Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha is an Indian spiritual leader and social activist who is recognized for his teachings on Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Srimad Bhagavatam, and how to apply their principles to everyday life. He is also known for spearheading movements to abolish certain illicit practices that are being followed in some Hindu temples.
Early life
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha was born in 1933 in Parlikad village near Wadakkanchery, in present-day Kerala, India. He received his early education in Parlikad and later co-founded Vyasa College in the same village with his two brothers who were also Sanyasins. During his professional life in Kolkata, he met Baba Gangadhara Paramahamsa, who later became his Guru, and this association eventually led him towards the spiritual path.
Activities
Jnaana Yajnas
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha's Jnaana Yajnas (Knowledge dissemination programs) are a significant part of his Loka-sangraha (Welfare of the World) campaign. The first Jnaana Yajna was held in Jamshedpur in 1964, and since then, these series of spiritual discourses have been held regularly in various parts of India, as well as in Malaysia and the USA. Annual Jnaana Yajnas are held in Jamshedpur and Delhi since 1964 and 1975, respectively, and in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore every year.
Annual Srimad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha organizes an Annual Srimad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram, which is a week-long program for the study and contemplation of Srimad Bhagavatam, an ancient Hindu scripture. The event is held every year at the Narayanashrama Tapovanam ashram, which is located in Thrissur district, Kerala.
Gita Tattva Sameeksha
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha also conducts a program called Gita Tattva Sameeksha, which focuses on the study and understanding of Bhagavad Gita, another ancient Hindu scripture. The program consists of a series of discourses and discussions that are held regularly at the Narayanashrama Tapovanam ashram.
Socio-cultural reforms
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha has been actively involved in initiating and leading socio-cultural reforms in society. He has worked towards ending illegal and harmful rituals practiced by some Hindu temples and has also advocated for the protection of the environment.
The Ashram
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha founded the Narayanashrama Tapovanam ashram in 1979. The ashram, located in Thrissur district, Kerala, is a spiritual retreat center that provides a space for individuals to learn and practice meditation and spiritual disciplines. The ashram also offers various courses and programs on Vedanta, Yoga, and other spiritual topics.
Foundation for Restoration of National Values
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha founded the Foundation for Restoration of National Values (FRNV) in 1995, which is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and uphold Indian cultural and spiritual values. The foundation works towards empowering youth, promoting environmental protection, and facilitating community development.
Publications, books, and periodicals
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha has written several books on Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, and other spiritual topics. He has also authored articles and published several periodicals, including Vicharasethu, a bi-monthly spiritual magazine in English, and Chaitanya Chandrika, a monthly spiritual magazine in Malayalam.