Shriram Sharma

Shriram Sharma Acharya (20 September 1911 - 2 June 1990), also known as Vedmurti Taponishtha Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, was a respected teacher who helped people think and feel better about life. He believed in mixing science and spiritual ideas to help everyone.

He began his journey when he was fifteen years old by repeating special words called Gayatri mantras to feel closer to something bigger. Later, he supported India during its fight for freedom from British rule.

Shriram Sharma created groups like the All World Gayatri Pariwar and the Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan to teach others about good values and traditions. He wrote many books and gave talks about making the world a better place. His famous saying, "Hum badlenge, Yug badlega. Hum sudhrenge, Yug sudhrega" ("We will change, the era will change. We will improve, the era will improve"), still inspires people today to work together for a brighter future.

Life

Shriram Sharma Acharya, known to his followers as "Gurudev," was born in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India, on September 20, 1911. Even as a young boy, he cared for others and was very interested in spiritual matters. At nine years old, he began learning a special spiritual chant called the Gayatri mantra.

At fifteen, during a festival, Shriram had a special spiritual experience. He spent many years in deep spiritual practice and also helped India during its struggle for independence from British rule. After India gained independence, he focused on helping people improve their lives through spiritual teachings.

Shriram made several journeys to the Himalayas, where he practiced spiritual disciplines. In 1953, he started an important spiritual center in Mathura. He began a movement called "Yug Nirman Yojana" to improve society through spiritual values. He also started a magazine called "Akhand Jyoti" to share his ideas.

In 1972, he established a spiritual center in Haridwar called Shantikunj. He founded a research center in 1979 to explore the connection between science and spirituality. Shriram dedicated his life to helping people recognize their inner strength and live with spiritual values. He passed away peacefully on June 2, 1990, while chanting the Gayatri mantra.

Works

Gayatri and Yajna

Shriram Sharma Acharya worked on solving big problems by looking at hidden causes. He used special spiritual practices called Gayatri Sadhana and Yajna to improve both the outer and inner world. He wrote a big book named “Gayatri Mahavijnan” about the meaning of the Gayatri mantra. He also made the practice of yajna easier for everyone to join.

Many big and small yajnas have been held since the start of the Yug Nirman Yojana. One important event was the “Sahastranshu Brahm Yajna” in 1953. From 1955, many different yajnas began. In 1956, 108 Kundiya Yajnas and a grand Narmedha Yajna were held. In 1957, a big project called “Brahmastra Anusthana” started. In 1958, a big Sahastra Kundiya Gayatri MahaYagya was done. Many new Vedic yajnas have been done since then.

The Authority of Gayatri

Shriram Sharma Acharya believed in actions based on duty rather than social class. He let people from all backgrounds join the Gayatri Mantra and become priests for rituals.

Rights of Women to the Gayatri Mantra_

In the past, women were not usually allowed to say certain holy words. But Shriram Sharma Acharya let women say the Gayatri Mantra and become priests too. He wrote about why women should be allowed to join these holy practices.

Revival of Rishi traditions

Shriram Sharma Acharya brought back the old ways of wise teachers called Rishis. He did this at Gayatri Tirth – Shantikunj. He followed the ways of many Rishis:

• Rishi Vishvamitra: He focused on the Gayatri Mantra.
• Rishi Bhagiratha: He worked to bring wise knowledge to solve modern problems.
• Brahmarshi Vasishtha: He helped make society united.
• Rishi Yajnavalkya: He made yajnas easy for everyone to do.
• Rishi Parashurama: He started campaigns to bring back good behavior.
• Rishi Vyasa: He made old holy books easier to understand.
• Rishi Patanjali: He promoted yoga for health.
• Rishi Charaka: He studied old medicines.
• Rishi Pippalada: He taught about healthy eating.
• Rishi Kanada: He started a place to study science and spirituality.
• Rishi Valmiki: He used poetry to teach good feelings.
• Rishi Suta-Shaunaka: He told stories to inspire people.
• Rishi Narada: He used stories and music to guide people.
• Rishi Jamadagni: He taught young people good values.
• Rishi Bharadvaja: He helped make Shantikunj a special place for learning.
• Adi Shankaracharya: He set up places for spiritual learning.
• Bhagavan Buddha: He worked to clear up wrong ideas.

Yug Nirman Yojana (Campaign for Era Transformation)

The Yug Nirman Yojana is a project to bring people together. It focuses on improving life for individuals, families, and communities. Activities include Gayatri yajnas, projects to help society, and promoting good marriages. It also works to raise the status of women, teach children good values, and help people stay healthy.

Scientific spirituality

Shriram Sharma Acharya believed that people would only accept spiritual values if they could see how they help in real life. He started the Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan to study many topics. This work continues today through Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya.

Writings

Shriram Sharma Acharya wrote over 3,000 books on many subjects. He made his books easy to understand and affordable. He translated many old holy books into simple language. He also wrote special books called “Pragya Puranas” that explain deep ideas through stories.

He started a magazine called Akhand Jyoti in 1938, which is still published today. It talks about how to use spirituality in daily life. He also started other magazines focusing on family, society, and helping women.

Teachings and Philosophy – Manifesto of “Yugnirman Satsankalpa” (Solemn Pledge of Reconstruction of Era)

Shriram Sharma Acharya taught that by changing ourselves, we can help change our families and our whole community. He believed that true spiritual ideas, not tied to any specific religion, can guide us to do good and build a better world. He created a special promise called the Yugnirman Satsankalp for everyone in the Gayatri Pariwar to follow.

This promise includes ideas like believing in fairness and justice, taking care of our health, learning good things, controlling our thoughts and actions, and treating everyone with respect. It also talks about being honest, responsible, and kind. The promise encourages people to focus on doing what is right, not just what is easy or successful. It teaches that everyone deserves respect, no matter who they are, and that we can all help make the world a better place by working together.

Awards and Recognitions

Shriram Sharma received many awards for his work. In 1964, he was called the “Light of India” at a meeting in Ludhiana. In 1976, he joined India's important Sanskrit Parishad.

In 1988, the government of Uttar Pradesh gave him special certificates and benefits, but he chose to return them and donate the money to help others. After he passed away, the Indian Government honored him by creating a postal stamp in 1991. In 1995, a former Prime Minister unveiled a memorial pillar at his birthplace.

He helped train health workers and supported programs for protecting land and water in many districts in India. Shantikunj, where he worked, is recognized by the Government of India as a center for learning and personal growth.