Pt. Hari Prasad, Shankaracharya of Swaha, was respected and revered worldwide for his spirituality, devotion and foresight. Shankaracharyaji was Guru and guide to thousands – an iconic pillar of Sanatan Dharma. He was 80 years of age at the time of passing (Maha-Samaadhi) on April 15th 2008.
Shankaracharyaji was born on December 11, 1927 in Aranjuez to Pt. Pateshri Tewarie and Dhanmatie Tewarie. The 4th of seven children, he was initiated at the age of 15 by his guru Tiwari Baba and excelled at Hindi and Sanskrit under Pt. Bibhudial Sharma. Though his formal education was limited to the primary level, Shankaracharyaji was fully educated in the religious field, and he was guided by his guru to pursue the path of spirituality and become a full-time Pundit. He was married to the late Shrimati Chandrawti Prasad for 60 years, with whom he raised seven children, one girl and 6 boys. After her passing, he continued to influence and support the development of their 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was able to train and develop as pundits his six sons, one son-in-law, ten grandsons, one grand son-in-law and many other Pundits in Trinidad and Tobago.
Shankaracharyaji always stressed the role and value of education in self development. He encouraged all his children and grandchildren to pursue the highest educational qualifications, and considered his family to be his greatest achievement. He also stressed the value and importance of family life. Not only was he physically strong, but on numerous occasions he demonstrated internal strength in the face of adversity. He remained resolute in the face of criticisms and the death of loved ones.
During his 65 years as a pundit, Shankaracharyaji initiated thousands of devotees from around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom and India. His spiritual advice and counsel was sought by national leaders, scholars and other spiritualists. He made himself available to all, without fear or favour, and opened his arms to every person, regardless of creed, race, and social standing. He excelled in all areas of life, serving as a shining example and role model for all society.
To Shankaracharyaji, thank you for everything you have done for us, for bringing us your vision that has impacted so strongly on so many lives. The Swaha family pays tribute to a unique individual, His Holiness, Shankaracharya of Swaha, Pt. Hari Prasad.
Shankaracharyaji was born on December 11, 1927 in Aranjuez to Pt. Pateshri Tewarie and Dhanmatie Tewarie. The 4th of seven children, he was initiated at the age of 15 by his guru Tiwari Baba and excelled at Hindi and Sanskrit under Pt. Bibhudial Sharma. Though his formal education was limited to the primary level, Shankaracharyaji was fully educated in the religious field, and he was guided by his guru to pursue the path of spirituality and become a full-time Pundit. He was married to the late Shrimati Chandrawti Prasad for 60 years, with whom he raised seven children, one girl and 6 boys. After her passing, he continued to influence and support the development of their 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was able to train and develop as pundits his six sons, one son-in-law, ten grandsons, one grand son-in-law and many other Pundits in Trinidad and Tobago.
Shankaracharyaji always stressed the role and value of education in self development. He encouraged all his children and grandchildren to pursue the highest educational qualifications, and considered his family to be his greatest achievement. He also stressed the value and importance of family life. Not only was he physically strong, but on numerous occasions he demonstrated internal strength in the face of adversity. He remained resolute in the face of criticisms and the death of loved ones.
During his 65 years as a pundit, Shankaracharyaji initiated thousands of devotees from around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom and India. His spiritual advice and counsel was sought by national leaders, scholars and other spiritualists. He made himself available to all, without fear or favour, and opened his arms to every person, regardless of creed, race, and social standing. He excelled in all areas of life, serving as a shining example and role model for all society.
To Shankaracharyaji, thank you for everything you have done for us, for bringing us your vision that has impacted so strongly on so many lives. The Swaha family pays tribute to a unique individual, His Holiness, Shankaracharya of Swaha, Pt. Hari Prasad.
His Holiness Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad is the Spiritual Head of SWAHA International and a practicing Pundit with over four decades of experience. He is the eldest son of the late Shankaracharya Pt. Hari Prasad (founder of SWAHA) and Smt. Chandrawatie Prasad. The Paramacharya has been pursuing the path of his ancestors working to propagate the time-honoured traditions and philosophy of Sanatan Dharma throughout Trinidad and Tobago and Internationally. He is the Guru of thousands of disciples, and he oversees all SWAHA institutions across the country including religious Centres and Branches, Early Childhood Care and Education Centres, the Vishok Bhavan Children’s Home and the SWAHA Hindu College. Pramacharyaji has a keen interest in the personal and spiritual development of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
A member of the Dharma Mandal, Pt Umadutt Maharaj is the he current President of SWAHA, Spiritual Leader of Swaha Sanatan Brahma Reform Village. He also heads the Sports Committee that oversees SWAHA’s annual Sports Day. He is also the first grandson of Pt. Hari Prasad, Shankaracharya of Swaha and Smt. Chandrawatie Prasad..