Jayanti Celebrations of Vidyatirtha Foundation
Sandhya Vandanam Book Cover
Sri Vidyatirtha Foundation based in Chennai celebrated the 91st Jayanthi Mahotsavam of Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamiji in a grand manner in the city from 26th to 30th of November, 2008. The Celebrations were inaugurated by Dr. B.K.Krishnaraja Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharthiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore who hailed the Mahaswamiji as one among India’s greatest Saints and talked about His illustrious life that exemplied the Sannyasa ashrama.
Two DVDs published by the Foundation were released on the inaugural day by Harikatha exponent Brahmasri B. Sundara Kumar. The first is titled “Sacred Worship of the Sadguru” containing the Sacred Aradhana Pooja (performed every year) at Sringeri by Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji at the holy Samadhi shrine of His Guru along with a brief life sketch of His Guru Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamiji. The second DVD titled “Divine Guidance” contains a rare interview in Tamil with Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji.
During the days of the Celebrations, Brahmasri B. Sundara Kumar, who delivered a lecture series on Kapilopadesha as well as on Sandhyavandana Mahima. The attendees were also treated to Bhajans and divine Carnatic music that included the compositions of Sringeri Jagadgurus.
In the Valedictory function organised on 30th November, Justice Sri V.Ramasubramaniam, Judge, Madras High Court released the new audio CD titled ‘Devotion a lofty means to liberation’ containing the benedictory address of Sri Mahasannidhanam delivered in Tamil in the year 1961 at Chennai. Justice Sri Ramasubramaniam also released the Tamil version of the book “Edifying Parables” published earlier in English by the Foundation in the year 1995. This book contains parables narrated by Sri Mahasannidhanam culled from His public discourses and personal conversations. The new book is titled as ‘Arivootum Sirukadaigal’ and this 504 pages book is priced at Rs. 70 /- only.
Book Release Vidyatirtha Foundation 91st Jayanti
Brahmasri B.Sundarakumar released the new edition of the book Sandhyavandanam and the audio CD on Sandhyavandanam. This rare book contains translations of two exquisite essays penned by Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigl on the significance of Sandyavandanam and Gayathri Mantra. The book also contains Jagadguru’s profound expatiation of the mantras of the Sandhyavandana based on the commentary of Sayanacharya and His independent explanatory notes. This book with CD is now available at Rs.100 /-
Dr.V.Mahadevan former Professor, Indian Institute of Technology who delivered the Jayanthi address recalled the thrilling experiences he had with the Jagadguru and shared the lessons he learnt from Him.
Brahmasri M. Vinayaka Udupa, a scholar in Vyakarana, and presently teaching at the Pathashala in Sringeri was honoured at the Celebrations with a citation, a shawl and a cash award.
Scholarships to students of Shastras was also distributed to meritorious students of Madras Sanskrit college as well as prizes related to the Inter-Collegiate oratorical competition conducted by the Foundation were distributed.