2026 - Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued to mark the Birth Centenary of Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on September 25, 2026.

Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji was the twentieth Mathadhipati of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan and one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community. Born on March 31, 1926, at Ernakulam in Kerala, he devoted his life to spirituality, scholarship, education, social welfare and the preservation of Indian cultural traditions. His birth centenary was observed in 2026.

Born as Sadashiva Shenoy, he was the son of Shri Ramadas Shenoy, a trustee of the Shri Venkataramana Temple in Ernakulam. From an early age, he showed a strong inclination towards spiritual life. While pursuing his studies at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, he attracted the attention of his Guru, Shrimath Sukrathindra Theertha Swamiji, the nineteenth Mathadhipati of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan.

Recognising his qualities and spiritual inclination, Shrimath Sukrathindra Theertha Swamiji selected Sadashiva Shenoy as his successor. On May 24, 1944, at the Shri Venkataramana Temple in Mulki, Karnataka, he was initiated into Sanyasa and given the name Srimad Sudhindra Theertha. He subsequently devoted himself to the study of Sanskrit, Dharma Shastras, the Prasthana Traya and the Dvaita philosophy of Shri Madhvacharya, while also receiving practical training in the traditions and responsibilities of Shri Kashi Math.

Following the Mahasamadhi of his Guru in 1949, Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji became the Mathadhipati at the young age of 23. He went on to guide Shri Kashi Math Samsthan for nearly seven decades, combining spiritual leadership with initiatives aimed at the educational, social, cultural and economic development of the community.

One of his significant initiatives was the Shri Kashi Math Welfare Fund. Conceived in 1956 and formally registered in 1959, the organisation was established to promote the spiritual, educational, cultural, social and economic welfare of the community. During his long tenure, several welfare-oriented activities, charitable initiatives, educational institutions, medical trusts and other community projects were undertaken.

Swamiji also worked to preserve and promote India's spiritual and cultural heritage. In 1971, he was instrumental in establishing Bharatiya Samskritika Prakatanalaya in Mumbai for publishing works relating to Vedic and Bharatiya culture. He travelled extensively across India, visiting temples and centres of the Math and meeting devotees. His discourses emphasised devotion, Dharma, righteousness and service, while his compassionate approach made him deeply respected among his followers.

A scholar proficient in several Indian languages as well as English, Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji was able to communicate with devotees across different regions. His leadership helped strengthen the institutions and traditions of Shri Kashi Math while responding to the changing needs of the community.

After a lifetime dedicated to spiritual practice and service, Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi at Haridwar on January 17, 2016. He was succeeded by Srimad Samyamindra Theertha Swamiji, the twenty-first Mathadhipati of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan.

The legacy of Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji continues through the temples, institutions, welfare initiatives and spiritual traditions associated with Shri Kashi Math Samsthan. His life remains remembered for his devotion, scholarship, compassion and dedicated service to society.