Sri Shankara Jayanti Celebrations – 2009
Sri Adi Shankaracharya Murti at Hassan
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji observed this year’s Shankara Jayanti Celebrations at the Sri Sringeri Shankara Math in Hassan. Starting from Sringeri, the Jagadguru arrived at Hassan on 23rd April and was accorded a warm reception at Sri Sringeri Shankara Math, K.R. Puram, Hassan amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns. The Shankara Jayanti Celebrations took place from 26th to 29th April throughout the nation.
Jagadguru offering worship to Sri Adi Shankaracharya on Shankara Jayanti at Hassan
At Hassan, where the Jagadguru was camping, Ekadasha Rudra Abhishekha with Mahanyasa was performed daily to Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s idol. Parayana of the four Vedas, the Prasthanatraya Bhashya, Madhaviya Shankara Vijaya – the traditional account of Sri Shankara’s life, was performed daily. Scholars delivered lectures on the life and teachings of the pre-eminent 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.
Jagadguru with Vedic scholars awarded with gold rings
On 29th April, Shankara Jayanti day, the Jagadguru worshipped Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the afternoon and performed the grand ‘Kanakabhisheka’ to the idol therein. In the evening Sabha, the Jagadguru rendered an Anugraha Bhashanam highlighting Sri Shankaracharya’s unique contribution to Sanatana Dharma. The Jagadguru also released two books, entitled “Dharmattirkku Adhaaram Vedam” in Tamil, being a compilation of various benedictory discourses by the Jagadguru and “Atishaya Anubhavaamrita” in Kannada, being a compilation of the speeches and felicitations of Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswami and a Kannada translation of the book “Exalting Elucidations” published by Sri Vidyatirtha foundation on behalf of the Math, respectively. Vedic scholars were honoured while successful Vidyarthis were awarded certificates and shawls. Gold rings were awarded to Vedabrahmasri Chintapalli Anjaneya Ghanapathi of Hyderabad (Krishna Yajur Veda), Vedabrahmasri Ganesha Ghanapathi of Tirupati (Shukla Yajur Veda) and Vedabrahmasri Yogesha Manohar Borkar of Goa (Rig Veda).
As part of the Celebrations, many sewing machines were distributed to the needy while physically challenged people received tricycles, walking sticks 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 K.R. Puram, Hassan to the accompaniment of Veda Ghosha by scholars and Bhajana by devotees.
On the 30th of April, the Jagadguru reached Sringeri in the evening.