Jagadguru in Shimoga district
On the afternoon of 16th November 2011, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji started towards Shimoga district and reached the Hosahalli Agrahara near Shimoga town. Having been received with Poornakumbha, the Jagadguru had Darshan of Sri Channakeshava Swamy in the Agrahara and graced a public function in the “Gamaka Bhavana” where Dhuli Pada Puja was performed and a reverential welcome was rendered to the Jagadguru.
The Jagadguru blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam. Speaking about the contribution of Sri Kumarila Bhatta and Adi Shankaracharya, the Jagadguru stated that Sri Kumarila Bhatta refuted the Buddhists and established the importance of performing Karmas. Sri Adi Shankaracharya emphasized that the purpose of Karmas is to attain purification of mind, which is essential for undertaking the path of Jnana leading to Self-realization.
Giving the illustration of the wise usage of a rare book that is available on loan from a library for a short period, the Jagadguru pointed out that the human birth is indeed difficult to attain and must be put to good use. One has to study the Vedas, perform the actions enjoined therein, then develop dispassion and engage in Nishkama Karma and seek the Guru for final fulfillment in life. The Jagadguru expressed happiness at being in the agrahara that has been striving to preserve Sanatana Vaidika Parampara is being preserved.
Prathishta of Sri Mahalakshmi near Shimoga
The following day, the Pada Puja and Bhiksha Vandanam was offered to the Jagadguru from 8 AM to 9:30 AM. The Jagadguru then started from Hosahalli, had Darshan at the Harakere Shiva temple and the Sringeri Shankara Math in Shimoga, and reached Nidhige near Shimoga. The Jagadguru performed the Prana Prathishta of Goddess Mahalakshmi in a newly constructed temple and blessed the devotees. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru explained that though every man desires happiness in his life and shuns sorrow, this does not always happen in life. Everyone experiences a mixture of happiness and sorrow, as a result of our past good and sinful deeds. This realization is necessary to lead a proper life now, and will make one take to doing good deeds. While this will ensure positive results in the future, suffering in the present birth can be mitigated or done away only by surrendering to the Lord. All our faculties, power and talent will aid us only if the Lord’s grace is upon us.
Poornahuti of Rudra Yaga at Hosahalli
The Jagadguru then returned to Hosahalli Agrahara where Poornahuti of a Rudra Yaga was performed in His Divine presence. In the afternoon, the Jagadguru blessed the devotees with Mantrakshata and returned to Sringeri on the 17th evening.