1

Glimpse of a divine spirit

A Brief introduction of His Holiness Sri Dr. Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji

bySrinivas G. Kappanna

2

Sri Dr. Panditaradhya Shivacharya SwamijiSri Matha, Sanehalli-577 515, Hosadurga Tq.Chitradurga Dist., Karnataka State INDIA.Ph: 08194-268829, 9448395594E-mail: swamiji.ps@gmail.com

(A branch of Sri Tarala balu Jagadguru Bruhanmatha, Sirigere)

±ÀgÀt

gÀ §g

ÀªÉªÀÄUÉ ¥Áæt fêÁ¼ÀªÀAiÀÄå

THE OCEAN OF SANEHALLI

My association with Sri Sri Sri Panditharadhya Shivacharya Swamiji dates back to a decade. I am an ordinary theatre person. But, Swamiji, unlike other theatre entities, has carved a niche for himself in the theatre world. He is aptly called RANGA JANGAMA - a vibrant theatre personality.

3

I am in awe of the capacity of this pontiff, who understood the intricacies of theatre and its impact on people and had employed this knowledge to inculcate a sense of righteousness in the minds of our generation. Building love, I know, is an arduous task next to impossible for a common man. But Sri Swamiji has accomplished it, that too in an admirable manner. I bow to that spirit.

This brief intro about Sri Swamiji is like holding a handful of water of the ocean and boasting that I have held the ocean in my hands. But the feeling that I have done it is quite heady. My ego is brimmed and I could not let go off the feeling! I am a common man. I will be a contented man, if this intro is liked.

- SRINIVAS G. KAPPANNA

4

TARALA BAALU Bruhanmatha of Chitradurga District has a special, lovable and admirable place in the religious, cultural and educational fabric of Kannada Culture. The organization, which came into being centuries ago and has in its name the blessing in the form TARALA (oh, Lad…) BAALU (live happily) has played a pivotal role in moulding the rich and vibrant Kannada Samskriti. Sri Sri Panditharadhya Shivacharya Swamiji, the head of the Sanehalli branch of this religious institution, is a multifaceted, talented and compassionate human being.

His influence which has spread in varied fields of religion, social, political, literary, economic and education is atypical to be associated with that of a religious institution.

Sri Swamiji was born into a typical middle class family in the remote village of Hediyala in Ranebennur Taluk of Haveri district of Karnataka. His parents were Sri Nagaiah and Smt Shivanamma. Having done his primary education in the rural school of Hediyala, Sri Swamiji, in his earlier life, moved on to the high school in Sunkal Bidari, another remote village.

5

After completing his Pre University and degree education in the colleges at Sirigere, he went on to Mysore University for his post graduate studies in Philosophy. His mastery and exceptional talent won him gold medals in B.A. and M.A. examinations.

ASCETIC ASSENDANCE After completing his post graduation, he was initiated

into ascetic life by the prodigious Sri Shivakumara Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, the 20th Peethadhipathi of Sri Tarala balu Jagadguru Bruhanmatha, Sirigere, and he became the pontiff of Sri Matha, Sanehalli, branch of

Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Bruhanmutt, Sirigere. Greatly influenced by his mentor Sri shivakumara Swamiji and his ideals and values, the new pontiff began to explore the possibilities of bringing in reforms to the strife-ridden society. Being a literary person, social and religious reformer, and also a exponent of art and culture helped him to think of many avenues to fructify his dreams.

He is of the view that Indian society is caste-ridden and classed one. In his opinion, programmes like mass and inter -caste marriages help cutting the gap and will bring social harmony. Naturally he drove in this direction. Mass marriages which are being systematically arranged under Sri Swamiji’s care and guidance have become now the frontiers in eradication of discrepancies like caste and creed.

6

TOWARDS BUILDING A BETTER SOCIETY Swamiji has utilized every podium for dissemination

of knowledge through Vachanas of Shivasharanas like Basaveshwara and others of 12th century, religious discourses, initiation programmes, tours of shivanubhava etc.

Swamiji, has a firm belief in the preachings of Basavanna who said that ‘you can not draw picture without a canvas… You can not grow without land…’. Swamiji, with an intention to grow a healthful society has endeavored upon many educational activities. His running of a free hostel for poor students in Sanehalli, establishment of schools, D.Ed college and training school for dramatics are nothing but reflection of his pure intention of bringing in quality education in rural areas.

7

Swamiji regularly participates in “Shivagosthi”, a symposium organized by the disciples of Davanagere city on second Saturday for the last 20 years and gives religious discourses in DHARMA SABHE organized at Ranebennur every first Monday of the month. His strong belief that good learning can lead to good practices has manifested in his employing the medium of drama to bring in changes.

The theatre movement initiated by Sanehalli Dharma peetha is unique and unparalleled in the annals of religious history. Shivasanchara repertory founded by Swamiji has ushered in a new era through its staging of more than 2,500 drama shows throughout the country for the last 17 years.

8

Aimed at eradication of superstition among the public, to develop in them a sense of communal harmony and religious awareness, to promote education, to develop secular nature and awareness of sanitation the repertory has created a sort of records.

Shivasanchara artists have enacted four dramas in Hindi based on the life of great social reformer Sri Basaveswara in different parts of North India under its Bharath Ranga Sanchara programme which is unique in the theatre history of India.

Sri Shivakumara Kalasangha, started in 1987, organized dramas, literary ballads, Vachana music and training in dancing at Sanehalli and different parts of the country .

Swamiji’s activities in the field of theatre are remarkable which have, very appropriately earned him the title of RANGA JANGAMA – a vibrant theatre personality.

Swamiji is responsible for the construction of Sri Shivakumara open air theatre in Greek style in Sanehalli which can accommodate more than 4,000 people, where many National and International drama festivals were organized successfully.

99Sri Shivakumara Kala Sangha 1

12 uÉÏÇ xÉSÏ MüÐ mÉÑMüÉU21 uÉÏÇ xÉSÏ MüUå xuÉÐMüÉU

Two Hindi Plays :

* MARAN HI MAHANAVAMI* MAIN BAAVARI CHANNA KI

CAll of THe 12TH CeNTuRyResPoNse of THe 21sT CeNTuRy2013

SHIVA DESH SANCHAR

Sri Shivakumara Kalasangha (R)

Sanehalli - 577 515, Hosadurga TalukChitradurga District, karnataka State

Tel : 08199-243811, Web : www.shivasanchara.org

A THeATRICAl yATRA

Perhaps Sri Swamiji is the only pontiff of a religious institution to be awarded Karnataka Nataka Academy fellowship (1998). Swamiji has instituted “Sri Shivakumara award” for the life-time achievement in the field of theatre arts which is considered to be the Nobel award in Kannada theatre field. Sri Shivakumara Award consists of Rs. 25,000 cash prize and a trophy.

The Government of Karnataka recognized the selfless service of the Swamiji for upholding human values through art and culture and conferred on him “Karnataka Rajyotsava State award” in 2004. His yeoman service for promoting theatre heritage is immense. Hence, Swamiji is enthroned in the hearts of millions and millions of theatre lovers.

A PERFECT GURUCamps on personality development, theatre art,

dancing, music and yogasana are being organized regularly for children. “Dandana Dattana” symposium is organized once in 15 days to develop speaking ability among children.

A WRITER AND SPEAKER OF EMINENCE Sri Swamiji is a saint of profound knowledge. He

is a great thinker. He has brought out his ideas through

10

a good number of thought-provoking articles which has enabled him to emerge as a great writer. He has composed more than 66 literary published works. He is also writing articles, criticism and columns in news papers and magazines. (`Balabutti’ in Prajavani & ‘Arivu Haravu’ in Samyukta Karnataka, leading news papers of Karnataka).

His discources in Doordarshan’s CHANDANA channel called VACHANA VAIBHAVA were very popular and viewd by a large number of people.

AN ABLE ARBITRATOR

Swamiji is known for his acumen in dispensing justice. Every Sunday there will be a sitting of NYAYA PEETHA, the seat of justice, chaired by the revered Swamiji. The conflicts of his disciples and the local people will be heard by this Peetha and judgements given. Many people have resolved their conflicts outside the court based on the judgment given by Swamiji.

His Holiness Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji is an embodiment of perfection and a beacon of hope to the people and the society.

11

Composition of Essays (in Kannada language)

1) Jeevana Darshana (1985)2) Kaideevige (1988)3) Baduku (1990)4) Huttu Savugala Madhye (1990)5) Samadhiya Mele (1991)6) Samarasa (1992)7) Samakalinathe Mattu Vachana Sahitya (1992)8) Marubhumi (1993)9) Kayaka - Dasoha (1994)10) Hutta Mattu Haavu (1994)11) Adarsha - Vastava (1995)12) Jagruthavani (1996)13) Pralaya - Mundenu? (1998)14) Baduku - Heegeeke? (1999)15) Jnana Pushpa (1999)16) Sukha Ellide? (2000)17) Dharmaguru (2000)18) Kannadi (2001)19) Sujnana (2002)20) Manassu Malligeyagali (2002)21) Arivana Antharala (2005)22) Shiva belagu (2005)23) Baala Butti (2006)24) Jedara Dasimayya (2007)

25) Madara Chennaiah (2008)26) Rotti Butti (2008)27) Vachana Vaibhava (2008)28) Basava Dharma ( 2009)29) Prastutha (2010)30) Vyaktitva (Personality) (2011)31) Kalyana (2012)32) Ditta Hejjeya Dhira Prabhu (2012)33) Manadani (2012)34) Sampattu (2013)

II. Dramas:1) Antharanga – Bahiranga (2000)2) Swami Vivekananda (2002)3) Jangamadedege ( 2003)4) Ankusha (2008)

III. Travelogue: Shivaanubhava (1997)

IV. Vachana : 1. Olidante Haaduve (1996)2. Amruta Bindu (2013)

LITERARy wORKS By SwAMIJI

V. Edited Literary Works :

1. Maha belaku - 1992.2. Prathahsmaraneeyaru - 1993.3. Jeevada Ulivige Alilu Seve) - 1993.4. Shiva Chinte - 1995.5. Basavannanavara Nurondu Vachanagalu - 1996.6. Jalanayana Siri - 1997.7. Mateeyavada, Bhayotpadane Mattu Dharma - 2002.8. Raitara Samasyegalu Mattu Namma Honegarike - 2004.9. Janasamskruthi - 2003. 10. Namma Kanasu Nanasagide - 2004. 11. Preethisi, Jathi - Adhikaravannalla,Manushyarannu - 200512. Matte Kalyanadatta - 2005.13. Logara Sukha Duhkha - 2006.14. Arivina Hadiyalli - 2007.15. Vaaku Paakavadadenu - 2008.16. Belakinedege - 2009.17. Samanatheyatta - 2010.18. Bayaluseemeya Bhasha Vyvidhya - 2011.19. Manada Mundana Aaseye Maaye - 2011.20. Pennallave Poredavalu - 2011.21. Satchintane - 201122. Aachaarave Swarga - 12.23. Baragala - 2012.24. Atmavalokana - 2012.25. Dhare Hatti Uridade - 201326. Belagu - 2013

12

13

1. Member, Governing Council, Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Education Society ®2. Vice President, Taralabalu Rural Development Foundation, Sirigere.3. Chief patron , Alumni Association of M.B.R College, Sirigere.4. President, Vachanamantapa, Sirigere.5. Founder, Sri Shivakumara Kalasangha, Sanehalli.6. Founder, Sri Shivasanchara, Theatre repertory, Sanehalli.7. Founder, Sri Shivakumara Vidyavardaka Sangha, Sanehalli.8. Founder, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji Higher Primary School, Sanehalli.9. Founder, Sri Shivakumara School of Theatre Activities, Sanehalli.10. Founder, Sri Vishwabandhu Co-operative Society, Sanehalli.11. Founder, Sri Shivakumara D.Ed., College, Sanehalli.12. Organiser of Rural Development Programmes.

Establishment of Educational Institutions and their Management

Sri Shivakumara Swamiji Higher Primary School

Sri Shivakumara Swamiji Boys Hostel

14

6 9

3

Awards1. Paul Harris Fellow by International Rotary Organization 2. Best Literary Book Award (Baduku) by Ilkal Mutt - 19903. ‘Honaray Fellowship’ of Karnataka Nataka Academy -19984. Karnataka Rajyotsava Award - 20045. President of Chitradurga Zilla Kannada Sahitya Sammelan-2004 6. K V Shankare Gowda Award - 20077. Durgada Siri Award - 20108. Hon. Doctorate Award by Kuvempu University - 20129. Alva Nudisiri Award - 201210. Sriranga Dhwani Award, Dubai - 2013

15

8

4

10

Don’t you know the fire you nurtureShall burn you firstBefore you spew on others;Hey moronic man! When your knowledge turns wisdomAnd the jasmine of warmth blooms In your feelings for others;Does not your fire become light?Bhaktapriya Sri Shivakumara Prabhuvu.

- Sri Dr.Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji

Lordis there any religion without compassion?There must be compassion for all creatures. Compassion itself is the root of religion Anything otherwise Is unacceptable to Koodalasangamadeva.

- Basavanna