Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha Ji: The Father Of Vedic Mathematics And His Enduring Legacy – OpEd

 March 14, 2025 

By Dr. Baljinder Kour

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha Ji was a distinguished Indian scholar, spiritual leader, and mathematician who lived from 1884 to 1960. Renowned for his exceptional intellect and spiritual insight, Bharati Krishna Ji is most celebrated for reconstructing the ancient system of Vedic Mathematics. His pioneering work revolutionized arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, and geometry, significantly enhancing the teaching of mathematics worldwide. However, his greatest passion lay in serving humanity and promoting peace and spiritual renewal.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Bharati Krishna Tirtha Ji was born on March 14, 1884, in Tamil Nadu as Venkataraman Shastri. He belonged to a well-educated Tamil Brahmin family. His father, P. Narasimha Shastri, was a tehsildar and later a Deputy Collector, while his uncle was a college principal, and his great-grandfather served as a High Court judge. This intellectual lineage played a pivotal role in shaping Bharati Krishna Ji’s academic brilliance.

From an early age, Bharati Krishna Ji excelled in academics, consistently securing the highest honors in all his subjects. By the age of 20, he had remarkably earned Master’s degrees in seven subjects: Mathematics, Science, History, Philosophy, English, Sanskrit, and Economics. This extraordinary achievement stands as a record of academic brilliance even today. In 1908, he became the first Principal of the newly established National College in Rajahmundry, a position he held for three years before dedicating himself fully to spiritual pursuits.

Spiritual Journey and Enlightenment 

Driven by an intense desire for spiritual knowledge and self-realization, Bharati Krishna Ji embarked on a rigorous spiritual journey. He spent several years in deep meditation and scriptural study under the guidance of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Satchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati at Sringeri Math in Mysore. In 1919, after years of dedicated spiritual practice, he was initiated into sannyasa in Benares by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Trivikrama Tirtha of Dwarka Peeth, assuming the name Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha.

In 1925, he was appointed as the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math in Puri, where he served for 35 years until his demise in 1960. Throughout this period, Bharati Krishna Ji dedicated himself to spreading Vedanta philosophy, Vedic wisdom, and mathematical insights, both within India and across the world. He tirelessly engaged in discourses, lectures, and spiritual guidance, earning immense respect for his wisdom and compassion.

Rediscovery of Vedic Mathematics 

Bharati Krishna Ji’s most notable contribution was the reconstruction of Vedic Mathematics from ancient Sanskrit texts. While other scholars had dismissed these texts as nonsensical, Bharati Krishna Ji decoded their true significance, revealing a sophisticated system of mathematical techniques rooted in 16 Sutras (formulas) and 13 Sub-Sutras.

His groundbreaking work demonstrated that these Sutras simplify complex mathematical problems, offering quick and intuitive methods for arithmetic operations, algebraic identities, and geometric calculations. Bharati Krishna Ji’s Vedic Mathematics techniques offer a unified approach, unlike conventional methods that often rely on fragmented rules.

Unfortunately, Bharati Krishna Ji’s original 16-volume manuscript explaining each Sutra in detail was tragically lost. Despite his efforts to rewrite them from memory, ill-health and deteriorating eyesight prevented him from completing this task. However, with the help of an amanuensis, he managed to publish his introductory text Vedic Mathematics in 1965, which became his sole surviving work on mathematics.

Key Sutras in Vedic Mathematics

Some of the prominent Sutras from Bharati Krishna Ji’s system include:

• Ekadhikena Purvena (By One More than the Previous One): A technique for squaring numbers ending in 5.
• Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah (All from Nine and the Last from Ten): A method for simplified multiplication and subtraction.
• Urdhva-Tiryagbhyam (Vertically and Crosswise): A universal multiplication method applicable to large numbers.

These methods enable faster mental calculations and are particularly useful for students preparing for competitive exams.

Global Impact and Achievements 

In 1958, Bharati Krishna Ji toured America, delivering lectures in hundreds of universities, colleges, and churches under the invitation of the Self-Realization Fellowship. During this tour, he introduced Vedic Mathematics to Western audiences, demonstrating its practical applications and remarkable simplicity. He also appeared on television programs in the United States, further promoting his mathematical techniques. While returning to India in May 1958, he also gave lectures in the UK, inspiring mathematicians and educators alike.

Despite his intense spiritual and mathematical engagements, Bharati Krishna Ji’s primary mission was to uplift humanity. He established the Sri Vishwa Punarnirmana Sangha in Nagpur in 1953, a foundation dedicated to promoting spiritual and cultural harmony. Even during periods of ill health and physical exhaustion, Bharati Krishna Ji continued to guide seekers and provide selfless service to those in need.

Influence on Modern Education 

The publication of Vedic Mathematics in 1965 revolutionized mathematical learning by simplifying conventional methods. Its popularity has since grown worldwide, with educational institutions integrating Vedic Mathematics into their curricula. The system’s intuitive approach enhances mental agility, making mathematics enjoyable and accessible to learners of all ages.

Schools in India and abroad continue to adopt Bharati Krishna Ji’s methods to improve students’ mathematical skills, particularly in fast-paced competitive exam environments. His techniques foster clarity, confidence, and creativity in problem-solving.

Conclusion 

Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha Ji’s life was a blend of academic brilliance, spiritual wisdom, and social service. His reconstruction of Vedic Mathematics not only revolutionized the field of mathematics but also revived India’s ancient intellectual legacy. As a revered spiritual leader and mathematician, Bharati Krishna Ji’s remarkable achievements continue to inspire educators, mathematicians, and seekers of truth worldwide. His commitment to promoting peace, knowledge, and cultural unity leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the world today.

References

1. Bharati Krishna Tirthaji. Vedic Mathematics. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1965.
2. Manjula Trivedi. Introduction to Vedic Mathematics. Sri Vishwapunarniman Sangha, 1953.
3. Kapoor, A. K. “Vedic Mathematics and its Applications.” Journal of Mathematics and History, 2010.
4. Singhal, R. “The Legacy of Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha.” Indian Journal of Mathematics Education, 2018.

Dr. Baljinder Kour, Assistant Professor, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India.