TheCconnects: Sastry garu, your journey is deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and devotion. To begin with, could you take our readers through how your spiritual journey started and how you reached where you are today?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
My journey did not begin with a conscious career decision; it began as a way of life. I was born into a Vydica Brahmin family where spirituality was not practiced occasionally but lived every single day. At the age of 14, when most children are still discovering the world, I entered formal spiritual training. It was a rigorous phase-long hours of learning, memorization, discipline, and complete surrender to the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Being trained in Smartham and Agama Sastras meant understanding not just rituals, but their philosophy, precision, and responsibility. Over the years, through consistent practice and devotion, my path became clear. What started as learning gradually transformed into service. Today, after more than 25 years, I continue to serve as an astrologer and Agama Sastra Pandit, guiding families and institutions through sacred milestones.
TheCconnects: In today’s fast-paced world, dedicating one’s life to ancient knowledge systems requires immense conviction. Who or what influenced you the most to stay committed to this path?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
My greatest influence has always been my Gurus and the lineage of knowledge they represent. In our tradition, knowledge is not owned-it is carried forward. Watching my teachers live lives of simplicity, discipline, and unwavering faith shaped my worldview deeply.
Equally influential has been the Shastras themselves. The Agama Sastras are not rigid texts; they are living sciences that adapt while maintaining purity. Understanding their depth gave me clarity that this knowledge must be protected and passed on correctly. That sense of responsibility has guided every decision I’ve made.
TheCconnects: You have conducted over 100 temple Pratishthas and more than 1,000 marriages and Gruhapraveshams. What challenges did you face while building credibility and trust in such a sacred field?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
The biggest challenge was starting without any established platform or backing. In traditional fields, recognition often comes through lineage or association. I had none of that early on. What I had was knowledge, discipline, and faith.
There were times when opportunities were scarce and recognition slow. But spiritual service is not measured by immediate rewards. I focused entirely on correctness-performing every ritual exactly as prescribed, without shortcuts or compromises. Over time, people noticed the sincerity. Trust grew organically, through word of mouth, not promotion. That trust remains my greatest achievement.
TheCconnects: Many people see rituals as symbolic. You emphasize precision and authenticity. Why is that so important?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
Rituals are not symbolic gestures; they are structured spiritual sciences refined over thousands of years. Every mantra, every step, every timing has significance. When rituals are altered or rushed, their essence is lost.
My role is to ensure that rituals are not merely performed, but performed correctly. Whether it is a Chandi Yagam, a Navagraha Shanti, or a temple Pratishtha, precision ensures continuity of spiritual energy and cultural integrity. This is how tradition survives generations.
TheCconnects: Beyond rituals, you’ve taken on leadership roles within spiritual and social organizations. What motivated you to step into these responsibilities?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
Spiritual knowledge should not exist in isolation. As President of TPASS and having served as Secretary of Brahmana Seva Samithi, I realized that safeguarding tradition also means safeguarding the people who uphold it.
During the COVID-19 period, seva karya karmas became essential. Spiritual service extends beyond temples-it includes serving society in times of need. Leadership, for me, is not authority; it is accountability.
TheCconnects: You also manage a goshala and regularly conduct Annadanam. How do these practices align with your philosophy?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
Dāna is the foundation of Dharma. For the last seven years, managing a goshala with indigenous cows has been both a spiritual and environmental responsibility. Protecting native breeds is part of preserving our ecosystem.
Annadanam, conducted every 15 days, is not charity-it is duty. Feeding someone is one of the highest forms of service in our culture. These practices keep me grounded and remind me that spirituality must translate into action.
TheCconnects: In an era dominated by technology and digital influence, what challenges do you see for spiritual traditions?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
The biggest challenge is dilution. Information is abundant, but authenticity is rare. People often encounter half-knowledge or commercialized spirituality online, which creates confusion.
The solution is not rejection of modern platforms, but responsible use. True knowledge must be shared carefully, with context and discipline. Spiritual traditions can coexist with modernity, as long as their core principles are not compromised.
TheCconnects: How do your services address the concerns and doubts of modern families seeking spiritual guidance?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
Today’s families seek clarity, not blind belief. I take time to explain the “why” behind rituals-what they signify, how they help, and what outcomes to expect. Transparency builds confidence.
Whether it’s astrology, dosha nivarana, or samskara ceremonies, my focus is always on alignment-between tradition and the individual’s life context. That approach helps people connect meaningfully with spirituality.
TheCconnects: Outside your spiritual commitments, how do you personally find balance?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
For me, balance comes from routine. Daily sadhana, temple time, caring for cows, and interacting with people keeps my life structured and peaceful. When life is aligned with purpose, stress naturally reduces.
TheCconnects: Finally, what advice would you give to the younger generation who may wish to pursue traditional knowledge systems?
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
First, understand that this path demands patience. Recognition comes slowly, but fulfillment runs deep. Learn with humility, serve with sincerity, and never treat spirituality as a business.
Tradition survives only when it is practiced with purity. If you carry that mindset, society will support you in ways you may not immediately see.
TheCconnects: Sastry garu, thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom. Your life stands as a reminder that progress and tradition can walk together.
Telidevarapalli Seetha Rama Sastry:
Thank you. Preserving spiritual heritage is a collective responsibility, and conversations like this help keep that awareness alive.
