were strong supporters of Swamiji) to the present head of the Chitrapur Math, Swami Sadyojāt Shankarāshram in 2005, led to the mending of relations between the two sections of the community. Moreover, Swami Sadyojāt Shankarāshram accepted Swami Parijnānāshram III as his guru. (See
Mending of relationships)
Death
After abdication, Swamiji settled down at the ''Jnānānand'', an
ashram
An ashram ( sa, आश्रम, ) is a spiritual hermitage or a monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or a ...
He had constructed in the town of
Karla in Maharashtra. He continued His pursuits of welfare, but with the freedom of extending it to all people irrespective of creed, caste or status. The Vocational Centre at
Virar
Virar (Pronunciation: iɾaɾ is a coastal city in taluka Vasai and district of Palghar, India. It is clubbed into Vasai-Virar city, administered by Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation. It lies in south part of Palghar District in Vasai Taluka ...
and the ''Shāntisukhada'' are proof in that respect.
On August 27, 1991 Swamiji, suddenly left for Bangalore to be at the Chitrapur Math there, the place where His
Guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
Swami Ānandāshram had died. 2 days later, on August 29, 1991 Swami Parijñānāshram III died at the young age of 44.
He had not accepted a ''shishya'' (disciple) to succeed Him as the head of the community and continue the ''
Guru Parampara'' as a result of the discontentment some people in the community had against him. He felt that any ''shishya'' adopted by Him might not be accepted by those same people. The ''samādhi'' of Swami Parijñānāshram III is located next to the ''Durga Parameshwari Temple'' at
Karla.
Miracles
Two miracles have been observed at the temple at Karla after Swamiji's death. They are listed below:
*Opening of the ''samādhi'' (shrine) during renovation:
Swamiji's ''samādhi'' (Shrine) is situated near the Durga Parameshawari Temple at Karla. But for the shrine to be completed, a
Shiv-linga was to be installed. So during February/March 1993 the ''samādhi'' slab was removed. To the surprise of everyone, the
Marigold flowers and the
tulsi
''Ocimum tenuiflorum'', commonly known as holy basil, ''tulsi'' or ''tulasi'', is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian ...
leaves that had been placed over the body of Swamiji was still very fresh. Swamiji's scalp and hair was intact as well despite being interred for nearly 18 months.
*Goddess Durga and Lord Shankara appearing in flames:
Many devotees have claimed to have witnessed the image of Goddess Durga along with Lord Shankar in the flames of the
Homam (Ritual where offerings are placed into fire, usually offerings to lord
Agni
Agni (English: , sa, अग्नि, translit=Agni) is a Sanskrit word meaning fire and connotes the Vedic fire deity of Hinduism. He is also the guardian deity of the southeast direction and is typically found in southeast corners of Hindu ...
. The picture of the Gods appearing in the flame can be see
here This photograph was taken on 28 January 2001.
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Notes
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parijnanashram 3
20th-century Hindu religious leaders
1947 births
1991 deaths
Amateur radio people