Melbourne has hosted a series of spiritual discourses by Brahma Sri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, drawing community members for sessions on Hindu philosophy, culture and classical traditions.
Brahma Sri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, a spiritual scholar, orator and proponent of Sanatana Dharma, is known for his knowledge of Shastras and Puranas. Based in India, he founded the Rushipeetham Charitable Trust with a focus on preserving India’s spiritual heritage while delivering discourses on Hindu philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga.
His visit included a series of evening sessions between March 30 and April 2, beginning at 8pm, where he spoke on Devi Geeta and explained the Jnana teachings associated with Devi. The programme continued on April 3 at around 3pm at Chandler Community Centre on Isaac Road in Keysborough.
A cultural segment titled “Sangeetha,Nritya Vibhavari” was scheduled for the same day, followed by felicitations for the visiting scholar. “Sangeetha Nrithya Vibhavari” is a Sanskrit-derived phrase often used in India to describe a cultural event. It translates to “A Musical and Dance Festival” or “A Night of Music and Dance”.
Born in 1967 in Odisha, his early spiritual grounding came through his father, a Sanskrit Pandit. Over time, he has also spoken about concerns around the commercialisation of education and healthcare, while advocating a return to traditional values.
The term “Pravachanakarthas” (ప్రవచనకర్తలు) in Telugu refers to those who deliver spiritual or religious discourses, explaining scriptures, philosophy and moral teachings. Among well-known Telugu Pravachanakarthas followed by devotees are Sri Chaganti Koteswara Rao, Sri Garikapati Narasimha Rao, Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, Sri Malladi Chandrasekhara Sastry, Sri Vaddiparti Padmakar and Sri Rallabandi Kavita Prasad.
Brahma Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma is regarded as a scholar of the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Itihasas, with fluency in Sanskrit and Telugu literature. His approach combines traditional knowledge with structured interpretation, and his sessions are attended by audiences across age groups.
His discourses often cover texts including the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Over the years, he has delivered thousands of talks across India and internationally. Many of his programmes are broadcast on Telugu spiritual television channels, and he maintains a presence on digital platforms, including YouTube.
The sessions on Devi Geeta centred on the idea of Devi as the manifesting force of the universe within several Hindu philosophical traditions. In this understanding, Devi is viewed as the cosmic energy or Shakti behind creation, sustaining life and transformation.
Within schools such as Shaktism, Devi is regarded as the Supreme Reality, with the universe seen as her manifestation. Different forms such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali represent aspects including protection, prosperity, knowledge and transformation, understood as expressions of a single universal energy.
Texts such as the Devi Mahatmyam describe Devi as the creative force within all beings and the source of consciousness. The concept presented through the sessions emphasised that existence is tied to this underlying energy.
The Melbourne events combined discourse and cultural expression, with community participation reflecting continued interest in Indian spiritual traditions and classical arts among the diaspora.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
