Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust
Organization background

Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashram is a Sri Vaishnava organization, with head quarters in Srirangam, Tamilnadu. It belongs to the Munithreya sampradayam — its founders being Sri Natha Muni (8th century A.D.), Sri Yamuna Muni (10th century A.D.) and Sri Ramanuja Muni (1017-1137 A.D.). The central tenet of its teachings is the concept of Saranagati i.e. total surrender to Lord Vishnu and His representation on earth, the Guru.

The purpose of the Ashram is to preserve and nurture Sri Vaishnava cultural heritage. It runs several Sanksrit Patasalas, conducts daily poojas, rituals and other activities, and contributes to renovation of old temples, and building of new temples. For more details on the history of the Ashram, see here .

In addition to religious activities, the Ashram also runs an Arts and Sciences college and a higher secondary school in Srirangam. The college caters to impoverished youth from rural/semi-urban areas.

Since 1997, the Ashram has been represented in the US by Sri Ramanuja Mission Inc USA.

Project background

The Vedas are not only Indian heritage but also a universal trove of knowledge and spiritual wisdom, that emphasize spirituality over materialism. Today's way of life however prioritizes materialistic aspects and relegates cultural and spiritual aspects to the background. This leads to the risk that our Vedic cultural heritage may be forgotten and lost to posterity. Veda Patasalas provide opportunities and incentives for the study and dissemination of this ancient knowledge. Srimad Andavan Ashram runs 10 Veda Patasalas in Tamilnadu, with over 200 students. The main Patasala (at Srirangam) offers an advanced "Siromani" program in Sanskrit, where the classes are video recorded and made available on one of the Ashram's websites.

The Ashram also runs a Goshala (cow farm) in Srirangam. Hindu religion accords a great deal of respect to cows, and Hindus even worship them. Cows form an important part in the rituals of all Hindu temples. Slaughter of cows is considered unholy by Hindus. Unfortunately cows which have become old and have stopped mulching are sent for butchering. Andavan Ashram and other Hindu religious institutions support projects to minimize the number of cows being sent to slaughter houses by taking care of them in Goshalas. There are around 300 cows in the Ashram's Goshala.

GKF contributions to SRPVT