Shri Guru Maharaj
Anant Shri Vibhushit Indraprastha & Haryana Pithadhiswar Srimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharaya Swami Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj (GuruMaharaj) was born on 27thMay,1937 in the state of Rajasthan, district Savai Madhopur, village Padla, in an affluent Brahmin farmer family.
As a child GuruMaharaj was an ardent devotee of Lord Narayan and had a zealous desire for helping others.He was naturally endowed with Divine and Religious sentiments. In his early childhood he was in close contact with Mahant Shri Ganeshpuri Ji of the renowned Mehndipur Balaji Temple (Rajasthan) whose inspiration further made GuruMaharaj totally committed towards human welfare and Kainkarya(spiritual service to humanity).
In the Sanskrit Students Teachers and Scholars School of Bada Khatla,Vrindavan,U.P, GuruMaharaj got initiation and education from Khatlesh Swami Shri Gobindacharya Ji who was a Guru in the Ramanuja tradition. He finished his early studies under his Guru's skilled supervision and divine patronage; and thereafter went to the sacred town of Kashi to further pursue the study of Vedic literature and Shastras. GuruMaharaj learnt them thoroughly and understood religious conviction from its roots.
The words of the great saint Tulsidas, ANUBHAV GAMYA BHAJIYI JEHI SANTHA had left a tremendous impact on GuruMaharaj. He then proceeded to the dense and rugged forest of Bhangargh(which is now a wild life sanctuary)about 200 Km from his birth place where he did arduous penances spanning twelve years before he reappeared amongst people to perform benevolent human welfare service. During this self-mortification period GuruMaharaj reclined in huts near Todabhim at Panchmadi Narayani Mata, Bhartuharji and Pandarpur respectively. GuruMaharaj not only learnt and analyzed the study of the holy mantras but also mastered to keep them under his control.
GuruMaharaj started the setting up of Sidhdata Ashram in 1989 on a piece of land on Vyas Pahari of Aravali mountain range,which comes under the Faridabad division. This land been known for spiritual & religious activities previously performed in the ancient era by Rishi Parshuram, Rishi Parasher, Rishi Vyas and Maa Kunti. How GuruMaharaj Came across this piece of land is an interesting fact - while travelling from Faridabad to Delhi, GuruMaharaj Ji's vehicle had a breakdown. When GuruMaharaj got down from his car, he saw an illusionary shining source of water. With the intention of seeing the source of water he inspected the area but nothing was visible. There GuruMaharaj heard the voice of the Lord who inspired him to build an Ashram on that land. This evidence was enough for GuruMaharaj to set up the Ashram at this very place. After a few initial obstacles , GuruMaharaj was successful in the completion of the Ashram.
In 1996, with the inspiration from the Lord and with the intent of human welfare and promulgating the teachings of Sri Sampradaya, construction work of Shri LakshmiNarayan Divya Dham began on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashmi festival (Dusshera). The Construction of this Temple, which has now become a pilgrimage place for millions of people , was completed in a short span of Four Years because of the untiring and selfless efforts of GuruMaharaj and the voluntary service of thousands of devotees.
It is believed and experienced by millions that at this Holy and Sacred temple all wishes of the devotees, pertaining to Dharam (religious faith), Arth (wealth and livelihood), Kaam (Ensuring posterity) and Moksh (Salvation), are fulfilled based on the Bhav (expression of faith) of the devotee.
In 1998, impressed by the extraordinary qualities and exceptional virtues of GuruMaharaj, the Vaishnav community bestowed on him, the most honourable and highest echelon in the Sampradaya as Indraprastha & Haryana Peethadhiswar Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya.This position was bestowed on him on the Holy banks of the river Ganga on the divine occasion of Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, in the presence of Jagadgurus, Peethadheeshwars, Tridandi Swamis, Acharayas and a large number of the Vaishnav community.
During his life time on 23rd April, 2007, GuruMaharaj appointed Swami PurushottamacharayaJi (Guruji) as his successor. GuruMaharaj gave up his human form on 22nd May, 2007 and went to the abode of the Supreme Lord Narayan.
GuruMaharaj always emphasized that we Humans should set a Goal in our lives, the main amongst them should consist of Simran (Recitation of God's name), Sharnagati (Acceptance of God as your master), Maanavta (practicing humanity) , Lokseva ( Service to Mankind) and taking Gurumantra (Initiation).
There are millions of incidents shared by devotees, of how GuruMaharaj solved their problems by his Divine grace thus increasing their faith in the Supreme Lord.
GuruMahraj's permanent presence has, is and always will be felt by all Devotees in every Corner of the Ashram and in their hearts. His aura has travelled beyond the realm of time and space in unison with the divinity and service to the Lord and humanity.