| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Pandit of Kashi |
| Profession(s) | Vedic Scholar, Astrologer, Sanskrit Academic |
| Physical Stats | |
| Height (approx.) | 5' 5" (165 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
| Career | |
| Honour | 2025- Padma Shri for his lifelong dedication to Sanskrit scholarship, astrology, and his pivotal role in the Ram Mandir ceremonies |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 9 December 1958 (Tuesday) |
| Age (as of 2024) | 66 Years |
| Birthplace | Ramnagar, Varanasi |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Ramnagar |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Family | |
| Parents | Father- Pt Raj Rajeshwari Shastri Dravid (Deceased) (Astrologer) |
| Siblings | Brother- Pandit Vishweshwar Shastri (Scholar of Sanskrit and Vedanta) |
Some Lesser Known Facts About Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid
- Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid’s ancestors moved to Kashi by the end of the 19th century. Talking about his ancestors, he was quoted as saying in one of his interviews that
My great grandfather Ramchandra Shastri, who was from Krishna Yajurveda tradition, was the first to come to Prayagraj with the sand of Ramsetu from Rameshwaram on foot. After completing the rituals of making shivling with that sand in the Ganga at Prayagraj he arrived in Kashi.”
- His father, Laxman Shastri, is recognised for founding the esteemed Vedic institution, Shri Vallabhram Shaligram Sanged Vidyalaya, in Varanasi in 1921 with the support of Kashi Naresh Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh and generous donors from Bengal and other regions of the country.
- Ganeshwar Shastri is a senior scholar connected with the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a respected group of Vedic experts. He has played an important role in keeping Vedic knowledge and astrology alive and sharing it with others.
- Along with his academic work, he was one of the people who officially supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi.
- In 2024, Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid was the one who determined the auspicious timing for the Pran Pratishtha during the foundation stone laying of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, as well as for the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid (extreme left, wearing a white turban) at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024
- He was responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and anchoring the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. According to him, the mahurat (22 January 2024) was perfect and “will keep the temple intact till the existence of the sun and moon.”
- When asked about what thoughts went behind selecting the right mahurat for Shri Ram Temple, he was quoted as saying in one of his interviews that
It will be Abhijit Muhurt when Lord Vishnu destroys uncountable Doshas (flaws) with his Sudarshan Chakra. Lord Ram was born in the same muhurt. Due to Guru’s position, the muhurt selected for consecration will ensure progress in the field of education, develop positive minds, bring positive ideas and improve mental state of people, and develop righteousness.”
- He was taught about the Vedas by his father, and after his father passed away, Ganeshwar took charge of the Shri Vallabhram Shaligram Sanged Vidyalaya in Varanasi.
- As of 2025, Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid is a respected Jyotish scholar and a renowned priest at Shri Vallabhram Shaligram Sanged Vidyalaya in Varanasi.
- Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid owns a Shastrarthashaala in Kashi, where the methods of Shastra and rituals are taught.
- Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid dedicated his whole life to studying and teaching the Vedas and performing sacred rituals (Yajnas). He chose not to get married or start a family. He lives a simple life, walks barefoot, and strictly follows spiritual disciplines and moral principles.
- He has the ability to handle major religious challenges calmly and wisely. He also actively and passionately helps spread religious teachings.
