Revered spiritual leader Shri Baijnath Maharaj, Peethadhishwar of Shri Shraddhanath Ashram in Sikar district, Rajasthan, has been honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his lifelong dedication to spiritual service, Vedic education, and rural upliftment.
Born in 1935 in Panlawan village, Baijnath Maharaj was initiated into spiritual life at the age of six by Saint Shraddhanath Maharaj, and formally appointed as his successor in 1985. Over the past four decades, he has guided thousands of devotees on the path of Sanatan Dharma, championing moral values, devotion, and community welfare.
From 1960 to 1985, he also served as Principal of Gram Bharti Vidyapeeth, Kothari, where he played a pivotal role in promoting rural education. Under his leadership, institutions like Shraddha Sanskrit Vidyapeeth and a yoga training center have flourished—offering traditional learning and holistic practices to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Reacting to the announcement, Shri Baijnath Maharaj humbly said:
“This honour is a reflection of the blessings of my Gurudev and the faith of the people. I accept it not as mine, but as theirs.”
In his spiritual discourses and teachings, Maharaj emphasizes service, humility, and inner discipline, advocating a life rooted in dharma and compassion.
The Padma Shri 2025 awarded to Shri Baijnath Maharaj is a recognition of a life devoted to guiding souls through knowledge, faith, and seva—embodying the spirit of India’s enduring spiritual tradition.
