Suttur Srikshetra – Transcending Boundaries - Transforming Lives
Sutturu Srikshetra – The Origin
For thousands of years, community life in India has been closely linked with spiritual and religious institutions. Spiritual leaders have been the beacons and guiding forces in upholding moral values in the progress of society. Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math at Sutturu Srikshetra, popularly known as Sri Suttur Math, is a reflection and testimony to this rich tradition. Sri Math has a history of more than a millennium and is a multi-dimensional institution which has contributed immensely to the cause of all-around societal advancement. The activities of Math encompass the following.Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi made both the kings realise the futility of war and dissuade them from the verge of large-scale war. They paid heed to the words of Adi Jagadguru Shivayogiji and ended the hostility. Later, at the request of King Rajaraja, the seer graciously consented to establish a Math on the banks of the River Kapila at Suttur.
Sutturu Srikshetra -The Abode of Spiritual Bliss
Suttur, historically known as “Shrotriyooru and Pradakshinapura,” is a religious centre situated on the banks of River Kapila in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru Dist. It is located 170 km away from Bengaluru and 28 km to the south of Mysuru. Suttur is one of the historical and sacred towns of Karnataka. The gadduge of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji is the main shrine at Suttur, where thousands of people gather. The Shiva and Vishnu temples built during the reign of Cholas and Hoysalas are seen at Suttur. For ages, Indian life is intricately connected with religious and spiritual centers. Sages or spiritual leaders have been the driving forces that illuminated moral values among the common people. For over a thousand years, many enlightened seers have led Suttur Math and have contributed in their own ways for the upliftment of society.Touching the Lives of Millions
For thousands of years, cJagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math can most aptly be described as an active ongoing movement to uphold the cause of social and economic justice based on spiritual values and ideals. The activities of Math have spread far and wide beyond a small village of Karnataka to touch the lives of millions within and beyond the boundaries of India and even to the distant shores of other countries.
A quick look at the lineage of the Math brings to light the unwavering societal concern of its pontiffs. If the founding of the Math was incidental to establishing harmony and peace between the two warring factions of the region, its founder, the pontiffs who succeeded, saw purpose in promoting the overall development of society.
Broader Horizons
Today, Sri Math is supported by the services of more than ten thousand dedicated staff working in its various institutions. More than one lakh students pursue education from JSS institutions located in rural and urban centres. Nearly three lakh patients are treated in hospitals and healthcare centres every year. Millions of people participate in spiritual gatherings and cultural festivals organised periodically.
The administrative headquarters are located at the foot of the picturesque Chamundi Hills in the former princely and cultural city of Mysore. Sri Math is recognised as a significant mission which draws seekers of knowledge and wisdom in large numbers. The activities of Math have drawn accolades from various quarters, ranging from commoners to heads of state. “Work is Worship,” the motto that Math has enshrined in its emblem. “Selfless Service” is the spirit of every task that Sri Math undertakes, and since ‘service to the people is an offering to God, its purity and intention are of utmost importance.
Sri Math has grown to be a multi-dimensional religious, social, cultural, and educational movement over the centuries. Spearheading the Math’s educational initiatives is Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Mahavidyapeetha (JSSMVP), established by the 23rd pontiff, His Holiness Jagadguru Rajagurutilaka Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, in 1954.
“Math has a long history of more than one thousand years, and being a multi-dimensional institution has contributed immensely to the cause of societal advancement.”
