Today, we are going to learn more about His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja, better known among his disciples by the beloved name Jagadguru or Gurudeva.
He was a great divine personality. He was an exceptional writer and silver-tongued speaker. Gurudeva was known for his vast and versatile learning and his spiritual and educational achievements. His entire life is an example of service to humanity.
About Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja’s Early Life
Gurudeva was born to highly learned and pious parents in March 1884. His father, the late Sri P. Narasimha Shastri, was serving as a Tahsildar at Tinnevelly (Madras Presidency) and later retired as a Deputy Collector.
Gurudev’s Life Journey and His Education
Gurudev’s childhood name was Venkatraman. He was an exceptionally brilliant student and invariably topped in his entire educational career. He passed his matriculation examination from Madras University in January 1899, topping in all subjects as usual. In July 1899, at the age of 16, the Madras Sanskrit Association awarded him the title of “Saraswati” for his proficiency in Sanskrit.
A World Record-Breaking Academic Brilliance by Gurudev
After securing the highest place in the B.A. examination, Sri Venkatraman Saraswati appeared for the M.A. examination at the American College of Science, Rochester, New York, from the Bombay Centre.
In 1904, at the age of just twenty, he passed the M.A. examination in seven subjects simultaneously, securing the highest honours in all, which is perhaps the all-time world record of academic brilliance. His subjects included Sanskrit, Philosophy, English, Mathematics, History, and Science.
Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja Life in Spiritual Science or Adhyatma Vidya
Sri Venkatraman started his public life under the guidance of the late honourable Sri Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905 in connection with the National Education Movement. Later on, he became the principal of the newly opened National College at Rajmahendri for the next three years.
But due to his immense interest in the field of Indian Spiritual Science or Adhyatma Vidya, he proceeded to Sringeri Math in Mysore, where he spent the next eight years in the most profound study of the advanced Vedanta philosophy and the practice of Brahma Sadhana. In nearby Sringeri, he delivered many lectures on Adhyatma and Mathematics in several institutes.
Jagadguru Sankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja’s Educational Brilliance
There was no branch of knowledge he did not master, and that too in a scholarly manner. He was equally learned in Chandahshastra, Ayurveda, and Jyotish Shastra.
After several years of the most advanced studies, profound meditation, and the highest spiritual achievement, Prof. Venkatraman Saraswati was initiated into the holy order of Sannyasa at Banaras (Varanasi) by His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Sri Trivikram Tirthaji Maharaja of Sharadapeeth on 4th July 1919. On this occasion, he was given the new name Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha.
Contribution of Bharti Krishna Tiratha to Vedic Mathematics
Tirthaji Maharaj, known as the father of Vedic Mathematics, revived this ancient system in the 20th century. His book, Vedic Mathematics, introduced simple techniques for complex calculations, making math faster and easier for everyone.
What is Vedic Maths?
Vedic Mathematics is a set of techniques/sutras for doing mathematical arithmetic more easily and speedily. It includes 16 sutras (Formulae) and 13 sub-sutras (Sub Formulae) that can be utilized to solve problems in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and conics.
Vedic Mathematics is a system of mathematics that was discovered by Indian mathematician Jagadguru Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji between A.D. 1911 and 1918. Tirthaji Maharaj presented his findings in a Vedic Mathematics Book.
Vedic is a Sanskrit word that means “knowledge and wisdom.” It also signifies an era or period (for example, the Vedic Period, which lasted from 1700 to 1100 B.C. during the Iron Age).
The Loss and Revival of Vedic Mathematics
No doubt ancient India thrived in mathematics, but invasions and colonization destroyed institutions like Nalanda, erasing priceless manuscripts. The shift to Western education sidelined Sanskrit texts, deepening the loss.
Decades later, Tirthaji Maharaj revived fragments of this knowledge through his work on Vedic Mathematics, preserving techniques and reconnecting India with its rich mathematical heritage.
Vedic Mathematics was nearly lost to time but made a remarkable comeback in the 20th century. Curious about its roots? Discover the fascinating history of Vedic Mathematics, from its ancient origins to its early brilliance
Vedic Math Sutras and their applications
The Vedic Mathematics book from Tirthaji Maharaj consists of 16 sutras (Formulae) and 13 sub-sutras (Sub Formulae). One of them is, Ekadhikena Purvena which talks about squaring numbers that end with 5 in mere seconds. One of the sutras is Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah which helps with mental multiplication.
The beauty of vedic math lies in its versatility. It is often the case we can use different sutras on the same question in combination in order the solve the problems mentally, like Urdhva-Tiryagbyham which is an entirely different method yet familiar that can equip anyone to solve 4-5 digit multiplication problems in seconds without the need of lifting your pen.
Do you realise the power of Vedic Maths?
A detailed step-by-step process is explained in our famous 16 sutras of Vedic Math article, which touches on these concepts in better detail.
How to Learn Vedic Maths Easily?
Vedic Math School is dedicated to making “Make Maths Easy” for anyone who is a student in school, college or even preparing for competitive exams, educators and anyone interested in making their life easier. Vedic Math School is a pioneer in online vedic math education.
You can start with our Details Course on vedic Maths, Where Our team of more than 20 teachers and decades of training and teaching experiences brings one of the Best Online Vedic maths teaching for all of you where we cover more than 150+ lessons and topics in detail step by step manner.
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Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja Was A Spiritual Leader
Later on, in 1925, he adorned the Govardhan Math’s Gadi upon the successive request of His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Shri Madhusudan Tirtha of Govardhan Math Puri. From then on, he toured India from corner to corner, delivering lectures on Sanatana Dharma.
Through his intellectual brilliance, powerful oratory, magnetic personality, sincerity of purpose, indomitable will, purity of thought, and loftiness of character, he took the entire intellectual and religious class of the nation by storm.
V. S. Agarwala says about Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja:
V.S. Agarwal is the General Editor of his Book on Vedic Mathematics, and he talked about Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja’s Life:
“Swami Ji was a marvellous person with surpassing qualities. He was a prolific writer and an eloquent speaker. He could speak for several hours at a stretch in Sanskrit and English with equal felicity, and the intonation of his musical voice left a lasting impression on the minds of his listeners.
He attracted large audiences. He was an ardent admirer of Bhartrhari, the great scientific thinker of the golden age of Indian history, in various fields.”
In his lifetime, he wrote many books, poems, and slokas on various issues. One of his notable works is Vedic Mathematics. Another favourite book of his is Sanatana Dharma. He composed more than 3,000 slokas in adoration of various deities and divine figures.
Manjula words About Bharati Krishna Tirthji Maharaja:
One of his Disciple Manjula Ji Wrote about Him:
“Gurudev’s activities were many-sided. Of such a divine personality, it is impossible to draw a sketch. To hear him was a pleasure. To see him was a privilege. To speak to him was a real blessing, and to be granted an exclusive interview—ah! That was the acme of happiness, which people coveted most in all earnestness.
The magnetic force of his pleasant personality was such that one word, one smile, or even one look was quite enough to convert even the most sceptic into his most ardent and obedient disciple. He belonged to all, irrespective of caste or creed, and he was a real Guru to the whole world.”
A Life Devoted to Spiritual Enlightenment and Humanity
Guruji did tremendous work for the cause of humanity, spreading spiritual enlightenment, and reviving Vedantic ideals. In 1957, while on a tour of the U.S. and U.K., the excessive strain of his vast and strenuous tour abroad took a severe toll on his health. As a result, he fell seriously ill in November 1959. Despite the best available treatment, he shed off his mortal frame and took Mahasamadhi to Mumbai on 2nd February 1960.
The whole life of Jagadguru is an example of the simplest living and highest thinking. He will always be remembered for his excellence. His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja may have left us, but his work and words will forever remain in our hearts.
Final Thoughts: Timeless Legacy of Tirthaji Maharaja
The legacy of His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja continues to shine even today. His book, Vedic Mathematics, is still read and loved, helping students, teachers, and professionals alike. His easy and brilliant methods have changed the way people approach mental maths, making it simpler and more enjoyable.
Tirthaji Maharaja’s work inspires millions, showing that his wisdom is timeless. We are deeply thankful for his contributions, which continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives and keep his remarkable achievements alive in the hearts of many.
FAQ about Swami Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja
Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja (1884–1960) was a renowned Indian scholar, spiritual leader, and mathematician.
He served as the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Matha, Puri, and is best known for his pioneering work in rediscovering Vedic Mathematics — a set of mental calculation techniques based on ancient Indian knowledge.
According to his own accounts, Tirthaji spent several years (1911–1918) meditating and studying ancient Sanskrit texts, particularly the Vedas.
He reconstructed 16 Sutras (formulas) and 13 sub-sutras that form the foundation of Vedic Mathematics. His findings were later compiled into the famous book “Vedic Mathematics” published in 1965, posthumously.
He did not invent Vedic Mathematics in the conventional sense.
Instead, he interpreted and systematized ancient techniques hidden within Vedic literature, especially Atharvaveda.
His work revived forgotten mathematical wisdom and presented it in a modern, easy-to-understand format for students and teachers.
Tirthaji’s work makes mathematics more accessible, faster, and enjoyable for learners worldwide.
His techniques encourage mental agility, creativity, and confidence — transforming how people approach numbers and problem-solving.
In today’s fast-paced world, his methods are increasingly recognized for improving speed, accuracy, and cognitive development in mathematics.
Yes, he was exceptionally brilliant academically. Before his spiritual journey, he excelled in mathematics, science, Sanskrit, philosophy, and English.
He earned top honors in multiple subjects and was highly respected both for his intellectual abilities and his spiritual insight.
He is revered as a visionary who bridged ancient Indian wisdom with modern education. Educational institutions, mathematicians, and Vedic scholars around the world honor him for bringing forward a holistic, intuitive way of learning mathematics that continues to inspire generations.
Yes, his primary and most famous work is the book “Vedic Mathematics.”
However, it is believed that he had prepared more extensive manuscripts on the subject, but unfortunately, most of them were lost over time.
The book “Vedic Mathematics” remains the cornerstone of his teachings.
No, his promotion of Vedic Mathematics was purely academic and educational.
Though the techniques have roots in ancient Indian scriptures, Vedic Mathematics itself is secular and universally applicable, meant for anyone regardless of their religion or nationality.
While he was highly respected among scholars and spiritual leaders, widespread recognition of his Vedic Mathematics work came more prominently after his passing.
Today, his contributions are celebrated globally, and his methods have become part of various educational programs.10.
You can start by reading his book “Vedic Mathematics” and exploring courses or institutions dedicated to his teachings.
Several organizations, including Vedic Math School, continue to spread his vision of making mathematics simple, effective, and joyful for all.
