Sri ADICHUNCHANAGIRI MAHASAMSTHANA is situated on a rocky hill
at an altitude of about 3,300 ft., above sea level, 110 kms west
of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, India.
In ancient times, this abode of green woods and small lakes enlivened by the wild peacocks and birds must have attracted Sages and Rishis for doing penance. Lord Gangadhareswara is the Presiding diety. Sri Kalabhairaveswara is the Kshetrapalaka of this Mahasamsthana. The Pancha Lingas, the Jwala Peeta, Sthambamba are all held in great reverence by the devotees. The peak point of this Giri [hillock] is known as Akash Bhairav and the scared pond is called Bindu Sarovar.
Reference to this holy Kshetra finds a place in "Siva Purana'', in historical inscriptions and folkores. Legend has it, that Adi Rudra handed over the Kshetra to Siddha Simhasana and the Mutt. The present head, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji is the 71st head if this Mutt. This has a "Guru Parampara'' of over1500 years.
This ancient "DHARAMAPEETA" has successfully preserved
and propagated the Indian heritage through ages. Besides, the
Mutt is striving for the welfare and betterment of the common
people, particularly those of rural areas. Several educational
and technical institutions have been started in different places
of the State including a Sanskrit college at Sri Kshetra. The
service activities have increased many fold ever since the present
Swamiji became the head of the Mutt in 1974. At present there
are twelve branches of the Mutt. Seven Mutts receive patronage
and more than 220 Institutions are managed by the Mutt through
a Board of Trustees under the Presidentship of Sri Swamiji. About
6,000 needy students are given free boarding and lodging and about
30,000 students are provided with general and technical education.
"DHASOHA", free feeding , is given for all the pilgrims
who visit the Kshetra daily. On account of this service, the Kshetra
has derived the name of "ANNADANI MUTT" and is referred
to as such in this region. Very recently a magnificent building
has been constructed known as "ANNADANI BHAIRAVA BHAVAN'',
which has got 3 floors to serve as Dining hall, Prayer Hall and
conference hall.
The social service activities of this Dharmapeeta also include
providing Medical camps to the needy and less fortunate brothern
of the region. Periodical free Medical camps are conducted in
several rural places. A 1050 bed Hospital has been constructed
at Balagangadharanatha Nagar which is situated in the interior
rural area. This Hospital is equipped with the latest equipment's
brought from Germany and USA Since the majority of the population
that is being catered to by this hospital is backward and needy,
Sri Swamiji has seen to it that the diagnosis, treatment, medicine
are all given free of cost. Even diet is being given free. Efforts
are made to render the best of service to the needy rural people.
Institutions have also been started to help the aged and to provide
succour to the helpless women. The two such centres are situated
in Bangalore and Mysore. There are more than one hundred rural
women folk who have been provided with gainful employment.
Providing light and life to the Blind is yet another social service,
that
Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji has taken
to his heart. For this purpose, he has opened a Residential school
for the Blind and disabled at Archakarahalli, Ramanagar Taluk,
Bangalore district. There are more than 150 Blind students who
are given free boarding and education. These Blind children
are also being taught arts, crafts, music so that they can earn
their bread without being a burden to the society.
Community marriages are encouraged and performed under the auspicious
of the Mutt to save the people from incurring expenditure and
thus prevent them from falling into debt. Sri Swamiji usually
undertakes periodical tours for spiritual propagation, both within
the country and abroad.
Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanath
Swamiji has visited Germany, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong
Singapore, Malaysia etc., on spiritual missions. Sri Swamiji
has exhorted the devotees in these countries to involve themselves
in the services of the needy. Sri Swamiji has made extensive
tour within the country as well. He has established new centres
at different places in the country to help and to promote integration
of various sections of the Society.
The Mutt is publishing a monthly magazine in Kannada under the
life "ADICHUNCHANAGIRI" to spread the knowledge in the
field of Spiritualism, Culture, Literature, and Agriculture etc.,.
Adhichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana at present is having twelve branches
all over the State of Karnataka , in addition to the two Foundations
aboard, i.e., one at Flint Michigan USA and another in Berlin,
Germany.
AdichunchanagiriMutt is patronising and supporting many other independent Ashram's in Karnataka.
Below are but a few of the educational and other Institutions
established and run by Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust [R].
Several Nursery, Primary, Middle School, High School and Colleges all over the State of Karnataka are being run.
Free and General Hostels are in Sri Kshetra , Bangalore, Mysore,
Mandya and a few other District Head Quarters for the benefit
of Post Graduate Students as well.
There are good number of co-operative Institutions also.
The present Sri Kalabhairaveswara Temple at Sri Kshetra was constructed
long long ago. It was the long felt need of the Mutt and devotees,
for constructing a new Temple in place of this . Sri Swamiji
hither to was engaged in other social services activities and
therefore could not give much attention towards this long felt
need and was not able to take up this Temple project earlier.
Swamiji has started its construction now. The Temple is proposed
to have three Prakaras and will have Raja Gopuras on all the four
sides. The Temple and the Raja Gopuras will be constructed according
to the "SHAIVAGAMA SHASTHRAS" and a renowned temple
architect of South India has been started and the foundation laying
ceremony was held very recently. This Temple construction is
programmed to be completed in about 5 years.
So much of service to the society in such a small time was possible, due to the benevolent and untiring efforts of Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji. Sri Swamiji's thrist for service to the society is not yet quenched.
The Sri Kshetra is open to all. The activities ranging from spiritual
exercise and propagation of Sanskrit by traditional and modern
methods, to patronise folk art , folk music and folk lore. Among
its several programmes, education stands foremost. Social and
health services are rendered by many dedicated monks and devotees
under the inspiring leadership of Sri Swamiji
This Mutt belongs to all. So also its Institutions. The beneficiaries
belong to all sections of the society and region. The many on
going projects need whole hearted support. The selfless dedication
of Sri Swamiji and his associates is worthy of appreciation and
respect by one and all.
Donation towards the construction of Sri Kalabhairaveswara Temple
are gratefully accepted. The donation enjoy tax exemption under
"80G" and of income tax act. All donations can be made
by cheques/`D.D./ Cash to "Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt[Bhairaveswara
Temple construction]" and sent to:
Adichunchanagiri Mutt,
Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District.
Karnataka, India , PIN-571811.
Phone No. [08234] 67333/67444/67570
Complied by Sudhir Gowda & Chethana N
