Vandaniya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma

• Born: 1926, into a devout family
• Revered as: Vandaniya Mataji — the divine Shakti of the mission
• Mahaprayan: 19 September 1994

Introduction

Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma, lovingly revered as Vandaniya Mataji, was born in 1926 into a devout family. From her early years she was known for compassion, simplicity and quiet inner strength. She became the spiritual companion and divine Shakti of Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, dedicating her life to his mission of Yug Nirman Yojna.

Partnership in the mission

Mataji was far more than a companion at Gurudev’s side — she was the nurturing force of the mission. In 1958 she played a pivotal role in organising the historic 1008-Kundi Gayatri Mahayagya, an event that inspired thousands of women to join the mission. With the establishment of Shantikunj, Haridwar in 1971, she guided seekers with motherly affection, shaping the ashram into a close-knit spiritual family.

Service and family ethos

Her leadership was gentle and grounded in service. She embodied the ideals of sanskar (life-values), sadhana (spiritual practice) and seva (service), and encouraged families to build their lives around them. Through the Yug Nirman campaigns she inspired mass participation in social reform, the eradication of harmful habits and addictions, family value-building, and cultural rejuvenation — always with a mother’s warmth.

Mahila Jagran Abhiyan — the awakening of women

From 1975 onwards, Mataji led the mission’s women’s-awakening work (Mahila Jagran). She encouraged women to embrace sanskars, sadhana and seva, and to step forward as torchbearers of moral strength in society. Bringing women into the very heart of the mission — as practitioners, teachers and leaders — is one of her most enduring contributions.

Leadership after Gurudev's Mahasamadhi

When Gurudev left his physical body on Gayatri Jayanti, 2 June 1990, Mataji took up all the responsibilities of the mission and carried them forward with great courage. In October 1990 she guided the Grand Shraddhanjali Samaroh in homage to Gurudev, in which more than 1.5 million devotees from around the world took part and resolved to carry on his work.

Continuation of Gayatri and Yagya work

Under Mataji’s guidance the philosophy of Gayatri and yagya spread further still. To carry the message of Dev Sanskriti (divine culture) across the world, a series of grand Ashwamedha Mahayagyas was undertaken — beginning at Jaipur in November 1992 — celebrated across India and abroad, together with the Pratham Poornahuti Samaroh at Anwalkheda, Gurudev’s birthplace, in 1995.

Spiritual legacy

Vandaniya Mataji left her physical body on 19 September 1994, joining Gurudev in the mission’s living memory. Her example of compassion, selfless service and the awakening of women continues to guide the Gayatri Pariwar worldwide. The year 2026 marks her birth centenary (Janm Shatabdi), observed with reverence across the mission. Her spirit lives on wherever families take up the mission’s ideals — including here in Perth.