Guru Parampara (Lineage of Masters)
Ancient Lineage
This unbroken lineage of enlightened gurus (masters) has preserved and transmitted the wisdom of Achalayoga through the ages:
- Sri Dakshinamurthi
- Sri Mahavishnu
- Sri Surya Bhagavan
- Sri Yajnavalkya Maharshi
- Sri Janaka Rajarshi
- Sri Shuka Maharshi
- Sri Sandipani Maharshi
- Sri Krishna Paramatma
- Sri Arjuna, Sri Uddhava
In the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna Paramatma revealed the knowledge of the Absolute Brahman to Arjuna, stating: “Achaloyam Sanatanah” (The Absolute Brahman is eternal and immovable). This affirms that this wisdom belongs to the lineage of Rajarishis (royal sages of this yoga). Throughout history, various sages have illuminated this eternal truth in different forms, though only a few names have been recorded.
Prominent Gurus in the Kaliyuga
1. Sri Brahmananda Swami
2. Sri Ramananda Swami
3. Sri Jnaneshwar Maharaj
4. Sri Sahajananda Swami
5. Sri Kabir
6. Sri Ramavadhuta
7. Sri Ambika Shivayogi
8. Sri Mahayogi Vemana
A visionary poet and reformer who, during the 14th century, challenged social evils, blind superstitions, idol worship, violent sacrifices, and caste discrimination. Through thousands of Telugu poems, he enlightened and uplifted society while spreading the teachings of Achalayoga throughout Telugu-speaking regions.
9. Sri Niranjana Venkayarya
10. Sri Thiruvengalarya
11. Sri Sridhara Swami Nazarekar
Popularly known as Shridhar Pandit, a prominent Marathi poet and philosopher of the 17th and 18th centuries from Pandharpur of Maharashtra, authored several significant works that have been revered in Marathi literature.
His notable compositions include:
- Harivijaya (1702): An abridged narrative of Lord Krishna’s life, drawing from the Bhagavata and Padma Purana.
- RamVijaya (1703): A concise adaptation of the Ramayana, detailing the exploits of Lord Rama.
- PandavaPratap (1712): A summarized version of the Mahabharata, focusing on the valor of the Pandavas.
- Shivlilamrut (1718): A devotional poem celebrating the divine plays of Lord Shiva, primarily based on the Skanda Purana.
- AmbikaUdaya: A work dedicated to the goddess Ambika, though specific details about its content are limited.
In addition to these, he composed other works such as Vedanta-surya, a philosophical text, and Panduranga Mahatmya and Venkatesh Mahatmya, which extol the virtues of deities Panduranga and Venkatesh respectively. His writings are celebrated for their simple, devotional style, making profound spiritual narratives accessible to the masses. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Marathi literature and continue to inspire readers seeking spiritual and moral guidance.
12. Sri Ramadugu Sivaramadikshitulu
13. Sri Kambaluri Appa Rao
14. Sri Parashurama Sitarama Swami
15. Sri Bhagavatula Krishnadeshikulu
16. Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao
17. Sri Feelkhana Shankara Rao
18. Sri Sachidananda Pagadala Venkateswara Avadhuta
19. Sri Bhumananda Mandippala Hanumantha Rao Rajayogi
20. Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi
21. Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi
22. Sri Bodhananda Rapelli Ramachandrarya Rajayogi
23. Sri Mahayogi Bramhananda Rapelli Sridhara Swami
Achala Sampradaya & Sri Sivarama Dikshita
Sri Ramadugu Sivarama Dikshita became a disciple of Sri Sridhara Swami Nazarekar of Pandharpur, a revered spiritual master from Maharashtra. He deeply studied the hidden essence of all sciences and dedicated himself to teaching this wisdom under the name Achala Siddhantam under the guidance of his guru, Sridhara Swami Nazarekar for four years in Pandharpur.
To establish the prominence of Achalayoga in Telangana, he authored the magnum opus Brihatdwasistham – Sri Sivaramadeekshiteeyam, which outlines the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. His efforts led to the structured dissemination of Achalayoga through an unbroken chain of Gurus and disciples.
Sri Dikshita was the first great scholar to translate the Sanskrit teachings of Achala Siddhantam into Telugu prose, making its deep philosophical truths accessible to the common people. This initiative marked the emergence of the Achala Sampradaya of Sri Sivarama Dikshita, a lineage dedicated to preserving and spreading the authentic wisdom of Achalayoga.
Spiritual Lineage of Achalayoga
Sri Ramadugu Sivaramadikshitulu
Sri Sivaramadikshitulu authored several important books in Telugu, including:
1. Sri Sivarama Deekshiteeyam Chalachala Vakyamulu (Part One)
2. Sri Sivarama Deekshiteeyam Dwadashi Bhavamu (Part Two)
3. Sri Sivarama Deekshiteeyam Shodasi Bhavamu (Part Three)
4. Sri Sivarama Deekshiteeyam Achalabodha Drashtantamulu (Part Four)
5. Bhavartha Sutras
6. Bhavartha Deepika Sutras
He completed these books on Ashvayuja Shuddha Dasami of the Salivahana era in the year 1634 (9 October 1712 AD).
His chief disciples included:
1. Sri Kambaluri Appaiah Mantri
2. Sri Ramalingacharya etc.
Sri Kambaluri Appa Rao
Though he did not author any books, his primary disciples were:
1. Sri Parasurama Sitarama Swami
2. Sri Parasurama Narasimha Dasu
Sri Parasurama Sitarama Swami
Sri Parasurama Narasimha Dasu
1. Bhadradri Rama Satakam
2. Kandapadya Satakam, under the title Parashurama Sitarama
Sri Parashurama Narasimha Dasu attained Brahmandaikyam in 1856 AD (Nandana year).
Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu
Sri Bhagavatula Krishnayya resided in the Chota Maharaj Ganj area of Hyderabad, Telangana. He was born in Kolanupaka village, Nalgonda district, into a devout Vedic Brahmin family of the Velanati sect. His parents, Narayana Yogi and Janakamma, were deeply spiritual. Due to the merits of his past lives, he sought refuge at the feet of Sri Parasurama Sitarama Swami. From him, he realized Achala Paripurna Prabodha.
Embracing the path of Mahayogi Vemana and Sri Siva Rama Dikshitulu, he became a saint and authored several important books in Telugu, preserving and furthering the teachings of Achalayoga.
Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu was a revered spiritual teacher and an enlightened master. His writings reflect his profound understanding of Vedanta and spiritual philosophy. Some of his notable works include:
- Sakti Dwaya Nirasakambaina Suddha Nirguna Kandartha Darvulu
- Ksharaksharopadhi Dwaya Dosha Rahita Paramatattva Kandamulu
- Suddha Nirgunatattva Kandarthaaneka Sadrishtanta Prakasika
- Nikhila Vedantartha Nivahamu
- Anusthana Vidhi – A guide to Guru Puja rituals
- Adhyatmalu
His book Adhyatmalu is a heartfelt expression of devotion to his Guru. Meanwhile, Suddha Nirgunatattva Kandarthaaneka Sadrishtanta Prakasika and Nikhila Vedanta Nivahamu serve as testaments to his vast and multifaceted wisdom.
His principal disciples included:
- Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao
- Sri Feelkhana Shankara Rao
- Sri Mangolu Venkata Narsaya Chari
- Smt. Tallavajjhula Jalamamba
Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu attained Brahmandaikyam on Kartika Suddha Dasami in the Telugu year Dhata, 1879 AD.
Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao (1846 – 1914)
Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao was a devoted disciple of Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu. He resided in Feelkhana, a locality near Chota Maharaj Ganj, where his guru used to live. His parents, Smt. Ramamba and Sri Kothapet Narasimha Rao, lived near Chota Maharaj Ganj and had three sons:
- Lakshmana Rao
- Sankara Rao
- Rama Rao
Sri Lakshmana Rao was born on Sravana Bahula Dwadasi, Tuesday, August 18, 1846 AD, in the Telugu year Parabhava (Salivahana era 1768).
Originally, his family followed the Sakteya tradition. However, from a young age, Lakshmana Rao embraced the ideals of devotion and renunciation. Choosing a life of celibacy, he remained unmarried and dedicated himself entirely to spiritual pursuits, whereas his two younger brothers followed a traditional household life.
Sri Lakshmana Rao and his brother, Sri Sankara Rao, initially became disciples of Siddheswara Guru, from whom they received the Panchakshari Mantra and followed the path of devotion. However, owing to the spiritual merit accumulated in their previous lives, they later sought guidance from Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu, under whom they attained spiritual enlightenment.
Recognizing their virtues and dedication, Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu appointed Sri Lakshmana Rao as the head of his ashram and designated Sri Sankara Rao as his assistant. Following this, Sri Krishna Desikulu attained Brahmandaikyam.
Works of Sri Lakshmana Rao:
- Subodha Ratnaakaramu
- Achalatattva Siromani Akhandamala
- Sujnana Geethartha Tattva Khandamala
Sri Lakshmana Rao passed on his knowledge and literary works to his foremost disciple, Sri Pagadala Venkateswara Avadhuta, before attaining Brahmandaikyam on Thursday, Pushya Bahula Ekadasi, in the Telugu year Pramadhicha (January 22, 1914 AD).
Sri Feelkhana Sankara Rao
(1855 – 1898 AD)
Sri Sankara Rao, the younger brother of Sri Lakshmana Rao, served as the Chief Treasurer of Hyderabad State. A profound scholar and spiritual seeker, he authored several books in Telugu language, including:
- A commentary on Guru Gita from Skanda Purana.
- Bhaktajana Muktaavali, a collection of Sankirtanas.
- Hindustan Tattvamulu, a collection of devotional songs.
Sri Sankara Rao attained Brahmandaikyam on Sunday, Bhadrapada Bahula Navami, in the year 1855 AD.
Sri Sachidananda Pagadala Venkateswara Avadhuta
(1865 – 1941 AD)
Sri Pagadala Venkateswara Rao was born on Wednesday, Chaitra Shuddha Dasami, April 5, 1865 AD, to Pagadala Varadaiah Subedar and Kuppamma, belonging to the Paidipala Gotram.
Sri Pagadala Venkateswara Rao was born in the village of Aakatu, located near Viranjipur, Vellore Taluka, in Chittoor District. He received spiritual guidance from Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao and was granted teaching authority by him in 1892 AD. Sri Venkateswara Rao traveled extensively across Andhra Pradesh, spreading the teachings of Achalaparipurna Rajayoga. He lived a life of celibacy and dedicated himself to spiritual practices.
His primary disciple was Sri Mandippala Hanumantha Rao, a resident of Maktal, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana.
Books written by Sri Sachchidananda Pagadala Venkateswara Avadhuta:
- Saankhya Tattvamu
- Sadguru Bhakta Satakamu
- Guru Geeta Mahatmyamu
- Mahaadvaita Parama Tattva Kandarthamulu
- Toharas to the Kandartha Kandapadyamulu of Sri Bhagavatula Krishna Desikulu
Additionally, he collected and preserved several original texts written on palm leaves and entrusted them to Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi.
Sri Avadhuta attained Brahmandaikyam on November 29, 1941, during Margasira Suddha Ekadasi, in Bezawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Sri Mandippala Hanumantha Rao
Sri Mandippala Hanumantha Rao was born to the pious couple Mandippala Naganna and Asamma, residents of Maktala village, Mahabubnagar district. While living in Secunderabad, they met Sri Sachchidananda Venkateswara Avadhuta through Tularam Prasad, a disciple of Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao.
Sri Mandippala Hanumantha Rao attended the Vedanta discourses of Sri Sachidananda Venkateswara Avadhuta. After receiving spiritual teachings from him and absorbing the full scope of traditional wisdom, he was designated as a guru of Achala Bodha.
His notable literary work, Sri Bhoomananda Vakyatrayamu, was written during his spiritual journey. His primary disciple was Sri Ponnala Rajayakhya.
He attained Brahmandaikyam in Secunderabad on June 6, 1934 AD.
Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi and Srimati Anasuyamba
Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi
(1899 – 1985)
In the 20th century, Sri Achalarshi Srimad Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi was a distinguished sage who imparted the teachings of Achalayoga in a unique and unparalleled way, fostering a disciple-to-disciple relationship. He not only shared the wisdom of Achalayoga through his books but also through the Vedanta Science conferences (Vedanta Vaigyanika Sabhas) throughout Andhrapradesh. And he ran a monthly magazine named “Rajayogi” (a Vedanta magazine) for more than 12 years. His teachings reached thousands of disciples from across the country, leaving a lasting impact.
Sri Ponnala Rajayakhya was born on March 10, 1899, during Maha Sivaratri at 5 pm. He began his education at the age of five. After completing his basic education, he started working as a clerk in his elder brother’s shop at the age of eight. Sri Mogadampalli Mallaiah, a disciple of Sri Lakshmana Rao, was a clerk there and often took the young Sri Dayananda (around 10-11 years old) to Sri Feelkhana Lakshmana Rao’s Ashram. During this time, Sri Lakshmana Rao had composed the Khandamala and Akhandamala Tattvams, and young Dayananda would sing them to ensure they were in tune. This is how Sri Dayananda was first introduced to the teachings of Sri Sivarama Diksitha Sampradaya.
At the age of 13, he had the opportunity to meet Sri Sachidananda Venkateswara Avadhuta Swami. When his elder brother’s shop closed, Sri Dayananda took another job, which led him to Warangal, where he had darshan (meeting) of Sri Bhumananda Hanumantha Rao Rajayogi. As Ponnala Rajayakhya was impressed by teachings of Bhumananda, he took spiritual initiation on May 21, 1921. Sri Bhumananda taught all the knowledge of Achala Yoga to Sri Ponnala Rajayakhya in detail for several years.
On October 20, 1931, Sri Bhumananda appointed Sri Rajayakhya as a guru and gave him a title “Dayananda”. Over the years, the guru and sishya worked together in the gold business. Sri Rajayakhya dedicated much of his time to comprehensively learning Achalayoga with a critical and deeper analysis. In 1933, Sri Dayananda Rajayakhya established an “Achalagurupeetham” in his home. From then on, annual celebrations were held at that place.
Between 1935 and 1950, Sri Dayananda traveled across India, engaging in debates with ascetics, observing traditional practices, and promoting the Sri Sivarama Dikshithiya Sampradayam.
In addition to editing and publishing the books he received from his gurus, Sri Dayananda wrote several books by himself to make the teachings more accessible to traditional followers, including:
- Achala Paripurna Rajayogeeyam – The Real Teaching Method
- Tarakaamrita Parama Hamsa Prabodhini
- Paripurna Rajavidya Rajaguhya Sikhamani
- Ananyaachala Paripurna Prabodhini
- Asparsha Yogamu anu Srimad Bhagavad Gita – Rajayogeeyam
Sri Achalarshi Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogindra, the head of the Srimadchalarshi Ramadugu Sri Sivarama Dikshita Gurupeetha Rajayogashram, attained Brahmandaikyam on the morning of October 21, 1985, at the age of 86.
Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi
(1898–2006)
Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi was the foremost disciple of Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayakhya Rajayogi. He was born on April 1, 1898, on the day of Chaitra Suddha Dasami in the year of Vilamba, in the village of Sirigonda in Suryapet Taluka, Nalgonda District, as the first child of the pious couple Srimati Lachamamba and Sri Agolu Lakshminarsayya.
Being a renowned guru in Advaita Vedanta, he initially taught hundreds of followers. However, despite his expertise, he struggled with certain doubts about Advaita. In 1950, he became a disciple of Sri Dayananda Ponnala Rajayogeeswara, offering his service and receiving the core teachings of Achalayoga. That same year, he was granted teaching authority and fully committed himself to spreading the teachings and rituals of Achalayoga.
He traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and teachings in several places, including Annarugudem, Madhira, Kothagudem, Khammam, Kacharam, Mustyala, Rebarthi, Vallampatla, Cheryala, Bachannapet, Katkur, Malkajgiri, Ainapur, Solapur, Goulipur, etc.
In 1976, he established the Achala Paripurna Rajayoga Ashram in Bachannapet, Warangal district. He also set up several sub-chapters in the surrounding areas. A man of deep sacrifice, he dedicated his entire life teaching Achalayoga until his last breath in 2006. Although he did not write any books, his unmatched teaching and life of practice spoke volumes. He merged with Brahmandam on July 15, 2006, Ashada Krishna Panchami, in Telugu year of Vyaya, in Bachannapet.
Achala Rishi Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi
Achala Rishi Sri Bodhananda Rapelli Ramachandrarya Rajayogi, along with Srimati. Sakuthaladevi
Sri Bodhananda Rapelli Ramachandrarya Rajayogi
(1941-2021)
Sri Bodhananda Rapelli Ramachandrarya Rajayogi, a prominent disciple of Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi, was born on August 7, 1941, Sravana Suddha Purnima, in the village of Bachannapet, near Kolanpak in state of Nizam’s Hyderabad Presidency. He was the first child of the devoted couple Srimati Narsamamba and Sri Rapelli Bhoomayya.
Sri Bodhananda, a Hindi teacher (a government employee), taught in various high schools across Telangana, impacting thousands of students during his lifetime. In 1970, he attended Bhagavad Gita discourses by Sri Vivekananda Agolu Sangayakhya Rajayogi in Bachannapet for 40 days. Inspired by Sri Sangayakhya’s teachings, he received spiritual initiation from Sri Sangayakhya on January 3, 1971. After dedicating approximately 25 years to serving his Guru, he mastered the core teachings of Achalayoga. In 1996, he was granted the authority to teach as a guru. Since then, he has focused on spreading Achalayoga through Gurupujas and extensive travel, reaching many individuals.
Throughout his life, he spread Achala Bodha in numerous places including Bachannapet, Bhoopalpally, Hyderabad, Solapur, Cherial, Khammam, Mustyala, Vallampatla, and more. He even traveled to New York three times to deliver discourses at his son’s home (Sri Rapelli Sridhara Swami’s residence).
In 2021, Sri Bodhananda donated the Bachannapet Ashram to the Achalayoga Foundation to establish an international center for spreading Achalayoga. He also set up sub-chapters in various regions. Dedicated entirely to the teachings of his Guru, Sri Bodhananda did not author any books but shared the doctrines through his extensive teachings, often using examples, stories, poems, and slokas to elucidate them. His teachings were exemplary, and he expressed more through practice than words, with a soft and compassionate nature. He merged with Brahmandam on December 26, 2021.
