🏭 Sri Dakshinamurthy Vidyapeeth — Thrissur, Kerala

The World's Largest
Maha Shivalinga

At 144 feet, facing Kailasam — the abode of Mahadeva — the Sri Dakshinamurthy Vidyapeeth Spiritual University in Thrissur, Kerala stands as the world's largest Shivalinga and a living centre of Sanatana Dharma knowledge. Founded by Dr. Aswanidev Tanthri.

144 ft
World's Largest Shivalinga
5
Floors of Sacred Space
60+
Temples — Tantri Authority
1000+
Hindu Tantris Trained
Maha Shivalinga and Shiva Statue — Sri Dakshinamurthy Vidyapeeth
About the University

Bringing Sanatana Dharma Back to the World

India is a land of spirituality and human values — a land that has contributed great philosophies and sciences like Ayurveda and yoga to the world. A land where the quest for salvation through "Dharmartha Kama Moksha" has guided human life for thousands of years.

Yet in the modern era, we have grown ignorant of these life-values. Sri Dakshinamurthy Vidyapeeth Spiritual University takes a huge step to bring us back to that sacred era. Located in Thrissur district — the cultural capital of Kerala — the university imparts knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics, Shastras, and Sanskrit, integrating modern technologies with the Gurukula system.

A new culture based on values is being created here — through the establishment of a new lifestyle emphasising the Sanatana Dharma culture, called "The Sadkudumba" (The Good Family). All the well-wishers of the world are welcome to join this great journey towards Dharma culture.

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The Three Pillars of Our Training

All courses are built on three inseparable foundations

📚

Shastra — Sacred Scripture

Deep study of the primary texts — Vedas, Agamas, Tantrashastra, Jyotish Shastra, and related shastras. Students must understand the theoretical foundation before touching ritual practice.

🔥

Kriya — Ritual Practice

Hands-on ritual training under experienced Tantris. From basic pooja to complex Yaagams involving hundreds of priests. Students perform rituals at actual temples under direct supervision.

🧠

Anubhava — Direct Experience

Beyond knowledge and technique lies direct spiritual experience. Through meditation, mantra sadhana, and personal guidance from the Guru, students develop their own inner spiritual sensitivity.

Courses & Programmes

From introductory workshops to full Tantri certification

Foundation

Vedic Chanting & Mantra Shastra

Master the correct pronunciation, metre, and application of Vedic mantras

  • Rigveda, Yajurveda & Samaveda chanting fundamentals
  • Sri Rudram, Chamakam & Purusha Suktam
  • Mantra Shastra — science of sound vibration
  • Correct pronunciation (svaras) and intonation
  • Daily sadhana framework and practice guidance
⏳ 6 months 🏫 Online + Residential 🌐 Open to all
Intermediate

Kerala Tantric Pooja System

Complete training in the Kerala Tantric ritual tradition as practised in Aagama temples

  • Tantrasara & Kerala Tantric Agama texts
  • Shodasha Upachara Pooja (16-step worship)
  • Abhishekam, Homam, and Deepa rituals
  • Pancha Pratishtha (5 types of deity installation)
  • Temple management and Tantri duties
⏳ 1 year 🏫 Residential in Kerala 🌐 Prerequisite: Vedic chanting
Advanced

Yaaga Vidya — Fire Ritual Mastery

The complete science of Vedic fire rituals from simple Homams to large-scale Yaagams

  • Agni Vidya — science of the sacred fire
  • Soma, Rudra, and Vishnu Yagas
  • Athirudram, Ekadasha Rudram organisation
  • Coordinating large-scale rituals with multiple priests
  • Mantra recitation during Poornahuti and Samapti
⏳ 18 months 🏫 Residential + Event practice 🌐 Prerequisite: Tantric Pooja
Specialist

Vedic Jyotish & Muhurta Shastra

The complete science of Vedic astrology and auspicious timing for rituals and life events

  • Parashari Jyotish — Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra
  • Graha, Rashi, Nakshatra, and Dasha systems
  • Muhurta — selecting auspicious timing for poojas
  • Prashna (horary) and Nimitta (omens)
  • Practical chart reading and counselling skills
⏳ 1 year 🏫 Online + Intensive 🌐 Open to all
Specialist

Ayurveda & Vedic Healing

The traditional science of health and longevity as taught in the Vedic tradition

  • Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita foundations
  • Tridosha theory — Vata, Pitta, Kapha
  • Ritual healing — Dhanvantari and Mrityunjaya practices
  • Medicinal herbs in Vedic rituals (Homa dravyas)
  • Panchakarma and daily regimen (Dinacharya)
⏳ 6 months 🏫 Online + Residential 🌐 Open to all
Certification

Tantri Certification Programme

The complete path to becoming a qualified Tantri and serving as chief priest of a temple

  • All foundational, intermediate, and advanced courses
  • Minimum 3-year residential programme in Kerala
  • Live apprenticeship at active temples under Dr. Aswanidev
  • Final examination and certification by senior Tantris
  • Placement support at temples in India and abroad
⏳ 3 years 🏫 Full residential in Kerala 🌐 Application required
Dr. Aswanidev Tanthri
Dean & Founder

Dr. Aswanidev Tanthri

Born in 1986 at Vattekkad, Kodakara, Thrissur, Kerala — into an ancient lineage of hereditary temple priests — Dr. Aswanidev Tanthri has dedicated his entire life to the preservation and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. He holds a PhD in Sanskrit, with his doctoral research on the Srimad Bhagavatha Purana.

He serves as the Tantri (Chief Priest) of over 60 temples across India and abroad, and has personally trained more than 1,000 tantris and Vedic scholars. As Chairman of the Thapovanam Siva Temple Trust and Chief Priest of the Akhila Bharathiya Yagna Samithi, he has organised some of the largest Vedic events in modern history.

In 2023, he conducted the World Record Maha Athirudram — the largest simultaneous Vedic recitation ever held — earning recognition in Asia, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and Indonesia Book of Records. In 2024, he set a World Record in Sanskrit Speech at Bangalore. In 2025, he was nominated as a United Nations Peace Ambassador — a recognition of his life's mission to bring the healing power of Vedic knowledge to all humanity.

PhD — Sanskrit & Srimad Bhagavatha Purana Tantri of 60+ Temples 5 World Records World Record Sanskrit Speech 2024 UN Peace Ambassador Nominee 2025 Chairman — Thapovanam Siva Temple Trust Chief Priest — Akhila Bharathiya Yagna Samithi 1000+ Tantris Trained
The Magnum Opus

The Maha Shivalinga Project

At 144 feet, the world's largest Shivalinga — built in black granite, facing Kailasam — rises in Thrissur, Kerala. Surrounded by a Padma pond shaped like a 'Valkannadi', a Nandikeswar statue, and behind it a sacred Theertha pond housing a sculpture of Meditating Maheswara. Throughout day and night, Jaladhara is performed on this Shiva Lingam.

Maha Shivalinga — Sri Dakshinamurthy Vidyapeeth
Campus aerial view
Aerial Campus View
Nandikeswar Statue
Nandikeswar in the Premises
Maheswara Sculpture in Theertha Pond
Maheswara in the Sacred Pond

Inside the Shivalinga — Five Sacred Floors

May all beings in the world be healed — Sarve bhavanthu sukhinaha, Sarve santhu niramaya

First Floor — Panchaloha Shivalinga
First Floor

Panchaloha Shivalinga & Abhishekam

On the first floor is a Shivalinga made of Panchaloha. After saluting Guru Ganesha, all devotees can perform Abhishekam and worship the Shivlinga with ritualistic water. Beautiful murals depicting Shaiva principles adorn the walls.

Second Floor — Kailasa Parvata
Second Floor

Kailasa Parvata & Manasarovar

The abode of Lord Shiva and the sacred Manasarovar Lake are recreated here. With the Panchakshrimantra inscribed, this space is as sacred, peaceful, and pure as the Himalayas themselves — a place to sit and meditate on Lord Mahadeva.

Third Floor — Vedic Library
Third Floor

Vedic Library — Nalanda Reborn

A library with a vast collection of books on Sanatana Dharmas, opening the gates of knowledge to the whole world. Modelled after the great institutions of Nalanda and Takshasila — which were once the epitome of knowledge. A digital library system is also available.

Fourth & Fifth Floor
Fourth & Fifth Floor

Yoga, Meditation & Panoramic View

The fourth floor houses yoga and meditation teaching classes set within a Vastu Mandala. The fifth floor is a breathtaking viewpoint at 144 feet — from here you can perform Shiva Chaitanyam Namaskar and behold the green mountains and sprawling nature surrounding the Mahashivalinga.

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How to Apply

Our admissions process is personal and thorough — we welcome sincere seekers of all backgrounds

1

Enquiry

Contact us via WhatsApp or email with your background, intention, and the course you are interested in.

2

Interview

A personal video call with one of our senior teachers to understand your spiritual background and readiness.

3

Admission

Upon acceptance, you receive a detailed course outline, schedule, and all required preparatory materials.

4

Begin Learning

Online courses begin immediately. Residential courses are timed to auspicious dates in the Vedic calendar.

We welcome students from all backgrounds — prior Vedic knowledge is helpful but not required for foundational courses. Sincerity and commitment are our primary requirements.

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The Tradition Continues Through You

Every generation must have its Rishis. Every community needs authentic Vedic priests. If you feel the call to serve this tradition — we are waiting for you.

Apply for Admission Learn About Dr. Aswanidev