Sringeri News Bulletin - May 2008
Shankara Jayanti Celebrations
Jagadguru worshipping Shri Adi Shankara during Shankara Jayanthi celebrations
The Jagadguru arrived at Kundapura on 4th May and was accorded a warm reception amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns. The Jagadguru was brought in a beautiful procession by devotees to Sri Kundeshwara Swamy temple.
The Shankara Jayanti Celebrations took place from 6th to 10th May in the temple. Every day, Ekadasha Rudra Abhishekha with Mahanyasa was performed to Sri Adi Shankaracharya's icon. Daily Parayanas of the four Vedas, the Prasthanatraya Bhashyas, Madhaviya Shankara Vijayam, the traditional account of Sri Shankara's life, took place. Scholars delivered lectures on the life and teachings of the 8th century philosopher-saint. Vedic scholars from all over India took part in the Veda Sammelan conducted on the occasion in the Jagadguru's presence. Examinations were conducted for advanced students of the Vedas, such as those who had completed Krama and Ghana.
On 10th May, Shankara Jayanti day, the Jagadguru worshipped Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the afternoon. In the evening Sabha, the Jagadguru rendered an Anugraha Bhashanam highlighting Sri Shankaracharya's unique contribution to Sanatana Dharma. Vedic scholars were honoured while successful Vidyarthis were awarded certificates and shawls. Gold rings were awarded to Vedabrahmasri Sripada Krishnamurti Ghanapathi of Rajahmundry (Krishna Yajur Veda), Vedabrahmasri K.S.Manjunatha Ghanapathi of Tiruchi (Shukla Yajur Veda) and Vedabrahmasri Tukaram Dattatreya Mule of Pune (Sama Veda).
During the Celebrations, various competitions were held that included recitation of Bhaja Govindam and Soundarya Lahiri, essay-writing, elocution and art related to Sri Shankaracharya's life. Hundreds of people and children participated and were blessed by the Jagadguru on Shankara Jayanti.
As part of the Celebrations, many sewing machines and sarees were distributed to the needy while physically challenged people received tricycles and hearing aid-equipments in the Jagadguru's holy presence.
The Celebrations concluded with a grand procession of Sri Shankara's Utsava Murti along the main roads of Kundapura.
Jagadguru's Tour of Karnataka
On May 11th, the Jagadguru went to Nagachala near Kundapura, and performed Shilanyasa for an Annadana hall in the Ayyappa Swamy temple. By evening, the Jagadguru moved from Kundapura to Mangalore and graced the Centenary Celebrations of the Subrahmanya Sabha of the Sthanika Brahmana community, comprising of traditional devotees of the Peetham. The night Chandramoulishwara Puja was performed by the Jagadguru at Sringeri Shankara Math, Kotekar.
On 12th May, the Jagadguru graced the Brahmana Sammelan at the Subrahmanya Sabha. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru stressed the importance of Nitya Karmanushtana. The Jagadguru threw light on the role played by Brahmanas, and described how a Brahmana should conduct oneself in the society.
On 13th May, the Jagadguru reached Madikeri in Kodagu district. The citizens accorded a splendid reception to the Sringeri Jagadguru, commemorating his first ever visit to the district.
Jagadguru worshipping Goddess Kaveri at Talacauvery
On 14th May, the Jagadguru arrived at Talacauvery at 5 AM. After His bath and Anhika, the Jagadguru first performed Puja to Sri Agastyeshwara Linga. The Jagadguru then performed special Puja and Archana at the source of the holy river with 108 Suvarna Pushpas and sacred offerings. The ambience of the sacred place was a perfect blend of serenity and scenic beauty, and a big gathering had Darshan of the Jagadguru and witnessed the Puja performed to Mother Cauvery, the lifeline of millions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
On the return journey to Madikeri, the Jagadguru had Darshan at Sri Bhagandeshwara temple at Bhagamandala. At Madikeri, the Jagadguru had Darshan at Omkareshwara temple, and laid the foundation stone for the ancient Anjaneya temple.
In the afternoon, the Jagadguru blessed the inmates of Ashwini Hospital, and reached Ponnampet by evening and gave an Anugraha Bhashanam at Prashanti Nilayam. The devout gathering included monks of Sri Ramakrishna Math, which reveres the Sharada Peetham at Sringeri as the Guru Peetham.
Acceding to the earnest request of the monks, the Jagadguru graced the Ramakrishna Ashrama at Pannampet on the morning of 15th May.
By evening, the Jagadguru reached Mysore. The Jagadguru was brought in a silver chariot by scores of devotees from the Mysore Palace to the Sringeri Shankara Math – "Abhinava Shankaralaya". The Dhuli Padapuja was performed even as thousands of devotees milled around to have Darshan. The Jagadguru then blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
On 16th, the Jagadguru graced "Sharada Niketana" hostel and blessed the inmates. In the evening, a grand public function was organized in the Shankara Math premises to honour the Jagadguru. Many dignitaries spoke on the occasion extolling the greatness of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the Sringeri Guru Parampara, the guidance of the Sringeri Acharyas to the rulers of Mysore, and the long-standing devotion of the people of Mysore towards the Sharada Peetham and the Jagadguru.
On behalf of all the citizens of Mysore, and the disciples of the Peetham, the Administrator of the Peetham, Sri V R Gowrishankar was felicitated for his being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award. Eminent scholar, Vidwan H.L.N.Sastry, who has authored a number of books on Sringeri and its Acharyas, was honoured. The Jagadguru released a Kannada book compiled by Sri H.L.N. Sastry containing benedictory discourses of Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal. The Jagadguru also released a CD containing a digital version of the entire Rig Veda Sayana Bhashya with Kannada translation, that was published in the 1940's under the direction of the then Mysore Maharaja. Sri Kumar, Karnataka High Court Justice was the chief guest in the function. On the occasion, the Jagadguru released a free booklet containing two Stotras composed on the presiding deties of Mysore (Goddess Chamundeshwari and Mahabaleshwara Swamy) by His Parapara Guru, Jagadguru ‘Vriddha' Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal during one of His Vijaya Yatras to Mysore in the 19th century. Under the direction of the Jagadguru, the booklet was freely distributed to the devotees. The two Stotras are titled the Chamunda-Navaratnamala Stotram and the Mahabalesha Ashtakam. It may be noted that the other Stotram composed by the 32nd Jagadguru of the Peetham, is the famous Venkateshwara Karavalamba Stotram.
On May 17th, the Jagadguru worshipped at the Sapta Matruka Chowdeshwari temple at Vijayanagara in Mysore. The temple had been consecrated by the Jagadguru during His 2005 Yatra to Mysore. The current visit coincided with the 3rd Anniversary Celebrations of the consecration. As part of the Celebrations, a Maharudra Yaga was performed and the Poornahuti of the Mahrudra Yaga took place in the divine presence of the Jagadguru.
In the evening, the Jagadguru visited Goddess Chamundeshwari temple on the hillock and had Darshan of the Goddess and Lord Mahabaleshwara. On this occasion, the Chamunda-Navaratnamala Stotram and the Mahabalesha Ashtakam were recited by the priests. While returning, the Jagadguru graced Bharati Vriddha Sevashrama and blessed the inmates, and also had Darshan at Rajarajeshwari temple.
Jagadguru performing shankhabhisheka to lord
Lakshmi Nrisimha on the occasion of Narasimha Jayanti
On May 18th, Narasimha Jayanti was celebrated at the Shankara Math with the Jagadguru performing a special Puja to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. By evening, the Jagadguru started from Mysore and reached Hebbasur.
On May 19th, the Jagadguru graced the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Hebbasur Shankara Math took place in the Jagadguru's presence. As part of the Celebrations, Dashalaksha Kumkumarchana, Maharudra Yaga and Shatachandi Yaga were conducted. The Jagadguru halted at Hebbasur for a day and then moved to Chamarajanagar by May 20th evening.
Jagadguru worshipping Lord Chamrajeshwara
On 21st, the Jagadguru performed Puja at the Chamarajeshwara temple. The Jagadguru in His Anugraha Bhashanam pointed out the cordial relation between the temple and the Peetham. Jagadguru Sri Vriddha Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal had got a Ratha made for the temple during His time. This is also evident in the Ashtottara Shatanamavali of the Jagadguru - "Chamarajeshwara Shlaaghya Mahaaratha SamarpakaH". In the evening, the Jagadguru laid foundation stones for a Sringeri Shankara Math in Chamarajnagar, and a school in the same premises, and reached Nanjangud.
On 22nd, the Jagadguru worshipped at the famous Srikantheshwara temple. In the evening, a special function was organised where the Jagadguru blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam and honoured Vedic scholars and Archakas.
By 23rd evening, the Jagadguru reached KR Nagar where He was reverentially welcomed by Sri Shankara Bharati Swamigal of the Yadathore Yoganananda Saraswati Math. The following day the Jagadguru performed Shilanyasa for the renovation structure of an ancient Ishwara temple at Japadakatte near KR Nagar.
On 25th, the Jagadguru went to Hassan and after having Darshan of Goddess Sharada at the Shankara Math, proceeded to Sakharayapatna. The residents of the town extended a hearty and respectful welcome to the Jagadguru and honoured all the members of the Jagadguru's entourage.
The Jagadguru reached Sringeri by the evening of May 26th evening, had Darshan of Goddess Sharada and returned to Narasimha Vanam.