Patron Founders of AWGP
Shriram Sharma Acharya
Introduction
The All World Gayatri Pariwar is a monumental organization founded on the ceaseless stream of empathy for humanity, established by Acharya Shriram Sharma. With a global presence, millions of its members actively engage in enriching their lives with merits, courage, wisdom, and generosity.
Early Life and Vision
Acharya Shriram Sharma's Early Life:
Birth: 20th September 1911 (Ashwin Krishna trayodashi, Vikram Samvat 1968 as per Indian calendar) in Anwalkheda, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Parents: Pandit Shri Roopkishore Sharma and Daankunvari Devi.
Initiation into Gayatri Mantra: At the age of eight, initiated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya during his sacred thread ceremony, Shriram began reciting five rosaries of the Gayatri Mantra daily.
Divine Vision:
Vasant Parwa, 18th January 1926: Shriram had a divine vision of his Guru, Swami Sarveshvaranandaji, and kindled an Akhand Deepak, a lamp continuously burning since then.
Maha-purashcharanas: Undertook 24 rigorous purashcharanas over 24 years, reciting 66 rosaries of Gayatri Mantra daily, subsisting on barley chapatti and buttermilk.
Spiritual and Social Reforms
Early Endeavors:
At fifteen, Shriram Sharma began the intense spiritual practice of 24 Mahapurushcharans of the Gayatri Maha-mantra and participated actively in India’s non-violent independence struggle, even facing imprisonment.
As a visionary and social reformer, he proposed the 100-point Yug Nirman Yojna for social, intellectual, and spiritual evolution, living a life marked by simplicity and spiritual discipline.
Literary Contributions
Vedic Translations: Acharya Sharma translated the entire Vedic literature into lucid Hindi, providing comprehensive introductions.
Prolific Writing: He authored over 2400 enlightening books on various aspects of life, offering practical solutions to contemporary problems.
Organizational Achievements
Gayatri Pariwar: Founded the Gayatri Pariwar fraternity and established Shantikunj Ashram, an academy for moral and spiritual awakening.
Brahmavarchas Research Institute: Established to blend scientific inquiry with spirituality.
Social Reform Centers: Set up numerous centers for social reform and spiritual practice worldwide.
Spiritual and Organizational Contributions
Akhand Jyoti Magazine:
Launch in 1937: Shriram Sharma began editing and publishing the Akhand Jyoti magazine.
Spiritual Austerity:
Summoned by his Gurudev four times to the Himalayas for rigorous spiritual practices.
Prana-Pratishtha Ceremony:
1953: Completed 24 Maha-purashcharanas, fasted for 24 days on water, and invoked Gayatri’s cosmic consciousness into the idol of Gayatri Mata at Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura.
Major Campaigns and Developments
Volunteer Mobilization:
1957 Onwards: Launched a campaign to mobilize 100,000 volunteers for nation-building, culminating in a grand 1000-altar yagya from 23rd to 26th November 1958.
Branch Expansion:
Established about 6000 branches of Gayatri Pariwar.
Scriptural Commentaries:
Authored commentaries on ancient scriptures including Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Smritis, and Darshanas.
Establishment of Shantikunj
Move to Shantikunj:
20th June 1971: Shifted from Mathura to Shantikunj, Haridwar.
Himalayan Stay:
1st July 1971: Departed for a one-year stay in the Himalayas. On return, started various training camps and facilitated women empowerment.
Brahmavarchas Research Institute:
1979: Founded to scientifically study spirituality.
Global Spiritual Campaigns
Shaktipiths Establishment:
1980-1982: Campaign to establish about 5000 Shaktipiths (active centers).
Sukshmikaran Sadhana:
Rama Navami, 1984: Undertook a high-level spiritual endeavor aiming for global refinement, creating a new era, and facilitating inner development.
Research and Global Sadhana:
Over 50 research papers on his life achievements.
1988: Launched a twelve-year collective sadhana for global upliftment.
Legacy and Honors
Physical Departure:
2nd June 1990: Opted to work through subtle and causal bodies.
Government Recognition:
27th June 1991: Indian government released a postage stamp in his honor.
Shakti Sadhana Year:
1991: Vandaniya Mataji declared it, involving continuous mantra recitation and Ashwamedha yagyas.
Consciousness and Guidance:
19th September 1994: Vandaniya Mataji united with Gurudev’s subtle existence. Their divine guidance continues through Akhand Jyoti and Prakhar Pragya at Shantikunj.
Ongoing Spiritual Influence:
Akhand Deepak: A ghee lamp burning since 1926, inspiring spiritual transformation.
Managed by a dedicated team, Shantikunj remains a beacon of spiritual wisdom, imparting the divine message to humanity.
Acharya Shriram Sharma’s legacy as a visionary and creator of a new era continues to guide and inspire millions.
Mata Bhagvati Devi Sharma
Early Life
Born in September 1926 into a renowned priestly family, Mata Bhagwati Devi (Mataji) displayed a profound interest in worship from a young age. After marrying Acharyaji, she took on the responsibilities of caring for visitors and guests, and generously donated all her wedding jewelry to establish the Gayatri Tapobhumi in Mathura.
Leadership and Initiatives
In 1975, Mataji spearheaded the Mahila Jagran Abhiyan, a movement aimed at the emancipation of women. Under her leadership, approximately 4000 branches were established, engaging over one million active participants.
Family and Devotion
Mataji regarded everyone as part of her family. Ensuring their comfort and providing spiritual guidance were her top priorities. Her love and warmth drew people to Shantikunj, where they sought peace and rejuvenation.
Taking Over the Mission
Following Gurudev’s Mahasamadhi on June 2nd, 1990, which coincided with Gayatri Jayanti, Mataji courageously assumed all responsibilities of the mission. In October 1990, she organized the Grand Shraddhanjali Samaroh, a tribute to Gurudev, attended by over 1.5 million devotees worldwide. The event reinforced the resolve to continue Gurudev’s work in spreading the philosophies of Gayatri and Yagna.
Propagation of Dev-Sanskriti
On Gayatri Jayanti in 1992, Mataji revealed Gurudev’s message from the subtle and astral realms, advocating for the global spread of Dev-Sanskriti (divine Indian culture). This led to a series of Grand Ashwamedha Yagnas, beginning in Jaipur in November 1992. To date, twenty-seven such yagnas have been conducted in India and abroad, including the significant Pratham Poornahuti Samaroh in Anwalkheda in 1995.
International Outreach
Mataji’s influence extended internationally, with visits to the UK, Canada, and the USA for Ashwamedha Yagnas in Leicester, Toronto, and Los Angeles. She initiated millions into the Gayatri Mantra, sparking a new wave of character-building and social reform.
Departure to the Astral Realm
On September 19th, 1994 (Bhadrapad Mahapoornima), Mataji departed to the astral realm, reuniting with her aradhya satta. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide countless devotees.