Honoring the Guru: Brahmasri Gullapalli Sitaramachandra Murthy Ghanapathi Receives the “Bharatatma Puraskar”
To our revered students, devotees, and well-wishers of the Gurukulam,
It is a moment of profound pride for our entire community to celebrate the national recognition bestowed upon our guiding light. Brahmasri Gullapalli Sitaramachandra Murthy Ghanapathi has been honored with the prestigious Bharatatma Ashokji Singhal Veda Puraskar (2021).
Presented by the Singhal Foundation, Udaipur, this award recognizes him as an “Adarsha Veda Adhyapaka” (Ideal Vedic Teacher). The honor was conferred during the foundation’s 5th annual ceremony held in New Delhi on April 18, 2022 (Vaishakha Krishna Dvitiya, Vikram Samvat 2079).
The Sanskrit Citation: A Testament to Excellence
The citation presented to Ghanapathi Garu is composed in beautiful Sanskrit, describing his spiritual and scholarly stature. We are proud to share these verses with you, which capture the essence of his life’s work:
1. Master of Vedic Knowledge
“गम्भीरवेदपारावारपारगेभ्यः” (Gambhīra-Veda-Pārāvāra-Pāragebhyaḥ)
Meaning: He who has successfully crossed the vast and deep ocean of Vedic knowledge.
2. Dedication to Teaching
“अनवरतवेदवेदाङ्गाध्यापनपरेभ्यः” (Anavarata-Veda-Vedāṅga-Adhyāpana-Parebhyaḥ)
Meaning: He who is continuously and tirelessly engaged in teaching the Vedas and Vedangas (auxiliary disciplines of the Vedas).
3. Compassion for Disciples
“शिष्यवत्सलेभ्यः” (Śiṣya-Vatsalebhyaḥ)
Meaning: He who possesses deep affection and love for his disciples, treating them like his own children.
4. Widespread Renown
“दिगन्तविश्रान्तयशस्केभ्यः” (Diganta-Viśrānta-Yaśaskebhyaḥ)
Meaning: He whose fame and glory have spread to the very ends of the directions (horizons).
5. Steadfastness in Dharma
“स्वधर्मानुष्ठाननिष्ठागरिष्ठेभ्यः” (Svadharma-Anuṣṭhāna-Niṣṭhā-Gariṣṭhebhyaḥ)
Meaning: He who is the greatest in his steadfast commitment to the practice of his own Dharma (daily rituals and duties).
A Life of Service Recognized
The citation concludes by honoring him as a “Brahmasri” whose form shines with the Vedas (Brahmasri-Rajita-Vedamurtibhyah). The Singhal Foundation bestowed this title to honor his significant contribution to the propagation (Pracharana) and practice (Acharana) of Vedic wisdom.
We offer our humble pranams to Brahmasri Gullapalli Sitaramachandra Murthy Ghanapathi for bringing this glory to our tradition.
