Madhavaji
(31-5-1926 – 12-9-1988)
Madhavaji —born May 31, 1928 under the Uthrattam star in Kozhikode’s Thiruvannur Kovilakam—was a pioneering social reformer, early propagator of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and universally acclaimed tantric acharya. In his brief fifteen-year span of temple work, he transformed shrines into vibrant centers of social unity, recognizing that a temple’s true power lies not in its outer walls but in the vitality within.
He trained an entire generation of young priests, founding the “Tantrarathnam” degree program at the Tantravidya Peeth under the dynamic leadership of masters like Kalpuzha and others. His foremost students—and later colleagues—“Saptarathnam,” including Girish Kumar (Girishji), all received full initiation from him and went on to leave their own indelible marks on Kerala’s spiritual and social landscape.
In 1972 he formally established the Tantravidya Peeth. He was chief organizer of the historic Visala Hindu Conference in 1982, and in 1984 published his seminal work Kshetra Chaitanya Rahasyam. On August 26, 1987, he presided over the grand Palliyam Vilambaram ceremony at Chendamangalam Palace. He attained mahāsamādhi on September 12, 1988.
A gifted scholar of Sanskrit and Jyotisha from childhood, Madhavaji earned a gold medal at Madras Christian College. In 1946 he became one of Kerala’s first RSS pracharaks, serving across Kannur, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam. In 1962 he received full Shri Vidya initiation from Narayanan Namboothiri of Pallath. From 1968 onward he led the Malabar Temple Protection Committee—later expanded in 1977 as the Kerala Temple Protection Committee.
Madhavaji’s tireless efforts brought Shri Vidya—the highest of tantric practices—into broad acceptance across Kerala. His complete works still await full publication and study. His life exemplified simple living, high thinking, lifelong learning, selfless service, and sublime devotion. The lamp of wisdom he lit continues to burn brightly, illuminating generations.