In the blessed land of Vrindavan where the Lord of the Universe Sri Krishna enacted his Divine Avatar, where the resplendent Sun of the spiritual world His Holiness Pt. Sri Srinath Shastri, Puranacharyaji shines in his full glory, the grandson and disciple of this venerated saint, son of the noble Dr. Sri Krishnakumar Sharma, who was fondly named ‘kanhaiya’ by the epitome of motherhood Prabhu Maa (Nanaji), having been named by none other than His Holiness Swami Sri Akhandananda Sarasawatiji Maharaj, Bhagawat Kinkar Sri Anurag Krishna Shastri “Sri Kanhaiya ji” is the glowing star on the firmament of Srimad Bhagawat Katha.
His primary and secondary education was completed in Mathura and Vrindavan and he graduated in BBA from Agra University. After clearing TOEFL in Delhi, He undertook an MBA degree from Cambridge University. However, on instructions of venerable Sri DadaGuruji, He returned without completing the degree and dedicated His life completely to the service of Srimad Bhagawat. However, He did a PGDCA course from Agra University and undertook an Office Management course which he completed with full distinction. Alongside this, He also cleared with distinction, the Shastri examination of Kashi Sampoornananda Vishwavidyalaya Vedic Yatra .
Despite being decorated with academic achievements, He undertook the study of scriptures, contemplation of Srimad Bhagawat and study of Sanskrit as His life’s mission and replaced the Suit-Boot-Tie with Dhoti-Kurta. With full fervour, He plunged into the study of Srimad Bhagawat and the Sanskrit Language, thereby epitomizing the statement “मनस्वी कार्यार्थी न गणयति दुःखं न च सुखम्”
He studied the Ramayana, Geeta, Upanishads, Brahma Sutras under the constant guidance of Sri Dada Guruji. He did not have to look far for wise men to explain the deeper truths of the scriptures, the Ganges of learning was flowing in His own house in the form of Sri Dada Guruji. What was needed was hard work, perseverance and dedication and within a few years, He acquired profound knowledge which enriched His life. Now this knowledge needed to be applied, experienced and tested, which He constantly does. He still asserts that self-study is not to be neglected.
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During Chaitra Navratra in the Hindu calendar year 2061, after maintain silence at the foothills of Sri Givardhan, he attained the spiritual energy of Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran from His Holiness Sri Ramdasji ‘Kakaji’ and thereafter on 8th August 2004, with the blessings of His Holiness Karshni Swami Sri Guru Sharanandji, he commenced His work of transmitting the noble words of Srimad Bhagawat by conducting 108 Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran. Even the venerable Swamiji said that this did not seem like a first timer. Thereafter, on the instructions of Sri Dada Guruji, He conducted a Bhagwat Katha at the shrine of Saint SriHari Baba. In 2005, he established an organisation ‘Bhagawat Seva Sanstha’ which would manage and run a Bhagawat Vidyalaya. Today, this Vidyalaya known as Vaidic Yatra Gurukul is imparting the knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads, Rites & Rituals, Astrology, Grammar, Philosophy, Music, English and Computers.
His technique is devoid of any frills or unnecessary embellishments and strikes a chord in everyone’s heart. In His satsangs, not only are the listeners moved by the narrative but He is Himself significantly moved and one can see Him shed copious tears. His condition while he conducts the satsangs reminds one of Sant Pravar Dongre Ji Maharaj. Sometimes quoting the profound poetry of Sri Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Maithili Sharan Gupt and at other times, through very simple examples he conveys the meaning of even the most obscure scriptures effortlessly to the listeners.
He has had the opportunity to speak at numerous sacred shrines in the country. He has mesmerised audiences in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Jagannath Puri, Ujjain, Kashi, Badrinath, Vrindavan and in numerous other pilgrimage centres. Not only in India, but in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, Paris, Mauritius and other countries too, He has spread the eternal message of our scriptures. He has kindled devotion in innumerable hearts through his uplifting commentaries on Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran, Sri Devi Bhagawat, Sri Ramcharit Manas, Sri Hanuman Katha, Bhaktimati Meera Charitra and Narad Bhakti Sutra among other texts. His life is a very beautiful journey immersed in Divine Love and constantly dedicated at the Lotus feet of the Lord. Through his satsangs he provides an opportunity for others to also walk a little while on this path.
AIM
The aim of Vedic Yatra is to revive the Vedic tradition which is almost non-existent in today’s world. The foremost objective is to revive and revitalise the eternal culture and traditions as prescribed by the scriptures. while people may move with the times and become adept in English and modern-day living, they should at the same time also be proficient in Sanskrit. Similarly the traditional dhoti-kurta clad individuals who are adept in Sanskrit should also become proficient in English. Such competent individuals who bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, can then successfully transmit the veritable wisdom of the scriptures to the people using the language and methods they best understand. Only then will India regain its glory as the ‘Jagat-Guru’ (Guru of the World); and the people, by living the life as prescribed by the scriptures, will achieve their true potential and attain the ultimate goal of human life.
Bhagwat Vidyalaya
In the last century, the most notable institution of Vrindavan for imparting learning of Srimad Bhagawat was Sri Shukacharya Ji’s Vidyalaya which was established prior to Independence in 1930. Here, daily from 2pm to 5 pm, 2 chapters of Srimad Bhagawat were recited (Vedic Yatra).
For the revered Pt.Sri Srinath Shastriji – Puranacharya, this Vidylaya was a source of inspiration. He resolved to serve the Lord and the scriptures in a similar manner. And so, after Sri Shukacharya Ji’s Vidyalaya, the second Vidyalaya for teaching Srimad Bhagwat was established by Him in 1935 by the name of ‘Bhagawat Vidyalaya’. In this Vidyalaya, a new tradition of daily chanting of 11 chapters of Srimad Bhagawat for a month was started, which has now gone on to become a model method for all other institutions. Today there is a serious want for such an institution which is absolutely necessary for grooming a scholar.
About 85-100 students participate in this chanting which takes place from 8am to 10am daily. In the evening from 4pm to 5.30pm, the shlokas from the Srimad Bhagawat are explained along with word meanings. This system is continuing unabated even today. Initially Guruji himself used to do the chanting as well as explaining. However, due to increasing demands on His time, teachers were appointed for the Vidyalaya. Notable among the faculty have been Sri Radhabrajeshwar Sharan Dev, Sri Harihar Pandey ji, Sri Ramanujacharya ji, Sri Shivkaran Pandey ji among others. Having studied at this Vidyalaya, numerous students have become eminent scholars who by the medium of chanting and talks, are propagating the glory of Srimad Bhagawat. For many years, annual progress reports were provided for the students which were overseen by none other than the revered saint Swami Akhandanand Saraswatiji Maharaj.
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Initially there were only about 8-10 students in the Vidylaya since there was no proper provision for boarding. It was in the middle of dense forests. In the morning, the students were fed chickpeas and the afternoon meal was provided at the residence of Sri Giridharilal ji Saraf (of Delhi) in Vrindavan.
“महापुरुष येन गतः स पन्थाः”
Following the guidelines of this saying, He considered service of knowledge and learning as His true calling and has done extensive study and research into Srimad Bhagawat. He established the ‘Bhagawat Shodh Sansthan’ to support continued research and study of Srimad Bhagawat and other scriptures.
This very Bhagawat Vidyalaya is today known as Vedic Yatra Gurukul, managed by Bhagawad Seva Sanstha (Regd) and is providing exemplary contribution in the field of spiritual study. Here, apart from the knowledge of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, students are also trained in Sanskrit grammar, Astrology, Vedic rites & rituals, Music, Yoga, Ancient Science as well as modern education like Computers and English language. Training of the mind is also accompanied by relaxation for the mind in the form of cricket, badminton and chess among other sports. Four days in a month on the occasions of Pratipada-Ashtami (Krishna and Shukla Paksha), the stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and others are shown on a projected screen. This enables students to learn about literary, social, political as well as other scriptural matters.
Gaushala
A Gaushala with around 40 cows is also in the same premises. Here, almost all the cows belong to the Sahiwal strain. It is believed that service of the Cow is equivalent to service of all Gods.
Seva
Vedic Yatra Pariwar is formed in many cities and various kind of seva is organized by them. Free eye camp is been organised in Vrindavan since last 5 years. Blood donation camps, providing artificial limbs, distribution of books, blankets and anndaan are few seva conducted by Vedic Yatra Pariwar all over in India.
For any enquiries, please contact
Mobile no.: +91-9595358234
Email id: tune.intovedicyatra@gmail.com
Website: www.vedicyatra.org
Other links:
www.twitter.com/vedicyatra
www.youtube.com/vedicyatra
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