Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

Sri Durgamba Rathotsava

March 10, 2009

Jagadguru worshipping goddess Durga on rathotsava day

The Rathotsava of Goddess Durga, the guardian-deity of the South installed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, took place on March 5th. The Jagadguru Shankarcharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji offered a special worship to Goddess Durga at noon. This year, a new Ratha was offered at the shrine and the Rathotsava took place in the Jagadguru’s presence with great fervor and was attended by thousands of devotees. As part of the dedication of the new Ratha, a Shatachandi Mahayaga was performed with the Poornahuti happening a day prior to the Rathotsava in the Jagadguru’s divine presence.

The rathotsava of goddess durga in the new ratha in the presence of the jagadguru

Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names