Sringeri Jagadgurus at Kotekar
On 11th April 2015, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam started from Sringeri at around 9 a.m. and arrived at the Sringeri Shankara Math, Kotekar, Mangalore by noon to a rapturous welcome by devotees led by Sri Satyashankara Bollava, Dharmadhikari of the Math and Sri Vasudeva, President of Shankara Prathishtana, Mangalore.
Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam had Darshan at the shrines of Lord Mahaganapati, Goddess Sharadamba and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Thereafter, Poornahuti of a Rudra Homa took place in the divine presence of the Acharyas. The Acharyas then gave Darshan to devotees.
In the afternoon, the Dharmadhikari of the famous Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple, Dr. Veerendra Heggade called upon Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam to have Darshan. After paying obeisances, Dr. Veerendra Heggade reminisced on the visits of Sri Mahasannidhanam and His Guru, the 35th Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, to Dharmasthala.
The Acharyas then graced the Guru Vandana program organized by Shankara Prathishtana of Mangalore. A Binnavattale or Citation was read on the occasion and submitted to Sri Mahasannidhanam by Dr. Veerendra Heggade and Sri Satyashankar Bollava. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Veerendra Heggade described the strong bond between Sringeri and Dharmasthala. He also remembered some of the prinicipal teachings and anecdotes of the Jagadgurus. He recounted how the 35th Acharya had once pointed that we concentrate well when asked to count a bunch of currency notes, but fail to do so when doing Japa or when chanting an Ashtottara Shatanamavali. He said he was blessed to have a car used by the 35th Acharya in his museum in Dharmasthala, and explained how it came to be part of his museum. Dr. Heggade also said that Sri Mahasannidhanam preferred unalloyed Bhakti to ostentation and it was evident from the fact that Sri Mahasannidhanam readily graces functions organized by poor yet devoted communities such as that of the fishermen on the Mangalore coast. He also noted that it was his experience that Sri Mahasannidhanam involves himself in all activities for the welfare of all, yet remains aloof as a lotus leaf remains on water but never gets wet. Dr. Veerendra Heggade also revealed that the Guru Vandana function was the first function that he was attending after having received the nation’s second highest civilian award – the Padma Vibhushan – a few days back. Though many felicitation functions were being organized for him, he stated that it was very apt that he first sought the blessings of the Jagadguru.
The Guru Vandana function was also attended by a number of political leaders. Speaking on the occasion, Sri U T Khader, Karnataka State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, offered pranams to the Jagadgurus and prayed that he be guided along the right path in the service of the people. Sri Khader also requested that if he were to be impelled towards indulging in an act that is contrary to his duty, the Jagadguru’s blessings tie his hands and prevent him from actually doing so.
Anugraha Bhashanam of Sri Sannidhanam
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam explained that Bhagavan Himself has said that people will follow the path set by noble persons – यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरोजनः । स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ This teaching, though given to Arjuna, is applicable for us all. Consequently, we have to not only follow noble persons but evolve into a noble person too. Sri Sannidhanam then posed a question as to how one can become noble. Explaining the answer, Sri Sannidhanam said that the first quality one must possess is Aastikyam i.e. one must be an Astika. An Astika is one who has firm faith in the Law of Karma, and in the existence of God as the impartial dispenser of the fruits of Karma. Even if many atheists come up with arguments against the existence of God, an Astika’s faith will not be shaken. When a person has such firm faith and remains an Astika, he will realize that he has to abstain from wrong deeds, and engage in righteous actions to ensure his own well-being and happiness.
The second quality one must develop is to be devoted to God and remember God at all times. It is this quality that makes us pure and eventually leads to beatitude, stated Sri Sannidhanam. We find such deep rooted devotion in many characters in our Puranas. Sri Sannidhanam then went on to explain the devotion of two great Bhaktas – Prahlada and Markandeya. When Prahlada was subject to various forms of torture inflicted by his own father, he came out unscathed. His unflinching devotion to the Lord made even the Lord attend upon him. Finally, in order to save Prahlada, the Lord manifested as Narasimha. The omnipresent Lord could have simply appeared, but just to prove true the words of his dear devotee, He manifested from the pillar. One must also realize that it was of no consequence that Prahlada was the son of the evil Hiranyakashipu. The Lord graced Prahlada merely on account of his true devotion to Him. This can also be observed in the case of Markandeya, the ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. When Yama, the Lord of Death, came to take away the life of Markandeya, the Lord appeared to save and bless Markandeya.
Sri Sannidhanam said that we are sure to tread the path of nobility when we have Astikyam and Bhakti. We observe this in our ancestors. Our lives too will be sanctified (when we have Astikyam and Bhakti) and we will end up being noble beings, declared Sri Sannidhanam. By observing us, those around us would also get inspired, thus bringing about the welfare of the entire world.
Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam stating that He was blessed to be the disciple of His Guru who has bestowed all knowledge and who, out of unbounded compassion, has initiated Him into Sannyasa Ashrama.
Anugraha Bhashanam of Sri Mahasannidhanam
Sri Mahasannidhanam then blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam. Sri Mahasannidhanam began His Bhashanam speaking about the deep bond between Dakshina Kannada region and Sringeri. There exist detailed descriptions of the travels of even the 27th Acharya, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Mahaswamiji, in the region two and half centuries ago. The Acharya had graced various places such as Kundapura, Haladi, and Udupi. Upon the invitation of the then Mathadhipati of the Maadhva Sampradaya at Udipi, the Acharya was received with due honour by the Mathadhipati. During His Yatra in the region, the Acharya had also worshipped Lord Krishna at Udipi. Such has been the devotion and faith of the people of the Dakshina Kannada region towards the Sringeri Jagadgurus. Sri Mahasannidhanam declared that the bond between Sringeri and the people of Dakshina Kannada is founded on Dharma. People in the region revere the Sringeri Jagadguru as the One who will throw light on the Dharmic path while the Sringeri Jagadgurus have looked upon the people of the region as completely worthy of Their Dharma Upadesha.
Sri Mahasannidhanam also recounted that His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji), during His first Vijaya Yatra that began in 1956, spent two months in Dakshina Kannada gracing various towns in the region. He was also received with great reverence at Dharmasthala by Sri Ratnavarma Heggade (the then Dharmadhikari of the Manjunatha Swamy temple and father of Dr. Veerendra Heggade).
Sri Mahasannidhanam also mentioned that the Kotekar Math has been sanctified by the divine presence of Goddess Sharadamba and by the many visits of His Guru who blessed the devotees.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then spoke about the greatness of Dharma and said that it does not have Kaala Dosha i.e. aspects of Dharma such as Ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word and deed), Asteya (abstinence from stealing the property of another), Satya (speaking the truth), etc will always remain as Dharma.
Sri Mahasannidhanam next addressed the following question commonly posed by people – Are not Dharma, Nyaya and Satya tenets of the past and are they applicable in this 21st century? In response, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that the Shastras answer this question and declare that one who resorts to Adharma, Anyaaya and Asatya might temporarily prosper but will meet with imminent downfall. We all have observed this in the past and continue to see this happening to this day.
Another question that some people have is with respect to the relevance of Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s teachings in the present times. Sri Maha Sannidhanam stated that Sri Adi Shankaracharya has given a number of instructions that are applicable to all and for all times to come. Take, for instance, these four simple instructions –
गेयं गीता नामसहस्रं ध्येयं श्रीपतिरूपमजस्रम् ।
ज्ञेयं सज्जनसङ्गे चित्तं देयं दीनजनाय च वित्तम् ॥
Chant the names of the Lord, remember the Lord’s form, be in the company of Satpurushas and donate to the needy.
Sri Mahasaniidhanam questioned if the above instructions did not apply to all and at all times. When we remain in the company of Satpurushas, our lives become pure. When we donate to the needy, our wealth is utilized in the right manner. When we remember the Lord, our lives become purposeful. When we chant the Lord’s Name, our speech becomes sanctified.
We must remember that the foresight and magnanimity of Sri Adi Shankaracharya encompassed all people for generations to come.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then quoted the following prayer taught by the great Acharya:
“Remove my ego, control my mind from running towards objects of desire, nurture in me compassion towards all living beings, and help me cross the ocean of Samsara”. Who will not be benefitted by such a prayer, asked Sri Mahasannidhanam.
People engage in wrong deeds because they feel that they can escape the clutches of the Law. However, people will do well to remember that the Lord is a witness to everything and none of our actions are hidden from Him.
To illustrate this, Sri Mahasannidhanam recounted an episode from the Mahabharata.
When Sanjaya narrated that Abhimanyu was mercilessly and cunningly killed by six powerful warriors (Atirathas) led by Duryodhana, even Dhritarashtra was unable to bear it. He expressed great regret at this unjust act and said, “What answer would I be able to give if, after death, the Lord asks me to justify this act of my son?”. Sanjaya replied “This is not the only question that you will have to face, O King! You will also be answerable to a number of other questions related to past events: Why did you cooperate when a plan was hatched to murder the Pandavas in the palace made of lac? Why did you allow Draupadi to be humiliated in your court? Please prepare answers for all these quesitons, O King!”. So, if we have to refrain from misdeeds, we have to be wary of our ego. Hence the prayer by Sri Adi Shankaracharya that our ego be eradicated.
The Jagadguru further explained that it is the experience of everyone that the joy of any achievement remains only for a few days. However, we act towards different ends due to our innumerable desires. Hence the prayer that one’s mind gets controlled.
There is no necessity to perform charity towards those who are in no need. Hence the prayer that the Lord give us the inclination to donate to the needy.
Such is the greatness of Sri Adi Shankaracharya whose timeless teachings continue to guide us all. Sri Mahasannidhanam remarked that it is the duty of those who have come in the lineage of Sri Adi Shankaracharya to propagate this teaching.
The Jagadguru expressed that the Grace of His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) and Goddess Sharadamba is responsible for all the Dharmic activities during His 25-year reign as the Peethadhipati of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham.
The Jagadguru said that it was His duty to ensure that the unbroken lineage of Jagadgurus in the Peetham continues. By the Grace of His own Guru and Amba, He had given Sannyasa and appointed His successor – who is a scholar in the Shastras, is endowed with noble conduct and is affectionate towards disciples.
The Jagadguru expressed that it is a matter of joy that Sri Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala temple and a beloved disciple of His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) was present on the occasion. The Jagadguru also said that it is a matter of pride for everyone in the region that he has been conferred with the Padma Vibhushan award (the nation’s second highest civilian award). Like his father, Sri Veerendra Heggade has also always had the same reverence towards the Sringeri Jagadgurus, and ensures that the centuries-old relationship between Dharmasthala and Sringeri will continue.
The Jagadguru also blessed the political leaders assembled saying that all politicians of the state have a special reverence towards the Sringeri Sharada Peetham because the Sringeri Jagadgurus have never directly associated themselves with any political issues, and without expecting any sort of favour, the Jagadgurus have guided everyone equally towards serving the society. The Jagadguru also said that if at all there was any expectation, it was only that the elected leaders fulfill the trust of the citizens who had elected them to power. The Jagadguru blessed the leaders by invoking the Lord to bless them with strength and wisdom to serve the people.
The Jagadguru ended His Anugraha Bhashanam blessing the devotees at the Kotekar Math and the members of Shankara Prathishtana for organizing the Guru Vandana program.