VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH — In the world of Vedic astrology and spiritual counselling, Dr. Nudurupati Umamaheswara Rao Sharma, popularly known as Umaswami, has built a name for himself over the past decade. Based in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he is the founder and CEO of Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham, an institution dedicated to the study and practice of astrology. He is the son of Nudurupati Hanumantha Rao Sharma and Leelavathi, and traces his roots to Pedakurapadu village in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district, before establishing his present-day practice in Vijayawada.
Dr. Umaswami's early life in Pedakurapadu, a village in Palnadu district known for its agrarian and traditional roots, is a background he has referenced as formative to his interest in astrology and Vedic sciences. Like many practitioners who trace their grounding in traditional Indian knowledge systems back to smaller towns and villages before building a client-facing practice in a larger city, his move to Vijayawada — one of Andhra Pradesh's key commercial and cultural centres — reflects a common trajectory for astrologers seeking a wider client base while retaining the traditional grounding associated with their native region.
A Decade of Astrological Practice
According to Dr. Umaswami, he has spent more than 10 years practising and studying astrology, during which he says he has earned multiple certifications in the field. He describes this period as one dedicated to deepening his understanding of Vedic astrology, horoscope analysis, and traditional remedial practices, alongside building a client base that spans Vijayawada and the wider Andhra Pradesh region.
Over this period, he states that his consultations and guidance have reached and been trusted by more than 50,000 people across the region. He attributes this growing following to word-of-mouth referrals and repeat consultations from families seeking guidance on matters ranging from career and relationships to health and general life direction. As with most figures in the astrology-consultation space, a client base of this size is based on the practitioner's own account rather than independently audited records, and should be read accordingly.
Dr. Umaswami states that his clientele includes people from all walks of life, including political leaders such as MLAs, MPs, and ministers, as well as TV actresses and other public figures, for whom he performs pujas and offers astrological guidance to help resolve personal and professional problems. These specific client claims, like similar claims made by astrologers across India, have not been independently confirmed and rest on Dr. Umaswami's own account of his practice.
Interaction with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Dr. Umaswami has stated that he has had the opportunity to meet and interact with senior figures in India's central government, including Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, whom he describes as having appreciated his work in the field of astrology and community service. He cites the interaction as a notable moment in his professional journey and one that he says has encouraged him to continue his work at a wider level. As with the other client and recognition claims referenced in this profile, this account of the meeting rests on Dr. Umaswami's own description and has not been independently verified through official government sources.
Areas of Consultation
Dr. Umaswami's practice centres on Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, applied across the areas his clients most commonly bring to him: horoscope and Kundali analysis, marriage and relationship compatibility matching, career and business guidance, health-related astrological consultation, and remedial measures such as pujas intended to address specific planetary doshas or obstacles a client may be facing. This range mirrors the typical scope of a full-service Vedic astrology practice in South India, where horoscope matching ahead of marriage and dosha-related remedial pujas remain among the most frequently requested services.
Recognition and Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Umaswami has been conferred an honorary doctorate in astrology by Missouri State University in the United States of America, a recognition he cites as validation of his years of study and contribution to the field of astrology. He often uses the "Doctor" title alongside his name in professional settings, presenting it as an acknowledgment of his long-standing commitment to the discipline. As with honorary doctorates generally, this recognition reflects the awarding institution's own criteria and is distinct from an accredited academic doctoral degree earned through a formal, examined program of study — a distinction relevant to how the credential should be understood by the public.
He has also stated that he has received awards and recognitions from both state and central government bodies in acknowledgment of his work in astrology and community service, though specific award details have not been independently listed. Such recognitions, according to him, have reinforced his standing within the local astrology community and encouraged him to expand his practice further.
State President, NHRACCCI Foundation
Alongside his astrological practice, Dr. Umaswami holds the position of State President for Andhra Pradesh with the NHRACCCI Foundation, an organisation that describes itself as working on human rights protection and social welfare activities. According to membership documentation issued to him — a joining letter and member identity card dated 24 August 2026 — the foundation is registered as a Section 8 company with India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This affiliation reflects the organisation's own registration and internal membership process rather than a government appointment, and, as with the other recognitions described in this profile, has not been independently verified beyond the documentation provided.
Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham
As the founder and CEO of Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham, Dr. Umaswami leads an institution focused on imparting astrological knowledge and guidance to the public. The Vidhya Peetham, based in Vijayawada, functions as a hub for those seeking astrological consultation and learning under his mentorship.
The institution is positioned as both a consultation centre and a learning space, where interested individuals can approach Dr. Umaswami for personal readings as well as guidance on astrological concepts. He has indicated plans to continue expanding the reach of Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham, with an emphasis on making traditional astrological knowledge more accessible to the wider public, including those outside Vijayawada seeking remote or online consultation.
About Vijayawada's Growing Astrology Community
Vijayawada, one of Andhra Pradesh's key cities, has long been home to a strong tradition of astrology and Vedic sciences. Practitioners like Dr. Umaswami continue to draw local and out-of-state clients seeking guidance rooted in traditional astrological practices, alongside a broader ecosystem of temples, Vedic pathashalas and spiritual institutions that has made the city and the wider Krishna-Guntur region a notable centre for traditional Telugu astrological practice.
The city's continued association with astrology and spiritual counselling has allowed practitioners to build institutions, like Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham, that combine consultation services with broader community engagement. As interest in astrology continues to grow across Andhra Pradesh — driven in part by the same online consultation trends reshaping the astrology industry nationally — figures such as Dr. Umaswami are likely to remain prominent voices within this space, drawing attention both for their claimed credentials and their standing among a large base of regular clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dr. Umaswami specialize in?
His practice centres on Vedic astrology (Jyotish), including horoscope and Kundali analysis, marriage compatibility matching, career guidance, and remedial pujas.
Where is Dr. Umaswami based?
He practices from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and originally hails from Pedakurapadu village in Palnadu district.
What is Sri Gnanasaraswathi Vidhya Peetham?
It is an astrology consultation and learning institution in Vijayawada founded and led by Dr. Umaswami.
Is Dr. Umaswami's doctorate an accredited academic degree?
He holds an honorary doctorate conferred by Missouri State University, USA, which he presents as recognition of his contribution to astrology; this differs from an accredited academic doctorate earned through a formal examined program.
What is Dr. Umaswami's role with the NHRACCCI Foundation?
He serves as State President for Andhra Pradesh with the NHRACCCI Foundation, an organisation focused on human rights protection and social welfare, according to membership documentation issued to him.
How long has Dr. Umaswami been practising astrology?
He states he has been practising and studying astrology for more than 10 years.
