Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamiji
Sri Siddaganga Math — 88 Years of Leadership
His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu
A Sage Par Excellence
An ardent follower of Basava’s principles, His Holiness was affectionately called the “Walking God” across sects and religions — revered for his lifelong devotion to the triple sacraments: food, shelter, and education. He carried forward a sacred lineage from Sree Gosala Channabasava through Sree Tontada Siddalingeshwara, Sree Atavee Mahaswamigalu, and his Guru, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu.
For an unmatched 88 years, he led this sacred institution — active and agile even past the age of 100.
His Holiness attained the heavenly abode on 21st January 2019, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service that continues to guide Sri Siddaganga Math today.
Childhood :
Sri Siddaganga Math — Childhood
Born on April 1, 1908, in Veerapura, a tiny village in Magadi Taluk, Bangalore District, Karnataka, surrounded by holy places, sacred hills, and caves, Shivanna was born to devout parents, Sri Honnegowda and Smt. Gangamma — the youngest of their thirteen children. He would later take the reins of Sri Siddaganga Math as Sri Sivakumara Swamigalu.
His mother had recognized in him, even in childhood, the qualities of a shining persona — one destined to bring about great change.
He deeply admired his father's devotional qualities and sought to follow them closely. Frequent visits to Shivagange with his parents left a lasting impression on him, filling him with curiosity about the surroundings and the sacred sites nearby. This same curiosity drew him toward Siddaganga Kshetra, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu, the Siddalingeshwara deity, and the caves of Siddaganga — his mother promising to take him there during the Shivaratri festival, when Sree Uddana Swamiji would hold the Car Festival.
His elder brother, Sri Kempananjappa, who lived the life of a Brahmachari, left a strong personal impression on him as well. At the age of eight, the loss of his beloved mother brought a deep change in him — the once playful and restless Shivanna grew calm, composed, and drawn increasingly toward his studies.
Sri Siddaganga Math — Childhood
Born on April 1, 1908, in Veerapura, a tiny village in Magadi Taluk, Bangalore District, Karnataka, surrounded by holy places, sacred hills, and caves, Shivanna was born to devout parents, Sri Honnegowda and Smt. Gangamma — the youngest of their thirteen children. He would later take the reins of Sri Siddaganga Math as Sri Sivakumara Swamigalu.
His mother had recognized in him, even in childhood, the qualities of a shining persona — one destined to bring about great change.
He deeply admired his father's devotional qualities and sought to follow them closely. Frequent visits to Shivagange with his parents left a lasting impression on him, filling him with curiosity about the surroundings and the sacred sites nearby. This same curiosity drew him toward Siddaganga Kshetra, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu, the Siddalingeshwara deity, and the caves of Siddaganga — his mother promising to take him there during the Shivaratri festival, when Sree Uddana Swamiji would hold the Car Festival.
His elder brother, Sri Kempananjappa, who lived the life of a Brahmachari, left a strong personal impression on him as well. At the age of eight, the loss of his beloved mother brought a deep change in him — the once playful and restless Shivanna grew calm, composed, and drawn increasingly toward his studies.
Education :
Sri Siddaganga Math — Education
His Holiness received his primary schooling at Veerapura Koolimath and Palanahalli Koolimath, followed by his middle school education in Nagavalli, Tumkur District. He then joined Government High School, Tumkur, and completed his Matriculation in 1926. For a brief period of four months, he resided at Sri Siddaganga Math as a student, receiving the spiritual blessings of Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu.
That same year, he cleared the Entrance Examination and joined Central College, Bangalore — a step that would shape the course of his life.
At Central College, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1930, with Physics and Mathematics as his major subjects, residing at the Sri Gubbi Thotadappa Hostel throughout his student years.
In 1965, Karnatak University, Dharwad, conferred upon him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, in recognition of his lifelong contribution to education and society.
Shivanna to Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu
Becoming the Successor:
While studying at Central College, Bangalore, tragedy struck young Shivanna when his close friend Sri Marularadhya — who would have become the next head of Siddaganga Math — passed away on 16th January 1930. As people around the Math began speaking of Shivanna as a fitting successor, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu took note. During the last rites for Marularadhya, he called out to Shivanna, blessed him, and asked him to carry forward the sacred work of the Math. Shivanna accepted, donned the saffron robes of a Virakta, and was renamed Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu. He was formally initiated as successor on 3rd March 1930, joining an unbroken lineage of sages dating back to 1300 A.D. and Sree Gosala Siddeshwaraprabhu Swamigalu. His father, who had hoped for a different life for his son, tried to change his mind — but Shivanna held firm, embracing the spirit of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family.
The Early Years:
Dr. R.R. Diwakar, then Governor of Bihar, once said Sree Sivakumara Swamiji’s name was “one to conjure with” — a reflection of the compassion and dedication he brought to his work. Under his leadership, donations grew, the Dasoha (community meal service) expanded, and new hostels were built for students, as people from every background contributed to the Math’s growing mission — guided throughout by the watchful support of his Guru, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu.
Founding the Sanskrit College:
In 1937, the Sanskrit school established by Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu in 1917 was elevated into a full Sanskrit College, offering degree courses in Logic, Grammar, and Philosophy to students of all castes and communities — while the Dasoha continued to grow alongside it.
The Passing of His Guru:
As Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu’s health declined in his final years, he remained confident his disciple was ready to lead. Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu visited him often, along with Swamijis from other Maths. On the night of 11th January 1941, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu passed away in his presence, at peace knowing he had nurtured both a legacy and a worthy successor.
His Work and Mission:
Taking on leadership with barely Rs. 300 in hand, Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu faced the Math’s early financial struggles with quiet faith — and time and again, devotees arrived with exactly what was needed, just when it was needed. Guided by the belief that work is worship, his life’s mission became simple and steadfast: to serve the poor and needy, and to find joy in giving.