Vishwa Gita Paryaya: From Software to spiritual engineering – Sri Sushrindra Theertha’s unconventional journey to priesthood

Team Udayavani, Jan 16, 2024, 5:42 PM IST

Sri Sushrindra Theertha Sripada (Right) with his guru Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripad of Sri Puthige Matha

Udupi: Not many know that the junior Yati of Sri Puthige Math, Sri Sushrindra Theertha Sripada, was originally a software engineer in his purvashrama. He embarked on a spiritual journey that led him to become the first Yati of Ashta Mathas of Udupi with a background in software engineering.

Before donning the saffron robes, Prashanth Acharya, as he was known then, spent seven years working as a software engineer in esteemed companies such as HP, Cognizant, and Ericsson in Bengaluru. Born on August 11, 1989, he attended Indrali High School, Alike Vidyalaya, Manipal P.U. College, and pursued his BE in Electronics and Communication at Sahyadri College of Engineering, Mangaluru.

The transition from a tech career to spiritual pursuits began when Prashanth came into contact with Sri Sugunendrathirtha Sripada at Sri Puthige Math in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The fortuitous connection eventually led him to embrace the ascetic life under the guidance of his spiritual mentor.

Despite praying for acceptance as a disciple, Prashanth’s plea initially went unanswered. However, Sri Ssugunendrathirtha Sripada, recognizing his meritorious qualities, checked the horoscope and, on April 22, 2019, initiated him into Sanyasashram at Sri Puthige Moola Matha. So, at 29 years old, Prashantha entered the priesthood with the name Sri Sushrindra Theertha.

His parents, Gururaj Acharya and Vinuta Acharya, learned about their son’s decision only a week before his acceptance into Sanyasashram. Gururaja Acharya, who had previously run a hotel business in Udupi, stated, “He (Prashant) was interested in worshiping Lord Krishna, so we did not object.”

For the first five years of his ascetic life, Sri Sushrindra Theertha dedicated himself to studying at Sri Puthige Vidyapeeta.

Currently, as the junior Yati of Sri Puthige Math, Sri Sushrindra Theertha accompanies his Guru, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada, during the spiritual pilgrimage preparing for his Fourth Paryaya term.

This marks a unique blend of modernity and spirituality, where a former software engineer has found solace and purpose in the ancient traditions of the priesthood at Ashta Mathas.