Gaudiya Math Succession Crisis

1941

After Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati's death, Gaudiya Math fractured due to:

• No clear successor designated in will or records
• Two rival factions:

  Ananta Vasudev faction

  • Supported by Sridhar (later Sridhara Swami)
  • Ananta recognized as strongest scholar
  • Accused of sexual misconduct
  • Mysterious death claims (murder alleged)

  Bhag Bhazar faction

  • Led by remaining sannyasis
  • Materially stronger institutionally
  • Rejected Ananta's leadership

Consequences:

• Irreparable schism in Gaudiya Math
• Violent conflicts and property disputes
• Murder allegations surrounding Ananta's death
• Legitimacy crisis from sexual misconduct claims
• Fragmentation into multiple lineages