Shriram Sharma (20 September 1911 - 2 June 1990), also known as Acharya, was a renowned yugrishi who devoted his life to elevating human consciousness, culture, and civilization through the synthesis of science and spirituality.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust.'Vedmurti Taponishtha Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya' (2003). Akhand Jyoti, 1(1), Jan-Feb. [English edition].Brahmvarchas (2019). ऋषि युग्म का परिचय [Introduction of the Sage Pair]. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust. He founded the All World Gayatri Pariwar and the Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan (1979).Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "Visible attainments of Sadhana (Siddhis)". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 131-140.
His spiritual journey commenced at the age of fifteen, during which he completed 24 Mahapurushcharans—each involving the rhythmic recitation (japa) of 2.4 million Gayatri mantras.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "The sunrise of my life's fortune". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 19-30.The Times of India (27 May 2011) "Gayatri Mahayagya by Houston Gayatri Pariwar", The Times of India, accessed 04 November 2024. He subsequently played an active role in India's independence movement.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "Guidelines by Gurudev about my future line of action". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 31-46.Brahmvarchas (2015). स्वतंत्रता संग्राम सेनानी पं. श्रीराम शर्मा आचार्य (श्रीराम मत्त) [Freedom Fighter Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (Shiram Matta)]. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust. Acharya also proposed the 100-point program of Yug Nirman Yojna (Campaign for Era Transformation) for societal upliftment and reformation of the era.Brahmvarchas (2014). Thought Revolution. 2nd ed. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust.'Yug Nirman Yojana - At A Glance' (2006). Akhand Jyoti, 4(1), Jan-Feb. [English edition].Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (1998). युग निर्माण योजना - दर्शन, स्वरूप व कार्यक्रम [Movement for the Reconstruction of Era - Philosophy, Form, and Program]. 2nd ed. Mathura: Janjagran Press.
His endeavors encompassed extensive research on the syncretic relationships between science and spirituality,Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2010). ब्रह्मवर्चस शोध संस्थान - प्रयोजन और प्रयास [Brahmavarchas Research Institute - Purpose and Efforts]. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). Religion And Science: Complementary Not Contradictory. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust. the revival of Rishi traditions, and the revelation of the philosophy and science underlying the Gayatri Mantra and Yajna.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "Third pilgrimage to The Himalayas-Sowing the seeds of Rishi traditions". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 105-120.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). 'Mind of a Brahmana, actions of a Rishi'. My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 121-132. He supervised large-scale Gayatri sadhana and Yajna, interpreted entire Vedic scriptures, and authored over 3,000 books on various aspects of human life.Indiapost (22 August 2024). "Saints from All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) Gayatri-Teerth Shantikunj, Haridwar (India) visit Fremont Hindu Temple", Indiapost, accessed 04 September 2024.Literature. AWGP Store, vicharkrantibooks.org, His vision is encapsulated in the phrase, "Hum badlenge, Yug badlega. Hum sudhrenge, Yug sudhrega" ("We will change, the era will change. We will improve, the era will improve"),Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2014). हम बदलें तो युग बदले [When We Change, the Era Will Change]. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust. which continues to inspire successive generations.
Life
Early childhood Shriram Sharma Acharya, revered as "Gurudev" by his followers, was born in Anwalkheda village in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India, on Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi Vikrami Samvat 1967 (September 20, 1911).The Pioneer (21 September 2021). "CM pays tribute to saint Pandit Shriram Sharma", The Pioneer, accessed 04 September 2024. He was the son of Pandit Rupkishore Sharma and Dhankunwari Devi. His early concern for the welfare of the underprivileged was evident even in his childhood; for example, as a young boy, he cared for an elderly woman afflicted with leprosy, despite disapproval from his family and society.Pranav Pandya, and Jyotirmay (2009). "Satyam Param Dhimahi". Odyssey of the Enlightened (Part-1). Edited by Shambhudass, translated by R. P. Khare, Madhuri Nadig. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, pp. 50-67. . His spiritual inclination also emerged at an early age. At the age of nine, he was initiated into the Gayatri mantra and underwent the sacred thread ceremony (yajnopavit), performed by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.Pranav Pandya, and Jyotirmay (2009). "From Yamuna to Ganga". Odyssey of the Enlightened (Part-1). Edited by Shambhudass, translated by R. P. Khare, Madhuri Nadig. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, pp. 34-49. .
First audience with Guru
At the age of fifteen, on January 18, 1926, during the Vasant Panchami festival, Shriram's guru, Swami Sarveshwarananda, is said to have manifested in astral form from the flame of a deepak during his Gayatri upasana. This divine encounter revealed his three previous births—Sant Kabir, Samarth Guru Ramdas and Ramakrishna Paramhansa—as well as the objectives of his present life, thereby initiating his spiritual journey.Pranav Pandya, and Jyotirmay (2009). "I Surrender Myself to You Gurudev!". Odyssey of the Enlightened (Part-1). Edited by Shambhudass, translated by R. P. Khare, Madhuri Nadig. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, pp. 112-143. .Lilapat Sharma (2009). "The Divine Spirit (Dada Guru) Manifests (Year-1926)". Gurudev - Prophet Of New Era. Translated by V. D. Choksi. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 37-39. In accordance with his guru's instructions, he subsequently devoted three decades to intensive spiritual practices, adhering to strict disciplines and performing 24 Mahapurushcharans. His autobiography, “Hamari Vasiyat aur Virasat” (My Life—Its Legacy And Message), reflects his profound surrender to his guru and attributes all his accomplishments to his guru's grace and guidance.
Indian Freedom Movement Troubled by the pain of foreign rule, the young Shriram joined the freedom movement in 1923–24 in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s call. In accordance with his Guru’s instructions, he participated in India's struggle for independence to acquire practical lessons in wisdom, honesty, responsibility, and courage. From 1927 to 1937, he actively volunteered as a freedom fighter and was jailed on several occasions for his involvement in the movement. He also composed revolutionary poems and articles, which were published in the newspaper Sainik under the title "Matta Pralap."
During a freedom movement at Jarkhi, near Anwalkheda, British soldiers attempted to seize the tricolor flag while assaulting him. Despite fainting from the attack, he maintained a firm grip on the flag by holding it between his teeth.Pranav Pandya, and Jyotirmay (2009). "Oblations in the Independence-Yagya". Odyssey of the Enlightened (Part-1). Edited by Shambhudass, translated by R. P. Khare, Madhuri Nadig. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, pp. 228-260. . His profound devotion to his motherland earned him the nickname "Shriram Matta." Post-independence, Shriram withdrew from active political engagement and devoted himself to the nation's liberation on moral, intellectual, and cultural fronts, as guided by his Guru.
Himalayan Journeys Shriram Sharma Acharya ascended the Himalayas on four occasions, during which he practiced specific sadhanas and made plans for the future under the guidance of his guru, Swami Sarveshwarananda. His first ascent occurred in 1937,Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "First call of Gurudev - Test at every step". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 47-68. followed by journeys in 1959,Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "Sowing the seeds for sublimation of attitudes and thoughts - Another invitation for pilgrimage to the Himalayas". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 79-86. 1971, and 1984.Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). "Fourth and final pilgrimage to the Himalayas". My Life - Its Legacy And Message. Translated by S. N. Pandya, revised by Shambhudass. Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust, pp. 141-152. These journeys aimed to meet Himalayan sages, seek further guidance, and rejuvenate himself. Notably, the initial journey also served as a test of his endurance, willpower, and perseverance, as set by his guru. He documented these experiences in his writings, recording the purpose of each journey.“My sadhana was intended to acquire energy for initiating a New-Era of harmony and peace for humanity.”Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2011). Companion In Solitude. Translated by V. A. Shivashankaran, edited by Shambudass, and R. P. Khare. Revised ed. Shantikunj, Haridwar: Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust. .
The vision of “Thought Revolution Movement”