Srivan Sathakopa Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan
Holiness 46th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Math
The present Pontiff, His Holiness Srivan Sathakopa Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan is 46th in the lineage of the successive Jeeyars of Sri Ahobila Math. Chosen by HH 45th Jeeyar Villivalam Srimad Azhagiyasingar to succeed him, His Holiness the 46th Jeeyar took Ashrama Sweekaram at the age of 54 in 2009 and was titled ‘Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan’. With the passing away of 45th Jeeyar, he became the operational Head of the Math with his Pattabhishekam held in 2013. Since then, he has been managing the affairs of the Math evincing keen interest on all fronts. Born on 23rd July 1955 at Eechambadi, the Jeeyar in his poorvasramam had his early Vedic education at Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district. Study of various specialized subjects like Siksha (Phonetics), Kalpam (rituals, Nruktham etymology), Santhas (Poetic metre) followed. He learnt the six Vedankams at Kumbakonam and Tirumala under the tutelage of eminent scholars. He also mastered Ahnikam, Bhagavadvishayam Kalakshepam from Sri Paruthichery Sri Aravamudhachariar. He learnt Chatushtayanga under the guidance of 44th Jeeyar Srimad Mukkur Azagiyasingar. An eminent Rig Vedic Scholar himself, he has taught Vedas for a number of years, training over four hundred students who became Vedic Pandits. In his Poorvashramam, the present Jeeyar was an Agnihotri, practicing the austere discipline as mandated in the Shastras. His deep mastery over Dharma Shastras and various religious rituals has won admiration and no wonder he is sought after for guidance. He commands universal respect and attention on this account not only from his sishyas but also from everyone who approached to seek his blessings and advice. In his zealous determination to support and honour the scholars for encouraging Vedic studies and spreading the knowledge of Shastras, the Jeeyar has initiated the setting up of a Veda Samarakshana Samiti the set of objectives. His Shashtyabda Poorthi, which signals completion of Sixty years of age, was celebrated by the Math sishyas on 22nd June 2015. It is interesting to note that he was only the eighth Pontiff of the Math to celebrate this event during Ashrama, following his predecessors in the 1st, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 25th and 42nd of the distinguished lineage. Since adorning the Peetam, His Holiness 46th Jeeyar’s Thirunakshatra Mahotsavam has been conducted in Ahobilam, Chennai Selaiyur, Srirangam, Tirumala and Hyderabad. Srimad Azhagiyasingar has observed Chaturmasya Sankalpam at Srirangam, Chennai, Selaiyur, Tiruppullani and Tiruvaheendrapuram followed by Ahobilam.
