Ati-Rudra Mahayaga commences
Ati-Rudra Mahayaga, being performed at Sringeri on the occassion of the 61st Vardhanti Mahotsavam of Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, commenced today the 5th of April 2011 at around 8:30 AM. The Jagadguru graced the Yagashala specially built for the occassion at Narasimhavanam and performed the Samkalpa after which the ritwijas were given Diksha varstram, Rudraksha-mala and other artifacts required for performing the Yajna, in a ceremony called Varunam.
121 ritwijas who have come from all the four states of South India and from Maharashtra to participate in the event, will chant Rudra mantras of the Yajur Veda eleven times every day in the morning followed by Mangalarati at noon for ten days from today. Rudra-Kramapatha and archana will be conducted every evening followed by Mahamangalarati, throughout the ten days. The eleven day long event will conclude on the 16th of April 2011 with the Purnahuti ceremony at noon which will also be conducted in the august presence of the Jagadguru.
Facilities for Devotees
Giant screens and hi-tech audio systems have been installed at Narasimhavanam and the Math complex on the North Bank of Tunga river for the convenience of devotees. In view of the scorching sun at day time, carpets and Pandals have also been put up at Narasimhavanam and the Math complex on the Northern bank to provide ample shade to devotees who have gathered to witness the event. Also, packaged mineral-water cans have also been kept to quench the thirst of the many devotees, at various points in aesthetically constructed ethnic hut-like structures in Narasimhavanam.