Sringeri News Bulletin - February 2008
Uttarayana Punyakala
This year the Uttarayana Punyakaala fell on January 15 2008. In order to celebrate the Punyakaala special emphasis was laid to offer special worship at all the temples at Sringeri with utmost reverence and prayers . The Shri Jagadguru personally visited and had Darshan of all the deities at Sringeri .The function was observed with splendour at Sringeri.
Lalita Panchami
On Feb 11 2008, Lalita Pachami was observed. To celebrate this event The Jagadguru performed a special Puja to Goddess Sharada at Sharadamba temple at Sringeri. The event is a great significance inview of Goddess Sharadambal’s ever omniscient presence at Sringeri. The event also marked the observance of special prayers to the goddess sharadambal for universal prosperity.
Ratha Saptami Celebrations at Sringeri
Jagadguru at Ratha Saptami Puja performed by Chief Priest of Goddess Sharada temple
Jagadguru performing abhisheka to Lord Suryananaraya on Rathasaptami
On Feb 13 2008, Ratha Saptami was observed. In order to mark the event prayers are offered to Lord Surya in the morning ,the chief priest of Goddess Sharada temple offered Puja to Lord Surya seated on a sandalwood chariot, in the presence of the Shri Jagadguru. This took place in the heritage structure made by reassembling centuries-old pillars which were supporting the Parijata Thoti that housed the temple of Sri Adi Shankara. At mid-noon, Puja to Lord Surya was performed by the Shri Jagadguru at Suryanarayanaswamy temple, Elmagge near Narasimha Vana Sringeri.
Jagadguru lays foundation stone at High School
On 20th February, the Jagadguru went to Torehedlu Silver Jubilee of Government High School. On this occasion, the Jagadguru laid the foundation stone for a new library to be named Sri Bharati Tirtha Granthalaya and released a souvenir. In His benedictory address, the Jagadguru said "Education is man's priceless wealth. No one can steal this wealth. Hence everyone should strive to earn the wealth that is education. A student must study with diligence and without any room for sloth. It is essential for the student to acquire humility along with education. Only then can education be deemed complete and meaningful. One must always show respect to one's teachers irrespective of one's exalted office, learning and wealth. One must never think that I know everything and develop pride. One must realize that there is so much more to learn and remain humble." It is worth noting that this school is amongst the dozens of schools whose students are offered midday-meals by the Peetham under its Nitya Annadana scheme.
Jagadguru Performs Kumbhabhisheka at Anjaneya Temple in Sringeri
Jagadguru worshipping at Anjaneya temple
On 26th February, the Jagadguru went to the Anjaneya temple located in Bharati Street, the main street of Sringeri. The day marked the completion of the temple’s 12th year. To commemorate the Kumabhishekam event,The Jagadguru worshipped the deity, referred locally as ‘Chapparada Anjaneya’ and performed Kumbhabhishekha at the renovated temple. The Jagadguru also blessed the devotees with an Anugraha Bhashana.
Government announces conferring Padmashri award to the Administrator
On the eve of the Republic day, the Government of India announced the conferring of Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, on the Administrator of the Peetham, Guru Seva Dhurina Sri V R Gowrishankar for his outstanding contributions in the field of social work and development of the Malnad region in general and Sringeri Mutt in particular.This is one of the most prestigious award by the government of India to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals in diverse fields.
Jagadguru lays foundation stone for Raja Gopuram at Sringeri
On 28th February, the Jagadguru with His divine hands laid the foundation stone for a huge Rajagopuram that would measure more than 100 ft, at the Peetham’s entrance. Foundation was also laid by the Jagadguru for a massive 200-room guest house near the precincts of the Shri Mutt entrance.