(1911 – 2019)
Panditharathnam K P Achutha Pisharody was a revered Sanskrit scholar and teacher who dedicated over eight decades of his life to the propagation and teaching of the Sanskrit language.
Born on 5th April 1911 (Thiruvathira star in Meenam month, Kollavarsham 1086) to Kodikkunnath Thrikkovil Pisharath Narayanikkutti Pisharasiar and Pudusseri Manackal Pasupathi Namboothiri, Achutha Pisharody was deeply rooted in the traditional scholarly heritage of Kerala. He was the younger brother of the legendary Panditharathnam K. P. Narayana Pisharody, who lived for 108 years and was also a highly esteemed Sanskrit scholar.
Achutha Pisharody began his Sanskrit education under the tutelage of his elder brother and later became a disciple of Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanda Sarma at the Saraswadodyothini Sanskrit Pathasala. There, he earned the title of “Sahithya Shiromani” for his scholarly accomplishments.
In 1939, he began his formal teaching career as a Sanskrit teacher at Peringottukara School, Thriprayar. Over the years, he served in multiple educational institutions across Kerala and retired from Devdhar High School, Thanur (Malappuram District) in 1970. However, retirement did not mark the end of his teaching journey — he continued to impart Sanskrit education from his home until 2019, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to his life’s mission.
Honours and Recognitions
Achutha Pisharody’s lifelong contributions to Sanskrit and education were recognized through numerous awards and titles:
- Kodikunnu Devipuraskaram by Samoothiri Raja (2011)
- Panditharatnam Title by Vishwa Sanskrit Prathishtan (2012)
- Deviprasadam Award by OMC Trust (Olappamanna)
- Revathi Pattathanam Award by Samoothiri Raja
- Vachaspathi Award by Kadavalloor Anyonya Parishad
- Acharya Puraskaram from Aluva Thanthra Vidya Peeth
- Akshara Vandana Puraskaram by Alungal Mahadeva Temple
- Prof. Subbraraya Pattar Endowment Award
In addition to these accolades, he served as the Kulapathi (Head) of the Pisharody Samajam until his demise, earning respect and reverence from scholars, students, and the broader cultural community.
