Dr. Pitchai Sivachariyar Gurukkal is one of the greatest Hindu Priests of our time. The entire life’s work of his has been to pass on our traditions, the Vedas, and the Agamas.
His name is recognized all over the world for all the good he has done to the extent that he has been called the “Pope of Hinduism.” He has also received various awards and accolades from many esteemed institutions and even national governments.
Dr.Pitchai Gurukkal is responsible for founding the Sri Karpaga Vinayaka Vedagama Vidhyalayam, the world renowned Vedagama Padasala located in Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu, India. This Padasala is held at such a high regard because he insisted on providing room and board, food, all other accommodations as well as the education itself completely free of cost to his students out of the goodness of his heart and his desire to further our heritage.
It is also responsible for educating thousands of priests who have ventured worldwide (including our very own Kumar Gurukkal) to areas such as Malaysia, Singapore, London, Canada, Sri Lanka, USA, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Mauritius and France. Pitchai Gurukkal started as a priest assistant at the age of 12, started the Padasala at age 30, and has been a prominent priest ever since, truly dedicating his entire life to this craft. He has served at temples within various countries, and headed over 2,500 Kumbabishekams – including some of the greatest Temples in India such as Kasi Viswanatha Swami Temple, Sri Ramanatha Swami Temple in Rameshwaram, Sri Brigadeeshwarar Temple in Tanjore, Sri Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple in Pazhani, and Sri Meenakshiamman Temple in Madurai.
He is truly an extraordinary man who will leave a lasting impact on this world.