Pujya Sri Ekkirala Bharadwaja was born on October 30, 1938, in the serene town of Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, to the devout couple Sri Ekkirala Ananthacharya and Smt. Venkata Lakshmi (also known as Buchimamba). He was the youngest of four sons in a family steeped in Vedic scholarship. Tragically, young Bharadwaja lost his mother early in childhood, yet this did not dim his innate spiritual spark.
From a tender age, he exhibited extraordinary qualities: immense courage, a questioning mind, and profound concentration. At just 12 years old, he passed his matriculation exam in Varanasi, and by 19, he had earned a postgraduate degree in English literature. Though born into a theistic Vaishnavite family, Bharadwaja initially appeared indifferent to traditional doctrines, often engaging in activities like cricket. However, his father's scholarly gatherings subtly planted seeds of inquiry. A pivotal moment came in 1955 with the sudden death of his nephew during his sacred thread ceremony, igniting a deep quest for the meaning of life and death.
The turning point arrived on February 9, 1963, at Shirdi's Samadhi Mandir. Gazing upon Sai Baba's idol, Bharadwaja experienced profound enlightenment: "What does his face, especially his look and smile, indicate of his attitude? ... Was that smile of reunion pregnant with his joy of their future possibility of reaching the spiritual summit?" This vision confirmed Sai Baba as his eternal Guru, whom he saw as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, blending all religions.
For 15 years, he resided at Thapovanam in Vidyanagar, Nellore District, penning many works and guiding devotees. Married to Divyajanani Alivelu Mangatayaru (Ammagaru) on March 6, 1975, he balanced family life with spiritual duties, fathering two children: Vedavathi and Dwarakanath Jnaneswar.
Sadguru Bharadwaja's teachings emphasize the necessity of a Sadguru for spiritual evolution, insisting that true guidance comes from one who embodies divine wisdom. He bridged science and spirituality, proving God's existence logically in works like Edi Nijam (What is Reality?) and Vignana Veechikalu (Waves of Scientific Knowledge).
He taught that spiritualism is not mere individual devotion but a philosophy for life: "Spiritualism should not be restricted to being an individualistic devotion, rather it has to be instituted as a distinct philosophy." Drawing from Sai Baba, he advocated bhakti (devotion), forgiveness, and universal love, uniting Hindus and Muslims. Miracles, he explained, are tools for ethical and spiritual growth, not mere spectacles.
Sadguru Bharadwaja authored over 20 books in Telugu and English, many considered Parayana Grandhas for daily devotion. Key works include:
- Sri Sai Leelamrutham (Telugu) / Sai Baba The Master (English): A 12-year researched biography of Sai Baba, blending life stories, miracles, and teachings.
- Sri Guru Charitra: Translation detailing Dattatreya's incarnations, emphasizing the Guru's role.
- Sri Sai Prabodhamrutham: Compilations of teachings, letters, and responses to devotees.
- Others: The Life and Teachings of Jillelamudi Amma, The Supreme Master: Shri Akkalkot Maharaj, and more, translated into multiple languages.
Sadguru Bharadwaja founded the Shirdi Sai Cultural Mission in Vidyanagar and Sai Baba Mission in Ongole, inspiring numerous temples. His Sannidanam at Ongole's Sai Baba temple draws pilgrims, and institutions like Sri Master Universal Sai Trust promote his thoughts. Psychologists credit him for Sai Baba's widespread following in Andhra Pradesh.
His family continue his legacy, with ashrams in Ganagapur and Shirdi under development. Though he left his physical form at 50, his presence endures.
