AvadhootaDatta Peetham

 

Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, often referred to as Sri Bala Swamiji, is the junior pontiff of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru. As the spiritual successor to Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Sri Bala Swamiji is revered for his wisdom, humility, and dedication to spreading the teachings of the Datta tradition. He actively engages in various spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian activities, guiding devotees with his profound knowledge of scriptures and compassionate nature.

 

Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji was born in a traditional family to Smt. Saraswati and Sri Subramanyam on 14th January, 1977 in Mysuru. The boy was named Sri Harsha Sharma. Harsha had his Vedic education in Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Veda Pathashala (SGS Veda Pathashala), Mysuru. 

His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji had identified the good qualities in Sri Harsha Sharma and kept him under His spiritual observance, tutelage, and guidance. Sri Bala Swamiji has been receiving meticulous training in the Ashram since he was seven years old. On 29th May, 2004, Sri Harsha Sharma was annointed as the Junior Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham by Sri Swamiji in the presence of erudite scholars. He was given the Sannyasa Deeksha name as "Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha". Through this sacred initiation, Sri Swamiji has infused into Sri Bala Swamiji, the rich, spiritual, and ritualistic Datta heritage. 

 

Sri Bala Swamiji has mastered the scriptures and gives regular spiritual discourses on Vedas, Shastras, Upanishads and Puranas. He explains in simple words the deep spiritual essence contaned in them. He is loving and compassionate. He is an ascetic who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity as per the directive given by his Guru, Sri Swamiji. He assists Sri Swamiji in HIS global spiritual mission in the Datta tradition.

 

Sri Bala Swamiji is admired for oration in various fields like Shastras, Upanishads and many more. He is an extraordinary translator of the Vedas into simple language. Sri Bala Swamiji observes Chaaturmasya Deekshas every year from Guru Purnima. His discourses during the Chaturmasya period disseminate knowledge and kindle spiritual passion in the listeners. Many learned scholars of the world look at Sri Bala Swamiji as the ideal student, ideal disciple and a personification of ascetic embodiment.

 

Chaturmasya heralds the onset of the rainy season. Sanyasis usually constantly travel from one place to another, not staying for more than a day in a village, eating only one meal a day. But during the rainy season, when the Earth and water are teeming with new life, the ascetics take a vow to stay in one place and offer their daily worship, so as not to harm these beings. This vow is taken for four months beginning from the Hindu calendar month Aashaada (around July) till Kaartika (around November). But it is not possible to stay in one place for four months, as it is difficult for people of that village to observe such strict rituals for such a long duration. Therefore, keeping all this in mind, the Vedas gave a easy solution - consider a paksha or fortnight from Pratipat (the first day of the fortnight) to Amavasya or Purnima as a representation of the month. One can consider either four fortnights or four months and take up this vrata. Chaturmasya is an observance of ahimsa (non-violence). Anyone who wishes to progress further on the spiritual path must necessarily observe ahimsa along with their sadhana.

 

Chanting mantras during the Chaturmasya period is very beneficial, therefore both Guru and disciples together follow this vrata. There are 4 observances to be followed with respect to fasting at this time. They are – dvidala, shaakha, ksheera and kshaara vratas. Dvidala vrata is followed during the first fortnight or month when one does not eat grains and pulses which can be split in two. During Shaakha vrata in the second fortnight or month, one gives up eating vegetables. During the third fortnight or month, one gives up milk and milk products, and in the final fortnight or month, one gives up salt and spices. During this time, one must not go across any water bodies – be it a canal, lake, river or sea. One can go near a water body and offer ritual/worship. On the day of Bhaadrapada Purnima, one undertakes a Vijaya Yatra along with all the disciples and devotees who have observed this vrata. To mark the completion of this vrata, before crossing a water body, everyone gathers in one place and chants the 11th chapter – Vishwarupa Sandarsha Yoga, of the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna – the One who bestowed Bhagavad Gita to the world is remembered on this day, Bhagavad Gita books are distributed, and the significance of the Bhagavad Gita is shared with others..

 

With the blessings and guidance of Sri Swamiji, Sri Bala Swamiji has been following the Chaturmasya vrata for the past 21 years - since He was given the Sannyasa Deeksha. The fruits of observing Chaturmasya are offered for Universal peace and welfare. Sri Bala Swamiji commences the Chaturmasya Vrata Deeksha every year from Guru Purnima after performing the sacred Guru Parampara Pooja and Vyaasa Pooja, as a mark of reverence and gratitude to the Datta Guru lineage. The Guru Parampara Pooja on Guru Purnima day involves worshiping the ancient lineage of Gurus along with the present Guru Parampara i.e Sadguru - Sri Swamiji, Parama Guru - Sri Jayalakshmi Maata, Parameshti Guru - Sri Narahareeshwara Swami and Paraatpara Guru - Karapaatra Yateeshwara Swami.

During the Chaturmasya, Sri Bala Swamiji undertakes several social, spiritual and medical activities. He spearheads the conduct of Yagnas, Yaagas & Homas, discourses on Puranas, holy texts, extensive Annadana, free medical camps and the like. His teachings emphasize the importance of devotion, righteousness (dharma), and the practice of yoga and meditation for spiritual growth. Sri Bala Swamiji often emphasizes the importance of selfless service, devotion to God, and the pursuit of knowledge. He continues to guide and inspire devotees with His teachings, encouraging them to lead a life of spiritual discipline and compassion.

 

While the walkathon was conducted for bringing the waters of Kaveri (from the birth spot of Sri Swamiji) to worship Sri Swamiji's feet, it subtly and successfully promoted the various initiatives and visions of Sri Bala Swamiji such as:

 

• Protection of cows and arrangement of ambulances for them
   
• 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
   
• Helping of Vedic schools that are financially weak
   
• Helping of the poor farmers
   
• Protecting of Nature through the planting of trees
   

During the walkathon, Sri Bala Swamiji sojourned in various small towns and villages to interact with the people to spread Sri Swamiji's message. The six-day walkathon ended with Sri Swamiji being received in grandeur in Mysore Ashram and washing Sri Swamiji's holy feet with Kaveri water. Several devotees from remote locations also had the opportunity to partake in the "Virtual Walkathon" of Vishwa Shanti Paada Yatra which set a Guinness World Record for "Largest online video album of walking (Walkathon)".

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well known for the elaborate explanation of the spiritual secrets received from His divine master - Sri Swamiji, Sri Bala Swamiji has undertaken, on the instructions and inspiration of Sri Swamiji, the commentary and explanation of the holy text Yoga Vasishtham from 2014 on a daily basis. It is the divine text of 32,000 shlokas from Srimad Ramayana, the heart and essence of Sri Rama’s teachings to the humanity. Considering the knowledge of the self, the balance required in the wonderful epic of Ramayana, Sage Valmiki has encapsulated the core teachings of Sri Ramayana as a separate text of 32,000 Shlokas -  known as Yoga Vasishtham - the elaboration of Atma Vidya by Sage Vasishtha to Sri Rama. Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, as ordained and initiated by Sri Swamiji, has skillfully interlaced the divine spiritual teachings of Sri Swamiji into his commentary and explanation of this epic from 2014 till date.

 

Sri Bala Swamiji is also a highly inspired singer-lyricist credited with several compositions in praise of His Guru, Sri Swamiji and various Hindu deities in Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and English languages.