Awards & Honors

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AWARDS & HONORS
 
For the extraordinary work and activities, Sri Swamiji was recognized by the most prestigious Guinness World Records several times. Sri Swamiji was also honored with several other awards. Althogh the list is big, here is a list of some of the most promient awards and honors that adorned Sri Swamiji.
 
1. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Most people chanting at a single venue". It is a world record for leading the most people in a chanting event (Hanuman Chalisa) in Tenali, Andra Pradesh (India).
 
The most people chanting involved 1,28,918 participants who were led by Sri Swamiji for world peace in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh (India) on 31 Jan 2015. The attempt took place in a 15 acre field which was covered in a number of huge marquees. The Guinness World Records attempt involved 1,28,918 participants, however by the end of the day 220,000 people had attended the event. This chanting of people from various parts of the world was the largest gathering ever to chant at a single venue in recorded world history.
 
Leading, inspiring, and participating in the effort, Sri Swamiji clearly explained the merits of the chant, and the virtues of repeat chanting ahead of each chant. The 9th chant was recognized as the Guinness World Record attempt by the official adjudicator Ms. Fortuna Burke, who adjudicated the event. During the 27th and last chant, there were over 226,000 participants as per the estimates.
 

Guinness World Record for "Most people chanting at a single venue
 
2. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest music therapy lesson", a world record of 1,814 people at the Sydney Opera House conducted by Sri Swamiji on 6 April 2015, organized by DYC Australia at the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales, Australia.
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Largest music therapy lesson"
 
 
Australia Naada Sagara
 
The largest music therapy lesson involved 1,814 people and was led by Sri Swamiji at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 6 April 2015. The lesson lasted for two and a half hours.
 
At a time when ailments are pervasive with cures sought from increasingly strong medications, Sri Swamiji led the "Largest Music Therapy Lesson" at a single location for the well-being of not just the participants, but also those suffering around the world.
 
 
3. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Longest chanting marathon (team)": 24 hours, 10 minutes, 8 seconds on 31 July 2015, at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas, USA.
 

Guinness World Record for "Longest chanting marathon"
 
The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas has set the Guinness World Record for longest continuous chanting marathon - after more than 24 hours of recitation of Hanuman Chalisa. They chanted for world peace and universal brotherhood, pausing for a five-minute break every hour to stretch, go to the bathroom and have a snack.
 
The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, inaugurated by Sri Swamiji, celebrated the chant marathon on August 1, shortly after its official opening on July 23. The 34,000-square-foot facility hosted nearly 800 people for the chant marathon, and 582 of them made it through the entire 24 hours.
 
4. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest breathing lesson" on 10 July 2016, at India Community Center, Milpitas, California, USA, organized by Dashavatara Yoga Center (USA).
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Largest breathing lesson"
 
 
Sri Swamiji conducts "Nadi Shuddhi exercises" as part of Datta Kriya Yoga teaching to 500 participants
 
At the time when the white collared jobs are increasingly tension prone and creating high stress volumes in the elite class of the industry, thereby increasing the surgical intervention as well as the medication intake, Sri Swamiji led the largest Pranayama, Breathing Exercise lesson in a single location on 10th July, 2016 in the India Community Center, Milpitas, in the Bay area, USA.
 
Leading the effort, Sri Swamiji clearly explained the role of breathing in reducing stress and improving health of humans. The simple yet very powerful exercises, if performed as instructed would help the practitioner in a great way. Many of the participants from the session expressed their happiness as well as the multifold benefit from the session. During the record attempt session, Sri Swamiji explained the relation between nerves, nerve centers, breathing patterns, the importance of long breath with sustained focus and simple exercises as well as the way how systematic breathing helps curing any ailments and/or life style diseases.
 
Sri Swamiji has experimented with the various Mudras, Kriyas and Nadi Shuddhi exercises for several decades and his scientific approach to Pranayama (Systematic Breathing) benefited millions of people world over through many Kriya Yoga sessions.
 
Recognizing Sri Swamiji’s international stature, the US government has granted a special O-visa status to Sri Swamiji to travel and perform throughout the USA. Sri Swamiji’s work often appears in newspapers and periodicals around the globe.
 
5. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of people chanting": 40,976 videos announced at Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago, 31 July 2016.
 

 
Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of people chanting"
 
 
Sri Swamiji leads the Hanuman Chalisa chanting at SGS Ashram, Trinidad and Tobago
 
The largest online video album of people chanting is 40,976 videos and was achieved by Sri Swamiji as of 31 July 2016. Coinciding with Sri Swamiji’s mission to spread peace and harmony across the world, each person in this album chanted the Hanuman Chalisa. Videos were submitted from people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds and the record was announced in Trinidad and Tobago to Sri Swamiji in front of 5,000 people.
 
6. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest display of Bonsai trees": 2,649 trees at the World Bonsai Convention in Mysuru Ashram on 21 December 2016.
 

 
Guinness World Record for "Largest display of Bonsai trees"
 
 
Sri Swamiji looks at the Bonsai creation during the International Bonsai Convention and Exposition
 
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, designed and conceptualized by Sri Swamiji, is an exquisite collection of more than 450 carefully shaped miniaturized trees. The trees have been aesthetically displayed in an oriental garden setting in the tranquil surroundings of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram, Mysuru. Sri Swamiji is acclaimed for his love of greenery and concern for preserving the environment.
 
The Bonsai trees were displayed at the International Bonsai Convention and Exposition, which was held in Nada Mantapa, Avadhoota Datta Peetham, SGS Ashram, Mysuru. It was organised to increase awareness of the significance of an ecological balance and the protection of trees.
 
 
7. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Most bird species in an aviary": 486 species on 6 May 2017 at SGS Ashram, Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru, India
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Most bird species in an aviary"
 
Shuka Vana at SGS Ashram, Mysuru, is an aviary that houses hundreds of colorful exotic species of parrots, including many critically endangered and endangered species. Sri Swamiji has taken a serious resolve to rehabilitate injured birds and as a result, Shuka Vana compassionately gives shelter to neglected and abandoned birds.
 
Founded in 2012 by Sri Swamiji, who embodies compassion, Shuka Vana is named in the honor of Sage Shuka for his significant contributions in imparting righteous values to humanity. Shuka Vana is a specialized rehabilitation center for birds, complete with a dedicated bird hospital. This remarkable free-flight walk-in aviary is home to more than 2,000 vibrant birds representing 486 different species from around the globe.
 
8. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest Hindu Smriti": (body of Hindu texts) with dimensions of 2.24 metres (7 ft 4 in) x 1.56 metres (5 ft 1 in) on 26 May 2017.
 
The largest Hindu Smriti measures 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in) in length and 1.56 m (5 ft 1 in) in width, achieved by Sri Swamiji in SGS Ashram, Mysuru, India, on 26 May 2017. The huge Smriti, consisting of Bhagavad Gita written in 18 languages, has a thickness of 0.28 m (11 in), weighs 800 kg (1,763 lb 11 oz) and has 742 pages.
 
 
Sri Swamiji with the three Guinness World records
 
The three Guinness World Records presented to Sri Swamiji were:
1. The first record was for the World’s Largest Hindu Smruti - Bhagavad Gita book in 18 languages measuring 7 feet by 5 feet, weighing over 800 kilos.
2. The second record was for the most bird species in an aviary (Shuka Vana) having 468 species.
3. The third record was for the largest display of bonsai trees (Kishkhinda Moolika Bonsai Garden) consisting of 2649 trees.
 
9. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "World's largest special stamp" measuring 2.87 m2 (30.9 sq ft), on 26 May 2018 at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru, India.
 

Guinness World Record for "World's largest special stamp"
 
The largest special stamp was achieved by Sri Swamiji depicting Vishwam Museum. On the occasion of Sri Swamiji’s 76th birthday celebrations at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru, the world’s largest special postal stamp was released by Sri Swamiji. The original stamp had been published by Indian Postal Department under My Stamp category.
 
In the presence of Sri Swamiji, devotees from all over the world and officials from Indian Postal Department, Guinness World Records, London office representative Swapnil Dangarikar awarded the Guinness World Record title on the largest stamp. With this new title, Sri Swamiji has bagged a total of nine Guinness World Records within a span of three years under various categories.
 
10. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of birthday wishes/greetings" at SGS Ashram, Mysuru on 10 June 2022.
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of birthday wishes/greetings"
 
The largest online video album of birthday wishes/greetings is 7,651. The event was organized to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Sri Swamiji. Devotees from many countries wished "Happy Birthday" to Sri Swamiji as part of this online video album.
 
11. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of people walking" in Mysuru, Karnataka, India on 10 June 2022.
 
The largest online video album of people walking is 6,389 and was achieved by Sri Swamiji. The event was organized to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Sri Swamiji. The virtual walkathon gave an opportunity for the devotees to virtually participate in the walkathon "Vishwashanti Paada Yatra" helmed by Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (Sri Balaswamiji) from the birth place of Sri Swamiji - Mekedatu to Avadhoota Datta Peetham Mysuru.
 
As per the directions of Sri Balaswamiji, the funds raised from the Walkathon were utilized for five causes:
1. Protection of cows and arrangement of ambulances for them
2. Arranging of free medical camps, providing medicines and medical treatment to the women and children from economically weaker sections who are suffering from cancer and other diseases
3. Helping of Vedic schools that are financially weak
4. Helping of the poor farmers
5. Protecting of Nature through the planting of trees
 
 
12. Sri Swamiji was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital" at Allen Event Center, Allen, Texas, USA on 13 August 2022, consisting of 1,329 participants.
 
 
Guinness World Record for "Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital"
 
Participants recited "Srimad Bhagavad Gita", the most sacred Hindu text comprising of over 700 verses. Participants at the attempt ranged from 5 to 85 years of age and represented at least 13 countries.
 
Nurturing the roots of Hindu culture in a foreign land, over 1,500 students recited the entire Bhagavad Gita from memory along with 700 trained fluent readers at the ‘Gita Sahasragala’ event. After the mass chanting, a representative of the Guinness World Records presented the world record for the “Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital” to Swamiji. Also, following the event, the Mayor of the City of Frisco proclaimed August 13, 2022, as “Gita Sahasragala Day”.
 
Sri Swamiji, the founder of the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (KSHT) in Frisco, TX, USA also established the “Gita Mahayajna” program meaning “Gita-The Great Offering.” The aim is to teach its proper Sanksrit recitation and memorisation.
 
 
Bestowal of Honorary Doctorate in Music on Sri Swamiji
1. Vijayanagara Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Bellary, India awarded Honorary Doctorate in music to Sri Swamiji at Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram, Mysuru on June 22, 2013. Higher Education Minister R.V. Deshpande presented Hon. Doctorate to Sri Swamiji.
 
 
Bestowal of Honorary Doctorate in Music on Sri Swamiji by Sri Krishna Devaraya University
 
 
2. London based "World Classical Tamil University" conferred Honorary Doctorate in Music to Sri Swamiji on 23 May 2016.
 
 
Bestowal of Honorary Doctorate in Music on Sri Swamiji by World Classical Tamil University
 
3. Sri Swamiji was honored with the esteemed Honorary Doctorate during the 6th convocation ceremony of Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University held at Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru on 31 October 2023. The award was presented by the esteemed Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Honorable Governor of Karnataka and the Chancellor of university. Vice chancellor Sri. Nagesh Bettakote welcomed and read the citation.
 
 
 
Bestowal of Honorary Doctorate on Sri Swamiji by Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University
 
 
Yoga Ratna Award
Shwaasa Guru Sri Vachanananda Swamiji's Shwaasa Yoga Peetha presented Yoga Ratna Award to Sri Swamiji on 11 June 2022 in Bengaluru. Sri. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka presented the award to Sri Swamiji.
 
 
Bestowal of Yoga Ratna Award on Sri Swamiji
 
 
Piteelu Chowdaiah Award
Sri Swamiji was conferred the prestigious "Piteelu Chowdaiah Lifetime Award" at a programme jointly organised by Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha and Sangeetha Ratna Mysuru T. Chowdaiah Samsmarana Vedike at the Sabha premises in Mysuru city on Jan 19, 2022.
 
 
Bestowal of Piteelu Chowdaiah Award on Sri Swamiji
Press Article: https://starofmysore.com/piteelu-chowdaiah-award-conferred-on-ganapathy-swamiji/