About: 

The present President of Sri Siddaganga Math, Most Revered Sri Sri Siddhalinga Mahaswamigalu, appointed Sri Manojakumar as his successor. On Sunday, 23rd April 2023, on the auspicious occasion of Basava Jayanti, he conferred upon him the Niranjana Jangama Diksha (Viraktashrama), bestowed the holy name Sri Shivasiddeshwara Swamigalu, and formally declared him as his successor.

Childhood & Education:

Sri Shivasiddeshwara Swamigalu was born on 2nd June 1987 in Mailanahalli village, Nelamangala Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District. He is the only son of the devout Sharana couple, Sri Shadaksharaiah M.B. and Smt. Virupakshamma. His elder sister is Tejavathi.

He completed his schooling up to the 7th standard at the Government Higher Primary School in his native village, Mailanahalli. In the year 2000, he enrolled at Sri Siddaganga Math as a regular student from the 8th standard.

Academic Qualifications:

• PUC (PCMB) — Sri Siddaganga Boys Pre-University College, Tumkur (2004–05)
• B.Sc (PCM) — Sri Siddaganga Degree College (2007–08)
• B.Ed — Sri Siddaganga College of Education (2011–12)
• M.A. in Kannada Literature — Kuvempu University
• M.Sc in Physics — Kuvempu University
• M.Sc in Chemistry — Tumkur University (2013–14)
• Sanskrit Studies — Sri Siddaganga Math

Coming Under the Grace of Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamigalu

In 2001–2002, while in the 9th standard, Sri Manojakumar performed as a child artist in the Maths drama. The sharp spiritual eye of Most Revered Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahashivayogigalu noticed the dormant spiritual consciousness within him, and from that day, he came under the Swamiji’s special grace.

One night in 2003, after the students’ Vachana singing, the Swamiji called Sri Manojakumar, looked at him intently, and declared with great resolve:

“I have decided to make him the Swami after our Swami.”

This resolution was fulfilled 20 years later. In 2006, the Swamiji placed his own gold-strung Rudraksha garland around Manojakumar’s neck and blessed him with the guidance:

“Conduct yourself so as not to fall from your position. Protect your Brahmacharya.”

Service to the Math

For about four to five years, he served in Ishtalinga Puja preparations, personal services to the Swamiji, and drama troupe activities. He served as a teacher at the MMathsResidential High School and as a lecturer at Sri Siddaganga Polytechnic College, earning the love and respect of students and devotees alike.

Spiritual Guidance by Sri Sri Siddhalinga Mahaswamigalu

Sri Sri Siddhalinga Mahaswamigalu nurtured him with great care and love, conveying the senior Guru’s blessings:

“Do not be limited like a firefly lighting a hut — become a lamp that illuminates the entire society.”

In July 2019, he was sent to Rishikesh for Yoga and Meditation training. Whenever troubled in any situation, the Swamiji personally guided him with warmth, filling him with spiritual strength and confidence.