Swami Tejomayananda
First successor of Gurudev
Born on the 30th of June 1950 in Madhya Pradesh, Swami Tejomayananda (then Sudhakar Kaitwade) was spiritually inclined from a young age. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s writings and drawn to higher ideals beyond material pursuits, his spiritual calling deepened when he met Swami Chinmayananda at a Bhagavad Gita discourse. At the age of 20, just a year away from completing his Master’s degree in Physics, he chose instead to join the residential Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai,
After graduating from the course in 1975, he served in various teaching roles. In 1983, he embraced the path of renunciation and was bestowed the name Swami Tejomayananda. In the years that followed, he taught at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya and was also posted to lead Chinmaya Mission activities in San Jose, USA. After, the Mahasamadhi of Swami Chinmayananda in 1993, Swami Tejomayananda returned to India and was chosen as the Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. With characteristic humility, he remarked, “I am not in Swamiji’s shoes, I am at his feet.”
For the next 23 years, he led the Mission with unwavering dedication - expanding its global presence, establishing new Centres, initiating landmark projects and deepening the reach of his Guru’s teachings across cultures and generations. Swami Tejomayananda was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 2016.
Praised by Swami Chinmayananda as an “exquisite teacher,” he is known for his simple, yet profound teachings on Vedanta as well as his fluency in English, Hindi, Marathi and Sanskrit. A gifted poet and composer, his devotional and spiritual wisdom flows effortlessly into his music.
Fondly called as Guruji, he is a living portrait of simplicity with depth, humility with courage and wisdom with devotion. Always jovial, smiling and welcoming, he is readily accessible and approachable to all who seek the knowledge of Vedanta from him.
From Student to Spiritual Leader
1993 - Gurudev’s Successor
After the Mahasamadhi of Swami Chinmayananda on August 3, 1993, Swami Tejomayananda was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.
1969 - A disciple meets his Guru
As a 19-year-old postgraduate science student in Indore, Sudhakar Kaitwade (as he was then known) was deeply drawn to the spiritual path. In October 1969, he attended a series of talks by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita. The clarity and depth of the teachings and the profound bond between Guru and disciple, left an indelible impression on him - one that would soon transform his life.
1970 - Joining the Mission
In February 1970, with his mother’s blessings, he left home to join Chinmaya Mission’s Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai. Though the next Residential Vedanta Course was scheduled to begin only in September 1972, he spent the interim years serving in the Ashram, imbibing the culture of disciplined spiritual living. After completing the two-and-a-half-year Residential Vedanta Course under Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Dayananda, he was initiated into Brahmacharya in 1975 and given the name Brahmachari Vivek Chaitanya.
1975 - From a Student to a Teacher
Br. Vivek Chaitanya began his teaching journey with deep dedication. He served in Chinmaya Mission Centres across India - initially in Bhopal (8 months) and then Kanpur (4 years). Recognised for his clarity and depth, he was appointed Acharya of the Hindi Residential Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Himalayas (Sidhbari) from 1981 to 1983.
1983 - Renunciation
On October 21, 1983, Swami Chinmayananda initiated him into Sannyasa, bestowing upon him the name Swami Tejomayananda. The name reflects the brilliance (tejas) of knowledge (jnana) and compassion. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Acharya of two consecutive Residential Vedanta Courses in English at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai (1984–1986 and 1986–1988).
1993 - Gurudev’s Successor
After the Mahasamadhi of Swami Chinmayananda on August 3, 1993, Swami Tejomayananda was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.
1969 - A disciple meets his Guru
As a 19-year-old postgraduate science student in Indore, Sudhakar Kaitwade (as he was then known) was deeply drawn to the spiritual path. In October 1969, he attended a series of talks by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita. The clarity and depth of the teachings and the profound bond between Guru and disciple, left an indelible impression on him - one that would soon transform his life.
1970 - Joining the Mission
In February 1970, with his mother’s blessings, he left home to join Chinmaya Mission’s Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai. Though the next Residential Vedanta Course was scheduled to begin only in September 1972, he spent the interim years serving in the Ashram, imbibing the culture of disciplined spiritual living. After completing the two-and-a-half-year Residential Vedanta Course under Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Dayananda, he was initiated into Brahmacharya in 1975 and given the name Brahmachari Vivek Chaitanya.
1975 - From a Student to a Teacher
Br. Vivek Chaitanya began his teaching journey with deep dedication. He served in Chinmaya Mission Centres across India - initially in Bhopal (8 months) and then Kanpur (4 years). Recognised for his clarity and depth, he was appointed Acharya of the Hindi Residential Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Himalayas (Sidhbari) from 1981 to 1983.
1983 - Renunciation
On October 21, 1983, Swami Chinmayananda initiated him into Sannyasa, bestowing upon him the name Swami Tejomayananda. The name reflects the brilliance (tejas) of knowledge (jnana) and compassion. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Acharya of two consecutive Residential Vedanta Courses in English at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai (1984–1986 and 1986–1988).
1993 - Gurudev’s Successor
After the Mahasamadhi of Swami Chinmayananda on August 3, 1993, Swami Tejomayananda was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.
Realising the Vision
Serving at His feet
Institutionalising the Vision
During his tenure as the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission (1993–2017), Swami Tejomayananda gave concrete expression to Pujya Gurudev’s expansive vision through several transformative initiatives. The Chinmaya Vision Programme (CVP), based on Gurudev’s insight into value-oriented education, was developed into a comprehensive framework for schools under Swami Tejomayananda’s guidance. He fulfilled Gurudev’s cherished aspiration of establishing the Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS), offering global education deeply rooted in Indian culture. He also nurtured the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), enabling it to grow as a premier centre for Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge Traditions. Further, he conceived Chinmaya Vibhooti – a vibrant centre of vision, inspiration, and practice – as a living tribute to Swami Chinmayananda’s legacy. In the later years, he played a pivotal role in the founding of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (CVV), a university that integrates Indian Knowledge Systems with modern disciplines.
Creative Expressions of Vision
Swami Tejomayananda’s tenure saw the blossoming of many creative initiatives that brought the Mission’s vision to life in accessible and inspiring ways. A gifted poet, composer, and singer, he envisioned Chinmaya Swaranjali as a devotional music ensemble that would express bhakti through song and encourage spiritual seekers to embrace music as a form of sadhana, transforming art into worship. He later established Chinmaya Naada Bindu, a residential Gurukula for Indian Performing Arts at Chinmaya Vibhooti, promoting music and dance as pathways to inner growth. Under his guidance, the thought-provoking television series Upanishad Ganga brought Vedantic wisdom into millions of homes across the country. As part of the grand celebration of Swami Chinmayananda’s birth centenary in 2016, the biopic 'On a Quest' was produced and widely screened, and commemorative coins were released by the Government of India under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister – all reflecting Swami Tejomayananda’s deep commitment to preserving and amplifying his Guru’s legacy.
Voice of Wisdom
A prolific author and an insightful commentator, Swami Tejomayananda is renowned for his gentle humour, clear thinking and ability to present profound scriptural truths in a simple, relatable manner. He has authored over 50 titles and continues to inspire people through his writings and compositions.
Renowned for his captivating discourses on the Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavatam, Swami Tejomayananda’s talks have also been published as beautifully edited books. His extensive body of work includes commentaries on key Vedantic texts like Tattvabodha, Upadesa Sara and Panchadasi, as well as original compositions such as Jivansutrani (Tips for Happy Living) and Adarsha Jivan (Life of Vision) .
Through these writings, Swami Tejomayananda continues to make the profound teachings of Vedanta accessible to seekers worldwide.
Explore his writings
Listen to his talks on Chinmaya Channel
Meet Guruji
Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai
Guruji at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya - guiding seekers, sharing wisdom and uplifting hearts through satsangs and bhajans.
Authored by Guruji
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Central Chinmaya Mission Trust
Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai - 400 072.
Tel : +91-22-2803 4900
E-mail : ccmt@chinmayamission.com
