Our Swamiji

Shri Shri Shri 1008 Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji is the 29th Pontiff of Udupi Shri Puthige Matha, one of the Ashta (8) Mathas established by Jagadguru Shri Madhwacharya.

Born Hayavadana, Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji was initiated into monastic life on April 8, 1974, at the age of twelve, by his guru Shri Sujnanendra Theertha Swamiji at Shri Puthige Mutt, Udupi, becoming a pontiff in the 750-year-old Madhwacharya lineage. He went on to study under Shri Vidyamanya Theertha Swamiji for twelve years, mastering the four Vedas, Upanishads, Pancharatra Agama, Nyaya, Vyakarana, and Dwaitha philosophy. Key highlights of his life and service include:

• Youngest pontiff: Presided over his first Paryaya (1976–1978) at just 15, the youngest in 750 years.
• Temple building: Across his four Paryayas, he built the Swagatha Gopura, Indraprastha Guest House, Gita Mandir, Anna Brahma Hall, and gifted a Navaratna chariot.
• Global interfaith leadership: Served three terms as International President of Religions for Peace and addressed the UN General Assembly on religious amity.
• Institution building: Established 14+ international spiritual centers and founded value-based educational institutions, including the Puthige Vaidika-Loukika Vidyapeetha.
• Education revival: Revitalized the 120-year-old Kemundel school.
• Publications: Publishes Suguna Mala (Kannada monthly) and Suguna Digest (English quarterly).
• Current Paryaya: Leading the fourth Paryaya (2024–2026), the “Vishwa Gita Paryaya,” dedicated to Lord Krishna.