About

The revered Shri Karadeshwar Mahashivayogi, originally from North Karnataka, was born as the second son of Siddaprasad, a monk of the Revagi Math in Sonnalapura. His birth is noted in historical records as occurring on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Shravana in the year 1826 of the Shalivahana era, corresponding to 1908 . Before renunciation, his name was Shankara. He exhibited a spiritual inclination even in his childhood, attaining blessings from the head of the Puri monastery. He adopted the teachings of Ashtavarna as his essence, Panchachara as his life, and Shatsthala as his soul, becoming a devout follower of Shiva.

Shri Karadeshwar journeyed extensively to places of pilgrimage such as the Himalayas, Haridwar, Gaya, Prayag, Badrikashram, Nepal, Kapiladwar, Kappatagiri, and Shanmukhadri. During his travels, he practiced penance and fortified his spiritual path through Hatha Yoga and Shiva Yoga. He also had the company of great saints like Linganna Tata and Atavi Shivayogi, traveling together to the Tumkur district, as recorded in history.

The unique name “Karada Swami” is attributed to his distinctive way of accepting prasada (blessings or offerings). He used to prepare prasada by mixing dried chilies with bilva leaves, forming it into small morsels, and consuming it. This became his hallmark. He could fast for up to fifteen days and often bathed in boiling water. At times, he accepted simple meals cooked in a basic way at devotees’ homes, but bilva leaves and dried chilies remained his preferred prasada. These practices earned him the moniker “Karada Swami.”

He eventually settled in the village of Bellavi at the request of devoted followers, performing many miracles that are not detailed here. He planted a nagalinga tree (cannonball tree) in the monastery premises during his lifetime. He attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi in 1908, and the bilva tree he planted continues to exhibit his divine presence through various miraculous occurrences.

To honor Shri Karadeshwar, the sacred text “Bilvapriya Karadeshwar” is being released during the grand festival in his memory. The current head of the Karadeshwar Math, Shri Mani Pra. Swa. Karada Veerabasava Mahaswami, has undertaken significant religious and cultural activities, inspiring the hearts of devotees throughout the district. He is the first head to ascend the monastery’s spiritual seat after 100 years since Shri Karadeshwar Shivayogi’s Nirvikalpa Samadhi. In just two or three years, he has conducted various religious endeavors, which have strengthened the connection between the Atavi Shivayogi and Shri Karadeshwar Shivayogi, continuing their legacy of spiritual and religious harmony.