Upanishads contain the essence of all Vedic literature and is called, Vedantham. The same knowledge was also revealed by prime (or chosen) devotees called alwars who did not study Upanishads, but were fortunate to have experienced that rich source of wisdom. Upanishads are available in Sanskrit. Alwars gave away their wisdom in the form of 4000 beautiful poems/pasurams (Naalayiram) in Tamil. ‘Ubhaya Vedanta’ means the Vedanta available in the two languages, Sanskrit and Tamil.

Since 1969, Ubhaya Vedantha Acharya Peetam awards one scholar every year who has done extensive learning and practising in these two forms of Vedantha. This is done in honour of a great scholar Gopalacharya Swami who worked hand in hand with Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji for promoting ancient Vedic literature throughout the country.

To recognise such great individuals and honour them is our bare minimum responsibility. We may not have time or money or brain to invest in learning Vedic literature. But, if we can contribute in some way and support such revered people continue their efforts, that will serve the entire community for a better future.

2019 Gopala Upayanam Award Recipient – Professor Sri MA Lakshmi Tatachari

Here’s a quick introduction of the professor, an opportunity to be proud of such great souls who ‘breathe’ and ‘walk’ ancient knowledge. He has not given up any practise recommended by Vedic literature, even when encountered by very tough situations!

  • Mastered all systems of Vedantha with special reference to Visishta Advaitha Vedanta
  • Proficient in Sanskrit literature and Indian philosophical systems
  • Extensive research with proofs on ancient knowledge system; just a couple of examples of his research topics:

    • Fluoride content in water can be easily moderated by Wonder grass of the World, Vattiver (origin in India now used in 136 countries)
    • Microbiologists to study the saliva of a person chanting Vedas (compare the before and after composition of saliva to find out how healthy the saliva turns after the chanting)
    • Chant ‘Rama’ twenty times and you will notice generation of saliva; Do the same with ‘Ravana’ and your mouth dries up. The syllables of Vedic literature carry power to keep one health in mind, body and soul levels.
    • Ancient learning system improves memory beautifully. Examples of extra ordinary memory in our acharyas are: Ku:resa, Para:sara, Surtha Prakasakacharya etc! We are not even close to the way their brains worked and functioned

  • 83-year-old, hale and healthy, never took a medicine – Strict practitioner of Vedic way of life (as per Ramanuja sampradaya)
  • Speaks Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, and English
  • Founder of Academy of Sanskrit Research in Melkote
  • Served Board of Studies, Department of Vaishnavism, Madras University
  • Currently, President of Sanskrit Foundation at Mysore
  • Visiting professor and member of Academic council at Vyasa University, Bangalore
  • Edited and published several works related to Ramanuja Darsana in Sanskrit, Kannada, and English
  • Conducted several seminars, edited several publications
  • Expert manuscriptologist with considerable achievement
  • Has never eaten outside home; uses wood sticks for fuel in cooking
  • Uses water obtained only from a flowing water body and not taps

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– 11th Feb 2019
– Vijaya Kiladri, Vijayawada