Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I - Pontificate

Pontificate

Sachchidananda Bharati was ordained pontiff of the Sringeri Sharadha Peetam in 1623. When he ascended the pontificial chair, the southern part of India was beset with civil war and turmoil. Sachchidananda Bharati soon acquired mastery over the Vedas and shastras and visited many famous shrines including Madurai Meenakshi Temple. It can be observed from his biography that he lived in Madurai also for a short period during his Brahmacharya and learned the Vedas and Sastras there. Initially, he wanted to marry the daughter of his maternal uncle. But the then Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Narasimha Bharati advised him in favor of celibacy and persuaded him to become a sanyasin (Hindu monk).

Sachchidananda Bharathi-I is considered by his devotees to have saved Sringeri through his penance and austerities during a period when Sringeri was attacked by a neighboring King Bhairava of Kalasapuram thrice. The King of Ikkeri, Veerabhadra Nayaka came in support of the Sringeri Mutt and the surrounding territory. He was defeated by King Bhairava twice and thus Bhairava was emboldened to attack Sringeri the third time. Sri Sachidananda Bharathi-I prayed for divine help through his penance and austerities. The next day, the Jagadguru was informed that he had left the town. The Guru had a dream later in which the surrounding deities informed him that they had defended and protected Sringeri.

Sachchidananda Bharathi-I is considered by his devotees to have saved Sringeri and contributed to its fame. He was also regarded as a good administrator, and well regarded and respected by all people of all faiths and all sections of society.