Swanandaashrama
Swanandaashrama nestles in the midst of hillocks and valleys with abundant green cover, on a 7 acre plot about 3 km off the Kanakapura road in Bengaluru.

Swanandaashrama operates under the ageis of Shri Sonda Swarnvalli Mahasamsthana.

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“Sri Swanandaashrama” is working towards:
  • Reviving 800+ year old heritage of Hoysala Architecture with Unique Integrated Hoysala Style of Architecture.
  • Preserving this ancient art as well as the artisans from the verge of extinction.

The largest temple complex in Hoysala Architecture in India is under construction

Over a period of two decades Swanandaashrama has become synonymous with Ganesha tatwa and for selfless service to society.  There is growing participation in a wide spectrum of activities including rural education, health, sanitation and moral living.

His Holiness Srimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shree Shree Gangadharendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji

The Present Guru

The present Swamiji of Swarnavalli Peetha, Shreemajjagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji, is the 54th in the illustrious line of Gurus.  On 1st February 1991, Shri Shri Jayendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetha, ordained Sanyasa Deeksha to the alread appointed Ved Vidvan Shri Parameshvara Bhatt (Name in Poorvashrama). His successor designate Shremajjadguru Shankaracharya Shri Shri Ananda Bodhendra Saraswati trends the long tradition of the Swarnavalli Peetha.

Sri Sri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji has injected highest order of dynamism into the activities of the Shrimatha, brought about sea of changes in the outlook of the disciples, devotees and tourists towards rituals religion, culture, spirituality, etc., and is working towards making the society more vibrant.  Besides this, Swamiji piously engages himself in Japa, Tapa and Shree Chakra Pooja, for about six to seven hours a day.  Further four to five hours a day are reserved by him for Adhyayana and Adhyapana (Studies and Teaching) along with Japa, Tapa and Pooja.  Shri Swamiji’s concern is that his disciples tread the right path.  He is popularly known as “Hasiru Swamiji” (Green Swamiji) because of his deep concern for environment and for the activities undertaken for the protection of the environment. 

Shishya Swekara by selecting the successor was held on 20.02.2024 – Thursday and Sri Ananda Bodendra Saraswati and given Sanyasa Deeksha by Sri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji.  Sri Sri Ananda Bodendra Saraswati is now the successor designate of Swarnavalli Mutt

SWARNAVALLI MUTT

About Shri Sonda Swarnvalli Mahasamsthana.

Shri Shrimajjagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Sonda Swarnavall Mahasamsthanam is situated amidst evergreen forests near Shalmali river in Sirsi Taluk of Uttara Kannad district in karnataka.  It is a famous religious center and its history can be traced back to the period of Adi Shankara who professed Advaida (Non-Dualism) philosopy and established Maths to propogate the same.  Shri Vishwavandya Saraswati, the first Guru of this Peetha was blessed by Adi Shankara.  The Matha was founded in Dashashwamedghaghat at Kashi, and later shifted to Ujjaini, Gokarna, Kadtoke, Sahsralinga and the present Swarnavalli.  Owing to the royal patronage and people’s faith, the Matha besides becoming a Gurupeetha for the entire Gokarna-Mandala, developed a Mahasamsthana.  It includes 16 seemas in the Upperghat and several places in the Lowerghat and many more disciples spread across India.  Havyakas, Ramakshatriyas, Sheeligas, Disshis, Marathis, Goulis, Bhandaris and Kunbis and many more are the traditional disciples of this Math in addition to devotees and theists.

SWANANDAASHRAMA

Swanandaashrama established around 30 years ago, has been spreading Ganesha Tatwa.  The quest has been to understand, spread the knowledge on Ganesha and grow groups working towards spriritual, social, cultural and environmental awareness  - guided by Shreemajjagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Gangadarendra Saraswati Swamiji.  It aims to be a Ganapathi Samsthana - a kendra for research and a one point knowledge center on Ganesha Tatwa.

The Ashrama nestles in the midst of hillocks and valleys with abundant green cover, on a 7 acre plot of land about 3 km off the Kanakapura road in Bengaluru.

Over a period of two decades Swanandaashrama has become synonymous with Ganesha tatwa and for selfless service to society.  There is growing participation in a wide spectrum of activities including rural education, health, sanitation and moral living.

The Ashrama has carved a niche in the hearts of the people offering prayers, organizing social, religious and cultural activities.  The Ganesha Utsava at Ashrama has grown beyond being a religious event; it provides a platform for community participation in cultural events.  Renowned and illustrious artistes are invited to perform regularly.  The Ashram has been inspiring school children in the city and from the nearby villages to display their talents in Music, Drama, Art and Culture.

The Ashrama nurtures hundreds of children coming from six villages in the neighborhood by providing schoolbooks, uniforms, bags and shoes.  Cleanliness drives primary health care, campaigning against use of plastic, motivating villagers to grow more trees, have lent a congenial atmosphere and a visible degree of social change in the village Agara, where the Ashrama is situated.

HOYSALA ARCHITECTURE

Hoysala Architecture and Temple for Swananda Loka

Swanandaashrama has been inspired by the architectural splendor of Hoysala style and it was the divine vision of Sri Sri Gangadarendra Saraswati to support the revival of the 12th century Hoysala architecture. The great structures of the Hoysala period are regarded as 'Masterpieces and Jewels of Ancient Indian Architecture' because of their unique intricate soapstone sculptures and carvings.  The famous structures of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura are few examples of Hoysala architecture of India's glorious past that we intend to revive.

The abode has a unique ground plan with 3 feet 6 inches Jagati, Adhishthana with crisp carvings, mouldings and highly decorated scrolls.  The wall frieze is typical of Hoysala style neatly divided into central part displaying the narrative sculptures from the GaneshaPurana and MudgalaPurana, the turrets and cornices embellish with the Hoysala motifs and designs, caparisoned with the multiple-pointed Shikara with Mahanasi rising to a height of 42 feet with an ultimate finale of a Kalasha. The rest of the wall portion of the abode will be adorned with enchanting sculptures featuring the unique theme and the characters that are associated with the Swananda Loka.

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Vidya Chetana

The first endeavor was an effort to include village children with interaction, support and encouragement to attend school. VidyaChetana project helps children with their basic school education. Having started in the year 1998 with just 5 children, the project has grown to help around 1570 in the year 2017.  Vidya Chetana has resulted in reducing school drop outs year on year, participation of schools in the surrounding areas and has been recognized by the State Government for its significant impact on rural education system.

KALAMAHOTSAVA

Indian tradition relies extensively on music, dance, drama and art to propagate and preserve culture. Cultural events are held regularly at the Ashram. Children are encouraged to participate in competitions to showcase their talent and are awarded with prizes during the yearly Kala Mahotsava celebrations. Famous artists from various fields are invited to perform at this event along with senior artists who are honored with “Swananda Kala Sri” awards.

ANNADANA

Annadaana holds a sacred and revered place in Sanatana Dharma, symbolizing selfless service and the highest form of charity. At Sri Swanandaashrama, this tradition is upheld with great devotion, where Mahaprasada is served to all devotees and visitors.