(Left) Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, a revered scholar of Kashi (Right) PM Narendra Modi
Varanasi witnessed a momentous event on May 14, 2024 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after an exhaustive nationwide campaign for BJP and NDA candidates, filed his nomination papers. Amidst the sweltering heat and the curious public, one figure sitting next to PM Modi caught everyone’s attention.
Clad in a dhoti with an angaswatram on his shoulders, the bearded gentleman in a white kurta raised countless queries. The answer to their curiosity lies in the presence of the Kashi-based Vedic pundit hailing from Tamil Nadu – Ganeswar Shastri Dravid, a renowned scholar of Vedic traditions and astrology.
The visuals of the pundit sitting alongside PM Modi during the nomination filing created ripples, with people eager to know more about his significance. As news spread, North Indian media, especially Live Hindustan, highlighted the presence of the revered scholar.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by several Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, along with 12 chief ministers from different states and leaders of NDA allies, attracted immense attention from the public. However, it was the pundit, adorned with a white beard and a forehead adorned with kumkum, who piqued the curiosity of onlookers.
Ganeswar Shastri Dravid, a luminary in the realm of astrology and Vedic wisdom, continues to captivate minds with his unparalleled expertise. Hailing from Tamil Nadu but calling the historic Meerghat area of Kashi home, Dravid has entrenched himself in the fabric of the ancient city, residing at the revered Sangveda Vidyalaya.
The scion of a lineage steeped in erudition, Dravid is the second son of the esteemed Rajeshwar Shastri, himself a venerable scholar of the Vedas and Shastras. Alongside his brother, Pandit Vishweshwar Shastri, they form a formidable duo consulted widely for their insights into rituals, research, and auspicious timings (muhurthams).
Dravid’s influence transcends geographical boundaries, as he traverses the expanse of Bharat, disseminating religious teachings. Yet, it is in Kashi that his presence is most profound. At the Sangveda Vidyalaya, he diligently upholds the decisions of the Girvanavagvardhini Sabha, enriching the spiritual landscape of the city.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Dravid generously imparts guidance on astrology, Ayurveda, and rituals, addressing the multifarious concerns of those who seek his counsel.
Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid fixed the Muhurt for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla and Kashi Vishwanath Dham
Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, a renowned Vedic scholar from Kashi, has been making headlines with his remarkable contributions to Indian spiritual and cultural heritage. According to reports, Ganeshwar’s lineage can be traced back to Thiruvisanallur, a village near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. His great-grandfather established the Shastrarthshala, and Ganeshwar carries on the family tradition of preserving and propagating Vedic knowledge.
Ganeshwar’s family’s legacy traces back to two eminent scholars of Krishna Yajurveda from southern India – Ram Subramanya Ganapathi and Muthu Ganapathi. Their expertise and teachings continue to influence scholars of Krishna Yajurveda in southern India. Ram Subramanya Ganapathi, also known as Shesha Jata Vallabh, embarked on an arduous pilgrimage from his village to Kashi, displaying impeccable recitation of mantras and affirming his scholarly prowess.
His legacy lives on through his descendants, including Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid. Ganeshwar’s remarkable contributions include fixing the auspicious timings for the consecration of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He identified the special muhurtham of 84 seconds for the consecration of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya, a decision that was widely appreciated and respected. For the Bhumi Pooja of Ram Mandir, he allocated a precise 35 seconds as the auspicious time based on astronomical calculations. The pran pratishtha of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and its Bhumi Pujan were also marked by him.
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