An Evening at Veda Bhavan, Coinciding my Wife’s Birthday......Blessings from Jagadguru Vidushekhara Bharathi Swami : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 An Evening at Veda Bhavan, Coinciding my Wife’s Birthday  

Blessings from Jagadguru Vidushekhara Bharathi Swami

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

(November 3, 2025)

Yesterday (November 2, 2025) evening I and my wife Vijayalakshmi, had the divine privilege of participating in a moderate gathering of spiritually elevating program at Veda Bhavan, situated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad periphery, and ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ at a distance of 35 kilometers from my residence. Established in 1984, not at the present place, but elsewhere, with the blessings of His Holiness the Paramacharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, by Late Venkatram Ghanapati, a widely recognized Leading Vedic Scholar and nourished incessantly by an equally great Vedic Scholar Sriram Ghanapati, as Sankara Gurukul Veda Patasala, stands as the leading centers of Vedic Learning of its Kind.  

Our visit which handsomely coincided with my wife’s 73^rd Birthday, an auspicious convergence of personal joy and divine grace. The occasion became all the more memorable as we had the rare fortune to receive the blessings of His Holiness Sri Sringeri Jagadguru Vidushekhara Bharathi Swami, the illustrious Pontiff of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. I along with my wife also had the privilege of presenting my latest book ‘Democracy and Governance Through Lens and Blurred Glasses- A Journey into Distorted Visions of Modern-Day Politics’ and an earlier publication ‘Sajiva Vahini Sanatana Dharmam (Telugu.’ I was awe stuck when on seeing me and on introduction by Sriram Ghanapati, Swamiji instantly recalled receiving the Telugu Book from a disciple.

His Holiness Vidushekhara Bharathi Swamiji’s Anugraha Bhashanam (The Blessed Discourse or The Benevolent Speech), brief yet profound, reflected the timeless depth of the Vedic Vision and the compassionate concern of a true Jagadguru for the sustenance of Righteousness (The Eternal Dharma) and the progress of seekers. Speaking with affection and insight, the Jagadguru recalled with warmth his own association with the Sri Shankara Gurukul Veda Patashala, known also as Veda bhavan, tracing it back to his childhood memories and his earlier visit to this very Centre in 2018.

Vidushekhara Bharathi Swamiji expressed appreciation for the steady growth, disciplined atmosphere, and spiritually vibrant environment of the Gurukul, which has blossomed under the guidance of dedicated acharyas (Teachers) and the support of well-wishers. He fondly remembered Late R Venkatram Ghanapati, father of Sriram Ghanapati, the founder of the Gurukul, acknowledging his tireless commitment to Vedic Learning and tradition. The Jagadguru observed that the Vedam Pramanikam, the sanctity, and authority of the Vedas, is upheld here with utmost purity and reverence, thanks to Venkatram Ghanapati’s eminent son Sriram Ghanapati, making this institution one of the shining examples of authentic Vedic Preservation in contemporary times.

In his compassionate and instructive tone, His Holiness passionately conveyed His unequivocal compliments to the students of Sankara Gurukul Veda Patasala, for their sincerity for learning, and counseled them to continue their studies with dedication and completeness. He cautioned them against abandoning the path halfway for whatever reason it could be, reminding that, only through wholehearted engagement can the true fruits of Vedic Knowledge be realized. Referring to many Alumni who have completed their Adhyayanam (Study) here and are now leading comfortable and dignified lives, he emphasized that such fulfillment is not only material but deeply spiritual, for it flows from discipline, learning, and devotion. 

The Pontiff gave a significant piece of guidance to the ‘Young Budding Vedic Scholars’ that, after completing studies, students should take up at least one more shastra for further enrichment, combining the depth of shruti with the insight of shastra to attain holistic wisdom. He inspired them to pursue Veda Adhyayanam with Whole-Hearted Bhakti and unwavering focus, reminding that there is no end to learning, and knowledge is an eternal pursuit sanctified by Narayana Anugraha.

Turning towards the assembled devotees and the broader community, the Jagadguru called for collective support to strengthen and expand the Gurukul. ‘When each individual’s strength is added to the other,’ said Vidushekhara Bharathi Swamiji that, ‘It becomes Sanghatan, a united force, and from such unity arises Grand Success.’ He underlined that the Grace of the Divine descends naturally where there is harmony, cooperation, and selfless effort. Swamiji’s words, simple yet resonant, carried the timeless message that sustaining such institutions is not the task of a few but a sacred responsibility shared by one and all, who value Righteousness, the Dharma, Knowledge, and Cultural Continuity.

Amidst welcome showers, as His Holiness benedictory address concluded with blessings for the prosperity of the Gurukul, the students, the teachers, and the devotees present, the serene vibration of His presence remained long after. For me personally, the evening at Veda Bhavan was more than a visit, but it felt like a gentle reminder of our duty towards the spiritual inheritance we have received. Witnessing the disciplined young Vidyarthis (Vedic Students) chanting the Vedas under the divine gaze of the Jagadguru reaffirmed my faith that India’s ancient wisdom continues to flow unbroken through dedicated institutions like Sri Shankara Gurukul Veda Patashala.

In an age where noise often overshadows silence and information replaces insight, the Veda Bhavan stands as a living testimony to how sacred knowledge, when nurtured with humility and devotion, still finds its echo in young hearts. As I left the premises, with the faint sound of Vedic Mantras resonating through the cool evening air with showers still sounding Vedic Rhythm, I felt the quiet assurance that as long as such Gurukuls thrive and as long as spiritual teachers like the Sringeri Jagadguru continue to guide, assisted by Ghanapatis and Salakshana Ghanapatis like Sriram and Late Venkatram, the light of Sanatana Dharma will never dim. That thought itself was the greatest blessing of the day, a divine gift that made my wife’s simplest birthday celebration one of profound spiritual joy and gratitude.

His Holiness Sri Sringeri Jagadguru Vidushekhara Bharathi Swami has been on a tightly packed schedule during this visit to Hyderabad and Telangana. Meticulously adhering to every commitment, attending every scheduled engagement, a reflection of his firm philosophy that, one’s word is sacred and must be kept at all costs, coupled with traffic disruption due to heavy rain on the way, the program at Veda Bhavan got delayed. What it was originally slated for 4:30 PM had to be slightly adjusted. His Holiness could arrive only around 7:30 PM. Yet, the moment he entered the premises, he was received with traditional and ceremonial welcome, and as he reached the auditorium, the air resounded with the sacred notes of Guru Vandana, concisely but precisely, and nonetheless comprehensively in the limited time organized by Sriram Ghanapati. 

The intervening hours were far from idle; they turned into a spiritual feast. Managing Trustee Sriram Ghanapati, the dynamic head of the Gurukul, scholar of rare versatility, and for all practical purposes, the ‘Friend, Philosopher and Guide’ to the Budding Scholars, or to put in modern terms the Principal, filled the three-hour period with an enlightening discourse drawn from a wealth of ancient scriptures and the Vedas, culminating with Vishnu Sahasra Nama Parayana minutes before Sringeri Jagadguru reaching the hall. His words held the Vedadhyayana students and the assembled devotees alike in rapt attention. He even invited a few knowledgeable Scholars from the audience to share their reflections, turning it a vibrant blend of devotion.

Among the participants were, 86-year-old retired IAS officer and an ardent devotee of Satya Saibaba, KR Paramahamsa with his wife, Chief Executive Shri Veda Bharathi Dr Remella Avadhanulu, CSR Prabhu, Aurobindo Pharma Head Dr Sivakumar, Dr Ramakrishna with his wife, and Suryanarayana who takes care of the ‘Cow Shelter’- the Goshala attached to Veda Bhavan. 

Dr RVSS (Remella) Avadhanulu who addressed for a while is a highly qualified person. MSc (Nuclear Physics), MA PhD (Sanskrit and Jyothish), DLitt (Sanskrit), and Student of classical Sanskrit, Krishna Yajurveda, Mimamsa Sastra, Vedanta Sastra and Vidyaranya Bhashyam. During his brief, he enlightened the activities of Shri Veda Bharathi. They included: the design of Vedic Database which was appreciated by Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, preservation and propagation of Indian Sciences recorded in Sanskrit, First Time Introducing Indian Languages to computers, Rigorous propagation of ‘Vedic Sciences, Veda Vijnana, Veda Ganitam, and Viswa Vijnana’ etc.

Sri Sankara Gurukul Veda Patashala began modestly with just three students under the guidance of Late Venkatram Ghanapati, before evolving into a fully functioning Institution with around 150 Vidyarthis, devoted to the traditional oral recitation and preservation of the Rig and Krishna Yajur Vedas. The collective efforts and devotion of Veda Bhavan Trust members accelerated its significant expansion, comprising a spacious compound that houses study areas, dining and living spaces for students, and facilities to host Vedic Rituals and spiritual gatherings.

A significant milestone was the Bhoomi Pooja performed on January 26. 2019, in which I too participated while I was working as CPRO to CM KCR, marking the beginning of a new phase in infrastructure development. The trust’s aspiration is to evolve Veda Bhavan into a Vedic University, a Centre where higher levels of Vedic and allied studies can flourish alongside moral and spiritual training. The complex was built with the support of Aurobindo Pharma Foundation (APF) through its Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative and the funding support of Rs 3 Crores.

Late Venkatram Ghanapati, the brain behind all this, was widely recognized as a leading Vedic Scholar, with the Honorific titles of Veda Bhashya Ratnam and Salakshana Ghanapati bestowed upon him by major institutions such as the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and Sringeri Sharada Peetham. He mastered not only Vedic Recitation but also the analysis of Bhashya (commentaries) and the Salakshana (Special Distinguishing Features) of the Vedas.

When he was TTD Acharya-in-Charge of the Vidya Kendra, at the behest of the Paramacharya of Kanchi, he shifted his base to Secunderabad-Hyderabad in 1984, and founded the Sri Sankara Gurukul Veda Patashala with just three students, housed initially in his residence. He gradually pioneered institutional building: acquiring land and initiating construction of the ‘Veda Bhavan’ School Building. He attained Shiva Loka on July 10, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship, institution-building and Vedic Revival.

His equally talented and committed son, V Sriram Ghanapati, who upholds his father’s standard of excellence and discipline, and whom I know for over a decade, carries forward his father’s vision. Under his stewardship, the institution continues to expand: maintaining the traditional gurukul style of Vedic Teaching while introducing modern formats (audio-visual aids, online outreach) to widen access and relevance.

Together, the father-son duo represent a continuum of Vedic Scholarship and institutional leadership: Father laying the foundations and son consolidating and modernizing them. Their work ensures that the ancient oral traditions remain alive, rigorous, socially rooted, and relevant. Eventually the Patashala now is almost more than a temple-school, and it is a Living Center of Dharma, Learning and Community Service.

Later, on returning home around 10 PM my wife and daughter marked the auspicious Ksheerabdi Dwadashi by lighting sacred lamps before the Tulasi plants in our balcony, filling the night with a gentle, luminous peace. What a great day indeed, sanctified by the presence of the Jagadguru, enriched by the wisdom of the Gurukul, and crowned by a moment of serene devotion at home. We, as a couple, felt deeply blessed and privileged to have experienced such a day that united the spiritual, the familial, and the divine.