Swami Tattvavidananda is a rare scholar in both secular and Vedic studies, like Vidyararnya (author of Panchadashi) of the 14th century. He was initially taught by his father, a well-known scholar, and later in a traditional pathashala. He excelled in his Vedic studies and at the age of 11 was encouraged to begin modern academic studies. A brilliant student, he earned a Ph.D in Chemistry, and enjoyed a successful scientific career.

Swamiji continued his connection to his Vedic roots, and later, presented his thoughts on the Vedas as a formal Ph.D. dissertation. This won him a Gold Medal and a second doctorate, this time in Sanskrit. Swami Tattvavidanandaji considers his search for understanding Vedanta ended only when he finally listened to Pujya Swami Dayanandaji, who also granted him sannyasa.

Since then he spends about half his time conducting classes at his center in Secunderabad, AP, and the other half at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg Pennsylvania. Swamiji is also a prolific writer of books in both English and Telugu. He translated Pujya Swami Dayanadaji's Bhagavad Gita home study program into Telugu, and more recently completed translating, with commentary, Sri Bhagavatam in Telugu.

With his rich scholarship, his cheerful, down-to-earth manner, and his eagerness to share, Swami Tattvavidananda is a highly appreciated, and a beloved teacher everywhere he visits.

Annual Visits: Swami Viditatmanandaji and Swami Tattvavidanandaji visit the Bay each year in late June and early August respectively. The visits consist of guided meditation, morning and evening lectures on Vedanta, Gita, Bhagavatam, Ramayana, satsang with questions/answers and a two or three day retreat and workshop. Tradition holds that Lord Siva in the form of Dakshinamurti was the first teacher of Vedanta. He imparted Self-Knowledge to the four rishis seated at his feet, initiating an oral tradition which has been passed down to us through the centuries. It is indeed a great blessing to have teachers and mahatamas like Swamiji visit us each year and continue this great teaching tradition. For this we are honoured, grateful and very thankful.

We have established a tradition of gurudakshina for Swami Tattvavidanandaji's teachings of Vedanta Dindima in the morning classes in the form of support for Swamiji's book publishing in India. We are gratified to see a large number of Vedantic books by Swamiji in English, Telugu and Sanskrit. We, as students of the morning class, have resolved to provide support to Swamiji's book publishing effort, either to defray the complete cost of publishing new books, or at least to subsidize the cost so that book prices are affordable, particularly by the public in India. So far a single donation of Rs 50,000 was made to subsidize Prarthana Satpadi, and $2,600 was sent to publish a book in Telugu called Bhagavata Saptaham.

Once again, we invite all students, particularly attendees of Swamiji's morning classes to give gurudakshina. Please be advised that this donation will only be meant for Swamiji's book work in India, and so will not qualify for tax-deduction in the U.S. At the same time, funds in rupees in India could be utilized as part of the 'Swami Tattvavidananda Book Fund'. For questions, please contact Sri Vijay Kapoor at vijaykapoor108@gmail.com. May the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurti be on all who listen to Swami Tattvavidanandaji, especially the morning classes.