Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham is a theosophical congregation which states that it is based on the principles of oneness of God, and discovering divinity in the self. The ashram is situated in Pithapuram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
History
Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham was established in Baghdad. It moved to Delhi, India in 1472, where it became involved in court circles of the Mughal Empire. The beheading of Sarmad by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1661 created a rift with the congregation. The leader, Sri Madin Kabir Sha, moved the institution from Delhi to Hyderabad. King Abul Hasan Qutb Shah of Golkonda gave two jagirs to the congregation in Tuni.
The Old Ashram is located near the Pithapuram railway station at
The New Ashram is located on Pithapuram to Kakinada road at Chitrada
Aims
The objectives of this Peetham are said to be based mainly on Sufi philosophy, but the Peethadhipathis also practice the Hindu Philosophy of Dharma, and study the Hindu scriptures, the Quran, and the Bible, with the goal of extract the essence of all the major three religions. Monotheism has become its main plank. The professed aims of Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham include:
To enlighten the human soul with secrets of divinity. To transform followers into model citizens, fulfilling ones noble birth as human beings. To provide peace of mind by conferring soul power to the oppressed and depressed. To rend the veil of illusion of human soul, administer tranquility and transform man into divinity. To teach and preach monotheism, surpassing all hurdles of caste, creed, race, religion and sex through the medium of the noblest guru and to impart that philosophy in the form of lessons to the members. To propagate this science of philosophy for the total welfare of mankind, to lead them to salvation.
Characteristics of the Peetham
This peetham seeks transcendentalism. Unlike other Hindu Peethams, there are no dress regulations. The Peethadhipathi is not a celibate, but leads a family life. The essence of his teaching is "Bhukthi, Trupthi, Mukthi" (food for the body, satisfaction to the mind and salvation to the soul). Publicity is shunned. The Peetham's theme is that God is in man himself. It strives to make man a man by dispelling ignorance to make man discover God in himself and attain supreme knowledge. The Peetham acts on three principles: The Guru, the Mantra and the Sadhana. It insists on absolute faith in the Guru, who offers a Manthra to the devotees and expects them to do Sadhana on the Manthra to attain spiritual elevation. No distinction of class, caste, creed, religion or sex is made.
Membership
Anybody is free to enter the ashram and do his or her sadhana and can become a member of this peetham. This peetham has the intention of propagating dharma and endeavouring to draw out the divine qualities in man. Anyone who joins the peetham is free to adopt or follow their own religion, customs and traditions, or hold whichever personal views they wish, with no need for any sort of conversion.
Leadership
The spiritual leaders of the peetham are known as Peethadhipathis.