AKHILA BHARATHA SHARANA SAHITHYA PARISHAT

Founder: His Holiness Dr. Shri Shri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji

About ABSSP

Twelfth Century enjoys a unique place in the history of Karnataka. That Century happens to be an era of Social Transformation and Revolution. This is more so in the history of Indian religion, philosophy & literature. The literary works of 'Sharanas' played a key role in giving this special status to Twelfth Century.

Vision

  • The institution intends to spread the message of twelth century sharanas among the present day generation

There is no better analogy that can posit the true-life in a proper perspective than that of literary works of Sharanas. Emancipation of human life from the clutches of consumerism, ritualism, non-secular forces, dogmas was the main motto of these works. Basaveswar became the mentor of the new awareness. He and his followers took literary forum as the medium for a total change in the society on the principles of secularism. They cleansed the society with their 'Vachanas' to refurbish a casteless, creedless society of equality on the doctrine of 'Work is worship'. Their writings, full of rich experiences, aimed at freeing the humanity from the iron chains of fanaticism. Those writings have gained universal acceptance because of their democratic approach.

Their ideals and practices have to be extended beyond geographical limits and permeate throughout the world. Realising this significant aspect, Dr. Shri Shri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Suthur Mutt, Mysore, founded this Parishath to act as a catalyst and a nodal centre. The Parishath was inaugurated on 29th August 1986, on his 70th birthday, to propagate 12th Century Sharan's ideals.

  • Organising conventions, Seminars and celebrations of various Sharanas to propagate their ideals.
  • Publishing of books and periodicals in various languages and production of documentary films on Sharana's life and their ideals.
  • Providing opportunities for comparative study of the philosophy of Sharanas with that of other Philosophers and Social Reformers of the world.
  • Maintaining well established Library of books pertaining to Sharana literature and carrying out research work.
  • Establishment of a Museum pertaining to literature and culture of Sharanas.

    The Parishath has established its units in all the districts and taluks of Karnataka and in the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. We have a gigantic task of translating the objectives into realities. Our achievements are on a modest scale now. Yet, it is needful to mention some of them in the interest of our future growth and consolidation:

  • Twelve All India conferences at various places.
  • National Seminar on Socio-Religious Dimensions of Bhakthi Movement in India at Bangalore.
  • National Seminar on the 12th Century Sharana Revolution and the Indian Constitution at New Delhi.
  • Television serial on four sharanas of the 12th century.
  • Formation of a wing named "Kadalivedike" for promotion of women's activities.
  • State and District level youth conferences and five state level women's conferences.
  • Documentation of Sharana centres of historical importance.
  • Publication of about 89 books relating to the life and messages of the Sharanas.
  • Regular publication of "Mahamane a monthly magazine since 1996.
  • Establishment of endowments in the Parishath by nearly 630 donors.

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