About Swamiji

श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः

His Holiness 1008 Shi Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, the Pontiff of Jagadguru Shri Madhwaachaarya Moola Mahaa Samsthaanam, Shreemad Upendra Theertha Peetham, Shree Puthige Matha in Udupi, India, is a visionary and modern thinker deeply rooted in tradition. He took “Sanyas” (renouncing worldly pleasures in exchange for service to humanity and the Almighty) at the age of twelve.

His Holiness is a revered Hindu spiritual leader and an essential figure in the Dvaita School of Philosophy, recognized as a champion of world peace from India. He is the 30th pontiff in the 750-year-old illustrious lineage of Jagadguru Shree Madhwaachaarya, who established the Dvaita School in the 13th century A.D.

Recently, Shri Swamiji concluded his fourth “Paryaya,” a two-year term as the head of Udupi Shri Krishna Matha. During this “Vishwa Geeta Paryaya,” from January 2024 through January 2026, he promoted the writing, reciting, and learning of the Bhagavad Gita among 10 million people worldwide, an initiative known as the “Koti Geeta Lekhana Yajna.” He also spearheaded significant offerings, including a gold cover to  “Sarvajna Peetha,” a gold chariot, gold cover for the Tirtha Mantapa, the Kanakana Kindi (a window for viewing Sri Krishna), and the Bhagavad Gita written on golden leaves.

In addition to these golden efforts, he led projects to improve Krishna Matha’s surroundings, including implementing trash and sewer management, renovating the roof supports of Sri Krishna Matha with traditional wooden carvings, and reinforcing the roof structure to accommodate devotees in waiting. Throughout his two-year term, Sri Krishna Matha hosted various cultural events, discourses, debates, and symposiums, all aimed at promoting the rich Vedic knowledge of Hinduism.

Beyond his Paryaya terms at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, His Holiness dedicated himself to learning and promoting Vedic knowledge and a lifestyle aimed at attaining Moksha. Often referred to as a “moving encyclopedia” of Indian philosophy and religious texts, he actively teaches the principles of living as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita. He believes that the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are invaluable sources of knowledge for all humanity, not just for Hindus. These texts can be used effectively to combat the negative energies we encounter in life, such as grief, pain, greed, disappointment, anger, ego, and jealousy. His Holiness has a clear vision for achieving world peace and positions himself as a leader in ancient Hindu philosophy. He is also mindful of the urgent need for ecological and environmental protection as part of his ascetic lifestyle.

In addition to his diverse activities, His Holiness has served as the International President of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) in New York. He consistently delivers inspiring and enlightening discourses worldwide to promote universal brotherhood and world peace.

An accomplished scholar, writer, and orator, His Holiness has dedicated himself to serving humanity through a wide range of activities across the globe.

One of the notable branches of his Matha (a teaching institution) is located in Puthige, along the banks of the Suvarna River near Udupi. In this serene setting, young, qualified boys study Hindu scriptures for 12 years, many of whom later serve as priests and religious leaders in our community. This dynamic spiritual education plays a crucial role in fostering and promoting world peace and friendship.

In addition to his leadership, His Holiness teaches advanced scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmasutras, Nyayasudha, Tarka, Mimamsa, and Jyotisha, at the Puthige institution. He is committed to continuing the ancient Indian tradition, in which education is regarded as a blessing from the Guru.

From 2012 to 2014, in accordance with His Holiness’s wishes, five hundred thousand devotees from around the world wrote the Bhagavad Gita, promoting a message of international peace. To commemorate this historic and unique initiative, His Holiness constructed the Geetha Mandir at the sacred site of Lord Shri Krishna in Udupi.

The foundation stone for this monument, dedicated to the study and dissemination of the Bhagavad Gita, was laid by H.E. Dr. S. D. Sharma, then President of India. H.M. Shree Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the King of Nepal, inaugurated it. Since its establishment, the Geetha Mandir has become a popular destination for visitors in Udupi. His Holiness has traveled to various countries around the world and delivered discourses at institutions such as Arizona State University, Hindu University in Orlando, Florida, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Stoutsburg, Stanford University in California, Hindu University in Nairobi, and several other universities. The focus of his teachings has consistently been on promoting an international understanding of Sanatana Dharma — a way of living based on higher truths — and advocating for world peace.

His Holiness believes that spirituality should guide governance, and in turn, that governance should support spirituality. He puts this belief into practice by inspiring leadership and heading various institutions.

The core message of His Holiness revolves around spirituality, which serves as the driving force behind all rituals. He emphasizes that if one attempts to remove spirituality from their life, their actions will lose their essence and impact. Furthermore, His Holiness has delivered numerous speeches on philosophy, each designed to help individuals deepen their understanding and knowledge.

Universal brotherhood is better understood and appreciated when we recognize the presence of the Almighty in every creature throughout creation. This awareness calls for mutual respect and concern among all living beings, transcending borders. It forms the fundamental principle found in all of the world’s holy scriptures.

To grasp the profound mysteries of life, one must look beyond the surface, focusing on the Atma (soul) and Paramatma (Almighty), which are eternal and indestructible and can be realized only through the study of scriptures. The physical body serves as the abode of the Lord, who exists within each being in equal measure, which eliminates any basis for hatred and terrorism.

His Holiness is dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, illuminating the concepts of duty and righteousness. Truth and non-violence are the cornerstones of world peace and prosperity.