Our Guru Parampara
Swami Paramahamsananda Saraswati Ji's Guru and Acharya Swami
अस्मदाचार्य पर्यन्तां वन्दे गुरु परम्पराम्॥
asmadācārya paryantāṃ vande guru paramparām.
Pujya Sri Swami Ramananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the revered founder of our Brahma Vidya Parampara, was born on April 1, 1931, as Ramaavat, the third son of Pujya Sri Harishankara Ojha and Srimati Jayarajee Devi. His father, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and Acharya, instilled in him a deep devotion to learning and spirituality from a young age. Though drawn to the divine from childhood, Swamiji fulfilled his parents' wishes by completing his studies at Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya.
His profound devotion to Krishna led him to his Guru, Pujyashri Abhayananda Saraswatiji, in Uttarkashi. Under his guidance, Swamiji delved into the Prasthana Traya Bhashyas, guided by eminent scholars like Pujyashri Tapovan Maharaj and Pujyashri Vishnudevananda Maharaj. Building upon his father's teachings in Sanskrit and his own rigorous study and practice, Swamiji mastered not only the Prasthana Traya but also the intricate Saiva Agama Shastras of Kashmir, including the Shiva Sutra and Vignana Bhairava Tantra.
In 1969, Swamiji received Sannyasa initiation from his Guru, Sri Abhayananda, and became Swami Ramananda Saraswati. He established the Sri Markandeya Sannyasa Ashram at Omkareshwar, dedicating himself to serving sadhus, pilgrims, and tirelessly studying and teaching the Prasthana Traya Bhashyas. Renowned for his gentle nature and unwavering commitment to his teachings, he was deeply respected by both sadhus and householders.
Swami Ramananda Saraswati passed away peacefully on September 21, 2008, at Sri Abhaya Sannyasa Ashram in Kashi. Though his physical form is no more, his profound wisdom and the legacy of Brahma Vidya continue to inspire us, echoing the eternal truth that for the Brahma Jnani, death holds no dominion.
Pujya Sri Swami Shanti Dharmananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj, born in 1960 into a devout Madhva Sampradaya family in Karnataka, displayed a natural inclination towards spirituality from a young age. He received a strong Vedic foundation from his parents, emphasizing the importance of maternal and paternal guidance. He also acquired knowledge of traditional Vedic astrology. While pursuing engineering in France, his spiritual curiosity deepened. This led him to a yoga camp conducted by Sri Satyananda Saraswati, a renowned disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. Impressed by his dedication, the Swamis brought him with them back to India. He then underwent rigorous yoga training under Sri Satyananda Saraswati, mastering Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Swara Yoga.
Following his Guru's guidance, he left the Munger Ashram to delve deeper into Vedanta Shastras. At the Kailasa Ashram in Rishikesh, he studied Sanskrit grammar and foundational scriptures under the esteemed Swami Harihara Tirtha, revered as "Chotte Maharaj." Recognizing his impending departure, Chotte Maharaj instructed Swami Shanti Dharmananda to continue his studies in Kashi. In Kashi, he resided at Govinda Math, where he immersed himself in the profound teachings of the five Vedic Darshanas: Tarkika, Sankhya, Purva Mimamsa, and Patanjala Yoga Shastra. He achieved a deep understanding of Vyakaran, even mastering Mahabhashya. With a fervent desire to learn the sixth darshan, Vedanta, he sought a Guru worthy of his devotion.
Divine grace led him to Sri Swami Ramananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj, who was renowned for his Vedanta teachings in Kashi. Under the tutelage of this esteemed Guru, he thoroughly studied the Prasthana Traya and the Agama Shastras, including the intricate Kashmiri Saiva and Sivadvaita texts. He also mastered advanced Vedanta texts like Advaita Siddhi and Kandana Kandakadyam.
As directed by Swami Ramananda Saraswati, he commenced teaching Vedanta to sadhus in Haridwar. He later established a permanent residence in Panchavati, Rishikesh, where he continues to impart profound knowledge of the Shad Darshanas to this day. Over the past three decades, hundreds of ascetics, householders, and seekers have been inspired by his teachings and guided by his example on the path of spiritual realization. He not only imparts profound knowledge but also actively engages in personal sadhana and encourages his disciples to do the same, living a life dedicated to Brahma Nishta.