As Ganesha Sharma Dravid gets inducted, here is a dekko at the significant contributions made by his predecessors at the powerful institution
On April 30, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham will induct its 71st Acharya – Duddu Satya Venkata Surya Subrahmanya Ganesha Sharma Dravid.
This event will be conducted under the guidance of the current peethadhipati (mutt head), Shankara Vijayendra Saraswati. It also coincides with the Jayanti Mahotsavam of Adi Shankaracharya, who founded the peetham (centre) more than 2,500 years ago.
The induction ceremony will be a living testimony of an illustrious and unbroken guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) of India that has transcended generations and continually worked to protect and propagate Sanatana dharma.
Protection of Sanatana dharma
Over the past century, the mutt has evolved into a formidable force in the realm of Sanatana dharma, exerting significant influence not only at the state level but also nationally and internationally.
To protect the religion from the danger of extinction, Ishvara (Lord Siva) manifested in flesh and blood as Shankara, the great philosopher-saint. While Shankara stayed on earth for just 32 years, he revived Sanatana dharma almost single-handedly and established mathas (mutts, monastic institutions), which could act as centres of protection and propagation of the religion for generations to come.
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While several disciples in the Shankara parampara have established their own mutts in later times, all of which get recognised as Shankara Mathas, the earliest of the mutts, established by Shankara himself, are five in number – one of them being the famed Mulamnaya Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt in Kancheepuram (also spelt ‘Kanchipuram’, and referred to as ‘Kanchi’).
Kanchi and Shankara
Many biographies speak of Shankara having spent a long time in Kanchi, establishing the Srichakra in front of the idol of Goddess Kamakshi, and even remodelling the city to the current structure.
Some biographies even mention Shankara spending his last days and attaining siddhi (spiritual powers) in the precincts of the Kamakshi temple in Kanchi. Thus, Kanchi and Shankara have a very intimate bond, which is reflected in several temples and traditions of the place, and most importantly the Shankara parampara of the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.
In this great tradition came several great Acharyas such as Paramasivendra Saraswati (the 57th Shankaracharya), who was the guru of Sadasiva Brahmendra – one of the greatest brahma-jnanis (those who have attained the knowledge of Lord Brahma) we witnessed in the last 500 years.
Existential challenges
During the period of British rule and the years following Independence, much like in the era of Adi Shankara, Sanatana dharma faced severe existential challenges.
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The widespread influence of Western thought, rising animosity and division among religious and caste groups — and the emergence of atheistic ideologies such as Dravidianism — contributed to a deep erosion of traditional Sanatana values and unity.
Although India attained political sovereignty, the minds of many remained colonised, shaped by foreign ideals and fragmented by the divisive seeds sown under British rule.
It was in this critical context that the Kanchi Matha rendered invaluable service towards reviving Sanatana dharma.
Revival of Sanatana
Through the establishment and support of Veda patashalas (Vedic schools), encouragement and sustenance of Vedic scholars, initiatives to recover and preserve lost Vedic texts, and efforts to bring together individuals with strength, resources, and a deep commitment to dharma, the Mutt played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the spiritual and cultural foundations of the religion.
These efforts were achieved through the divine will and boundless grace of the 68th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, reverentially known as Paramacharya or Mahaperiyava.
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This vision was brought to life through the remarkable organisational acumen and tireless efforts of the 69th Shankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswati. Together, their guidance and leadership brought about a profound transformation in the Sanatani society, reviving its core values and institutions.
Spiritual fulcrum
During the time of Mahaperiyava, the Kanchi Maá¹ha emerged as a spiritual fulcrum for all followers of Sanatana Dharma — irrespective of sectarian affiliations.
Whether Vaishnavas, Shaivas, Shaktas, Advaitins,Visisá¹advaitins, or Dvaitins, all found in the Maá¹ha a unifying centre of spiritual strength and dharmic guidance.
Remarkably, even individuals from other faiths including Islam and Christianity were drawn to the Maá¹ha, offering their respect, support, and often becoming devoted admirers of Mahaperiyava’s towering spiritual presence.
Under his direction, the Maá¹ha undertook the revival and protection of both Sanskrit and Tamil — twin pillars of Bharatiya spiritual and literary culture.
At his behest, the recitation and propagation of the Tiruppavai (Vaishnavite hymns) and Tiruvempavai (Shaivite hymns) gained widespread popularity, particularly during the sacred month of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January), through school competitions and public events.
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Recognising that temples are the living centres of Sanatani life, numerous temples were restored, renovated, and reconsecrated. Notable examples included the financial support for the construction of the rajagopuram (main tower) at Srirangam, and the establishment of a new temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja — Uttara Chidambaram — in the Maratha heartland of Satara.
Inclusive vision
The Maá¹ha's vision was deeply inclusive, drawing participation from all sections of society—musicians, dancers, scholars, artists, industrialists, businessmen, politicians, and members of the bureaucracy.
From ordinary villagers to the Prime Minister, from school children to globally acclaimed intellectuals and artists — all sought the blessings and counsel of the Paramacharya.
Thus, under Mahaperiyava’s divine leadership, the Kanchi Maá¹ha transcended regional boundaries, extending its influence far beyond Tamil Nadu to attain a truly pan-Indian, and even global identity. Given the complex socio-political landscape of the time, both in Tamil Nadu and across India, this resurgence was nothing short of monumental.
Dalit initiatives
Under the guidance of Mahaperiyava’s successor, Jayendra Saraswati, the Mutt undertook the inclusion of the Dalit, downtrodden and oppressed sections of the society that were easy targets for conversions by other faiths.
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One of the well-known events is the Meenakshipuram episode, where Jayendra Saraswati made humongous efforts to bring people who had converted to Islam back into the Hindu fold.
He was also among the driving forces in the Ramjanmabhumi case, making efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Ayodhya issue. He also sent ceremonial items like a conch shell to Ayodhya during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Further, temples were built in Dalit Hindu neighbourhoods, and Dalits were engaged in the activities of those and other temples.
Grooming next gen Sanatanees
In addition, specialised Vedic schools were rejuvenated providing both traditional and contemporary knowledge, and thus grooming the next generation of Sanatanees, who can straddle both worlds and act as a bridge between the two.
The Mutt has also systematically worked on archiving palm-leaf manuscripts, rare Vedic texts, and oral traditions to ensure they are not lost to future generations.
Several lost traditions of Vedic recitation were revived through the Mutt and relevant scholars encouraged and supported financially to keep the tradition alive.
Welfare initiatives
The Kanchi Mutt catalysed projects like the Sankara Nethralaya and various free medical camps, extending its dharmic duties into tangible healthcare services.
Inspired and backed by the Mutt, numerous schools and colleges have been set up to provide traditional and modern education, combining Vedic teachings with contemporary curricula.
The induction of the 71st Acharya into the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham tomorrow marks not just a ceremonial transition but a reaffirmation of a 2,500-year-old commitment to protect Sanatana dharma.
As Tamil Nadu and India continue to evolve, the Kanchi Mutt’s steady presence offers a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary aspirations and a source of inspiration and hope for the followers of Sanatana dharma.
(The Federal seeks to present views and opinions from all sides of the spectrum. The information, ideas or opinions in the article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Federal.)
