Sutturu Srikshetra – Transcending Boundaries – Transforming Lives

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.

Sutturu Srikshetra – The Origin

For thousands of years, community life in India is 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 the Math encompass the following.

• Orphanages for the homeless
• Homes for destitute children
• Free student hostels for the rural and deprived sections of society
• Education in different branches of knowledge
• Rural development
• Healthcare services
• Promoting the ancient Indian system of medicine
• Supporting knowledge transfer in the agriculture sector
• Spreading of culture, literature, and fine arts
• Promoting Indian music
• Spreading religious and spiritual values
• Social service
• Fostering Indian heritage and values
• Training spiritual and religious sadhakas, etc.

The founding of the Math can be traced to a fascinating historical event. When Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogiji was doing penance on a rock in the middle of the Kapila River, King Rajaraja of the Chola dynasty was on his way to fight a war with King Rachamalla IV of the Gangas of Talakadu, was passing nearby. At this point, King Rajaraja’s horse switched the direction and brought the King to the place where Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivayogiji was doing penance.

Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi made both the kings realise the futility of war and dissuaded 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.

Touching the Lives of Millions

Jagadguru 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 the 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 the 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 by its founder, the pontiffs who succeeded him 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 the 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 the Math have drawn accolades from various quarters, ranging from commoners to the heads of state.

“Work is Worship,” the motto that guides the Math, is 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.