New shrine to be dedicated to Torana Ganapati
The shrine of Torana Ganapati located near the entrance of the Sri Math premises is a special one. Since the consecration of this shrine , Sri Torana Ganapati has been propitiated by the Jagadguru’s of the Sharada Peetham at Sringeri.
Over 400 years ago when the Math and its temples & properties were in danger of attack by petty chieftains in neighbouring areas fighting for power, the then Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Sri Nrisimha Bharati (IV) went into contemplation. When in contemplation, he heard a voice which directed him to pray to the God (physically) nearest to him. Searching, the Jagadguru found the form of Sri Mahaganapati on the threshold above his head – literally “Torana”. Completing the necessary consecration rituals and worshiping Lord Ganesha, the Jagadguru distributed prasadam to the assemblage. With the blessings of Lord Ganesha the impending danger was averted. It should be noted that before the era of Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji, the Jagadgurus of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham resided in the North-bank of Tunga. Since then, the Jagadgurus of Sringeri Sharada Peetham have been propitiating Torana Ganapati.
The present structure in which the shrine of Sri Torana Ganapati is housed, is nearly two centuries years old and owing to natural aging factors and the peculiar climate characterised by heavy rains for almost five months annually, in Sringeri, has developed signs of aging and structural weakness. With the blessings and under the guidance of the present Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, a new shrine will be dedicated to Sri Torana Ganapati in place of the present structure.
Unlike the old structure which was entirely built in brick and mortar (used in those days), the new shrine will entirely be build in Granite on lines of the recently built and consecrated magnificent temple of Sri Adi Shankaracharya in Dravidian style of temple architecture.
Thus, the temple will not only withstand the vagaries of time and weather but also stand tall and strong for posterity and as a testimony to the eternity of Vaidika Sanatana Dharma for fraternity of future generations of Astikas.
The Samkalpa for building the new Shrine and for seeking the necessary blessings for the successful completion of the proposed temple shrine, were performed by the Administrator and CEO of the Sringeri Math and its properties, Guruseva Dhurina Dr. V. R. Gowrishankar under the Acharyatva of Brahmasri Narahari Bhatt, Asthana Archaka at the shrine of Sri Sharadamba, in the morning today, the 26th of September 2012. During the puja, spectators noticed the spontaneous falling of flowers from murti of Sri Torana Ganapati, which is considered a good omen.
The pratima of Sri Torana Ganapati is now housed in a shrine located in the precincts of the adjoining temple of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Sri Torana Ganapati will be worshiped in the new temporary shrine till the completion and consecration of the proposed new building.
Photographs taken during the event are given below.
Gallery
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