Anandashram Swami - Consolidation of The Community

Consolidation of The Community

The community in general had become distanced under the strict regime of Swami Pāndurangāshram. He had insisted on everyone strictly adhering to the Dharma. Moreover he had excommunicated anyone who went abroad or associated with anyone who went abroad. People who married outside the community were also excommunicated.

Under Swami Ānandāshram, many social reforms were introduced. He allowed the community to go abroad without any fear of expulsion. Moreover most of the people who were excommunicated by Swami Pāndurangāshram on grounds of foreign travel or marriage outside of the community were accepted back to the community.

The community had lived in the Kanara districts of Karnataka till the end of the 19th century. In search of greener pastures, the young generation migrated to the urban areas of Bombay, Bangalore, Madras, Delhi and Calcutta. Their busy schedules and other commitments resulted in the urban community drifting away from the Chitrapur Math. Swamiji travelled to all these urban areas and drew members of the community closer.

This revival of interest in the Guru Parampara and the Chitrapur Math may have happened as a result of several factors:

• Economic Depression: During the early 1900s, the economic condition of the urban areas began to look bleak. Employment was scarce and there was no job security. This was a time when the people realized they wanted spiritual guidance from a guru. This might have encouraged a sense of spiritual belonging.

• Encouragement from parents: When the younger generation migrated, they took their parents with them. These aged parents longed for the re-establishment of relations with the community. The older generation encouraged the younger generation to take part in the activities of the matha. This also contributed to the integration of the community under Swami Ānandāshram.