Theerthapada Sampradayam- Rajeev Iringalakkuda

Theerthapada System was a school of sanyasins established by Theerthapada Paramahamsa the disciple of Chattampi Swamikal to promote Yoga Jnana system with necessary customization required for the region as taught by his guru. Sankara’s Advaita system is the cream of teachings of Vedic texts composed in Aryan language. Saivasiddhantha is the cream of teachings of Agasthayar, Kannapar, Appar and Trirujnana Sambandhar. Even though by methods and terminology they seem to be different they are both teach the same principle of Advaita. They seem to be different The teachings of Chattampi Swamikal blends the teachings of both these schools and is known as Theerthapada System. This line of Sanyasins is given the suffix or prefix of Theertha or Theerthapada to their names. In this system there are two branches; one is of the sanyasins and another of the Grihastas. The sanyasins who leave all worldly relations, reside at the ashrams, practice appropriate methods of yoga, and spiritual sciences, and adhere to Nivrthi marga are known as Theerthapadas. Those who stay with the family and do the sadhanas and learn to practice required sciences and techniques and follow the path of Jnana and fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the family and society are called Grihasthas. The book gives a bird’s eye view of The teachers and asrams of Theerthapada system.