Jagadgurus start from Sringeri on a Vijaya Yatra
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam started from Sringeri on a Vijaya Yatra on the afternoon of June 10, 2015.
The Yatra being the first significant one spanning several weeks for Sri Sannidhanam, the Jagadgurus had Darshan at the Rishyashringeshwara Swamy temple at Kigga a couple of days earlier on the evening of June 8, 2015. At 4:30 PM, just before the Jagadgurus started from Guru Nivas towards Kigga, there was a short shower and all the pathways and roads wore a fresh green look. The Jagadgurus, en route to Kigga, had Darshan at the Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple at Haradagodu. The Jagadgurus then arrived at Kigga to a reverential welcome and had Darshan of Lord Rishyashringeshwara Swamy and Goddess Shanta. As the Jagadgurus performed Pradakshina, there was once again a mild shower, as if to signify that Lord Rishyashringeshwara was pleased and was showering His blessings on the impending Yatra to be taken by Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam.
On 10th June 2015, Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam, after granting Darshan to devotees at Guru Nivas, had Darshan of Goddess Sharadamba, Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada and Sri Torana Ganapati. Sri Sannidhanam then walked in a procession to have Darshan at the Rajagopalaswamy temple at the base of the Sri Malahanikareshwara Swamy temple. After having Darshan at the temple where Sri Mahasannidhanam had recently performed Jeernoddharana Kumbhabhisheka, Sri Sannidhanam climbed up the hill to the Sri Malahanikareshwara temple to join Sri Mahasannidhanam, who had also arrived at the temple. The Jagadgurus then had Darshan of Lord Stambha Ganapati, Lord Malahanikareshwara and Goddess Bhavani. The day also marked the Prathishta day of Goddess Bhavani and the Jagadgurus graced the Poornahuti of a Navachandi Yaga held in the temple premises on the occasion.
Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam came out of Sri Sacchidananda Vilas at about 3:00 PM in the afternoon and started from Sringeri, commencing the Vijaya Yatra.
Chikmagalur
At around 6 PM, Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam arrived at the Sringeri Shankara Math, Chikmagalur. After having Darshan at the Sannidhis of Lord Mahaganapati, Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Goddess Sharadamba, Sri Mahasannidhanam blessed the large gathering of devotees with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that the memory of coming to Chikmagalur shortly after His Sannyasa, along with His Guru, was still afresh in His mind even though forty years had passed. Back then, the Ubhaya Jagadgurus had performed the Prathishta Kumbhabhisheka at the Sringeri Shankara Math in Chikmagalur. And now, His Holiness and His Shishya had started on a Vijaya Yatra, after the latter’s Sanyasa Sweekara, and had come to Chikmagalur. Whenever the Sringeri Jagadguru graces the town, the devotees of Chikmagalur deem it a festive occasion and consider it a fortune to receive the Jagadguru and listen to His discourse. Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that it is for this reason that He had come to Chikmagalur and blessed the assembled devotees.
Hassan
At around 7 PM on 10th June 2015, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam arrived at the Sringeri Shankara Math, Hassan to a rapturous reception. After having Darshan at the Sannidhis of Lord Mahaganapati, Sri Chandramoulishwara, Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Goddess Sharadamba, the Jagadgurus graced a public function where Dhuli Pada Puja was first performed. Sri Srikantaiah, Dharmadhikari of the Math, welcomed the Jagadgurus and explained how the Hassan Math was functioning as a Dharmic centre under the guidance of Sri Mahasannidhanam.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam said that every one must examine his/ herself every day and inquire whether their conduct is akin to that of Satpurushas (noble people) –
प्रत्यहं प्रत्यवेक्षेत नरश्चरितम् आत्मनः ।
किं नु मे पशुभिस्तुल्यं किं नु सत्पुरुषैरिव ॥
When we inquire into our actions, we can realize the faults in our conduct and thereby make efforts to correct them. Company of noble souls and belief in God, as the witness of our actions and dispenser of their fruits therein, help us to regulate our conduct.
Speaking about the importance of faith, Sri Sannidhanam related an incident from the Poorvashrama of His Parameshthi Guru (Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji). It was His practice, in His Poorvashrama, to have an empty Asana (seat) nearby when doing Parayanam of Srimad Ramayanam. When enquired, He replied, “Do we not know that Lord Hanuman is present wherever the glory of Lord Sri Rama is recited?”-
यत्र यत्र रघुनाथकीर्तनं तत्र तत्र कृतमस्तकाञ्जलिम् ।
बाष्पवारिपरिपूर्णलोचनं मारुतिं नमत राक्षसान्तकम् ॥
Such has been the faith and conviction of Mahatmas in the words of the Shastras.
Similarly, it is well known that the company we keep plays a major role in shaping our character. Sri Sannidhanam cited the example of Karna, who was implored by Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself to join the Pandava camp before the Kurukshetra war. Karna, however, refused owing to the allegiance he owed to Duryodhana who was an epitome of Adharma. The company of the evil-minded Duryodhana had clouded Karna’s power of reasoning. Hence, it is important to be in the company of noble- minded people. In this regard, Sri Adi Shankaracharya states – लोके सज्जनसङ्गतिरेका भवति भवार्णवतरणे नौका (the company of Satpurushas is verily the boat to cross the ocean of Samsara).
Curbing the ego is also very essential in spiritual life. We find that there are people who achieve a lot and implement noble tasks. However, when others praise them, pride enters their heads. Instead of giving room for ego and pride, one must feel that that the Lord has used him as an instrument for completing a noble task.
Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam stating that He was blessed to be under the tutelage of His Guru, who had taught Him all the Shastras, and had bestowed Sannyasa on Him. Sri Mahasannidhanam then blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam. Sri Mahasannidhanam expressed joy at the fact that the Sringeri Shankara Math at Hassan is a spiritual centre with active participation from many devotees. Wealth, power and status do not guarantee peace of mind. True peace of mind ensues only from knowledge of the tenets of Vedanta and the practice of spiritual values. Everyone must try to cultivate a spiritual bent of mind and engage in spiritual practice every day.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya, in His short life of 32 years, travelled the length and breadth of the country to propagate spiritual vigour in the minds of the masses. He showed those reeling under temporal pleasures that true bliss lies in spiritual knowledge.
He stated, “That indeed is knowledge that leads to the calming of the senses” – तज्ज्ञानं प्रशमकरं यदिन्द्रियाणां. What must be known is that Tattva which has been expounded in the Upanishads – तज्ज्ञेयं यदुपनिषत्सु निश्चितार्थम् – the Paramatma Tattva. ते धन्याः भुवि परमार्थनिश्चितेहाः – It is they that are blessed who are ever-engrossed in spirituality, have immense faith in the Lord and go along the path leading to the knowledge of the Self. शेषास्तु भ्रमनिलये परिभ्रमन्ति – all others wallow in the delusion of Samsara. These words of Bhagavatpada have to be properly understood and reflected upon repeatedly. Only then will our lives be truly peaceful.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then made a reference to the Shaankara Tattva Prasaara Abhiyanam which has been organized by the Peetham with the intention of conducting monthly spiritual discourses in towns and cities across Karnataka. Last year, the Jagadguru had inaugurated these discourses in Bijapur, Gulbarga and Raichur by the Jagadguru Himself delivering discourses in early 2014. While thousands came to listen to these discourses, the discourses given by scholars in the subsequent months did not garner great response. Sri Mahasannidhanam opined that people wish to have peace and satisfaction in life but are not ready to follow what can give them that peace. People do not have the inclination to regularly listen to spiritual discourses or imbibe their teachings.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then remembered the services of Guru Bhakta Tilaka Rao Bahadur Nanjundaiah who, during his lifetime, had offered the area (where the Sringeri Shankara Math in Hassan is located) to His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji. Sri Mahasannidhanam also remembered the efforts of the erstwhile Dharmadhikaris of the Math, namely, Sri C S Krishnappa, Sri Gunduraya, and Sri Krishnaswamy. Sri Mahasannidhanam also had special words of praise for the Hassan Math Dharmadhikari, Sri Srikanthiah. Remembering the many visits of His Guru and Himself to Hassan, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that the time had come for Him to grace Hassan with His successor designate. Sri Mahasannidhanam exclaimed that it was a matter of immeasurable joy to have obtained a suitable Uttaradhikari Shishya who is well-versed in the Vedas and Shastras. Sri Mahasannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam by blessing the devotees and stating that the traditional devotion of the citizens of Hassan towards the Sringeri Jagadgurus would continue to flow as the Ganges.
The following morning, Sri Mahasannidhanam blessed the devotees and started for Haradanahalli while Sri Sannidhanam gave Darshan and blessed the devotees with Mantrakshata, and moved to Baragur.
Haradanahalli
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam arrived at Haradanahalli in Hassan district on the morning of June 11, 2015 and was received at the entrance of the Sri Deveshwara Swamy temple by the former Prime Minister of India, Sri H D Deve Gowda, and his family. Sri Mahasannidhanam had consecrated the shrines in the temple during the Dakshina Bharata Vijaya Yatra in 2012. On this occasion, Sri Mahasannidhanam offered Puja to Sri Deveshwara and then performed the Kumbhabhisheka atop the newly built Rajagopuram.
A public function immediately took place to commemorate the Kumbhabhisheka. Sri Deve Gowda’s son, Sri Revanna, reverentially welcomed the Jagadguru. Speaking on the occasion, Sri H D Deve Gowda said that he had no words to describe the greatness of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham and its Acharyas. He expressed that amidst all Peethams, the Sharada Peetham stood unique as a torchbearer of Sanatana Dharma. He also said that he had the honour and blessing to have been a recipient of the grace of the previous Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji and the present Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji. The devout Sri Deve Gowda also shared that it has been his practice to behold the photos of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada and the photos of the Jagadgurus on waking up every day. He emotionally stated that it was a great blessing for him to have witnessed, at the twilight of his life, the divine sight of the Jagadguru performing Puja to the Lord and Kumbhabhisheka to the Rajagopuram.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that devotion towards the Lord runs deep in the blood of the people of this nation since time immemorial. It is our firm faith that it is by the will of the Lord that the world functions, that the Lord is impartial and gracious to all who devotedly seek Him, and if one has not been a recipient of His Grace, then it is not the Lord’s fault but only due to a lapse in one’s own devotion towards the Lord. Our ancestors had great faith in these matters. When Prahlada was asked where God was, his answer, to illustrate the omnipresence of God, was “Tell me where God is not.” It was to prove this all-pervading nature that the Lord manifested from a pillar. Since we are not evolved to realize the omnipresent Lord, we consecrate the Vigraha of the Lord in temples and offer worship. Temples are not to be viewed as structures limiting the Lord; rather, they are merely places for us to focus our attention towards the all-pervading Lord. It does not mean that the Lord is not present outside temples. Hence, temples have been in place in our nation since time immemorial. Every village is a testimony to this fact. The temples in every village and town have been centres to support and deliver a man in distress. This fact need not be proved for it is in the direct experience of everyone.
Hence, it is important to care for temples in villages and towns. Realizing this fact, Sri Deve Gowda and his family had constructed the temple for Lord Deveshwara and have now constructed a Rajagopuram. Sri Mahasannidhanam said that it is the fortune of Haradanahalli to have such a temple. The Rajagopuram has to be considered as a symbol of the development and good future of the village and its residents.
Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that Sri Deve Gowda, despite having occupied the high office of the Prime Minister of the country, had always remained devoted to the Lord and had felt that he had occupied that office only due to the Lord’s Grace. Sri Mahasannidhanam praised Sri Deve Gowda’s Astikya (piety), Bhagavad Bhakti (devotion to the Lord) and Dharma Shraddha (faith in Dharma) and blessed him.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then started from Haradanahalli and reached Baragur by around 1:30 PM. Early in the evening, the Jagadgurus graced Anekere and blessed the devotees at Pattabhirama Mandira. Sri Mahasannidhanam, in His Anugraha Bhashanam, said that we should learn from the Avatara of Sri Rama that it is possible to live a complete life without swerving from the path of Dharma. Sri Mahasannidhanam also stated that the Murti Prathishtha (consecration of the idol) of Sri Ramachandra must take place in the Mandira and blessed the devotees. The Jagadguru then walked to the ancient temple of Chenna Keshava Swamy in the Anekere Agrahara, had Darshan and returned to Baragur.
Kumbhabhisheka of Goddess Mahalakshmi at Baragur
In the evening function organised at Baragur on 11th June 2015, to welcome and honour the Ubhaya Jagadgurus, devotees led by Sri Attavara Ramadas offered their respectful pranams. Sri Ramadas explained how the inspiration to build a temple for Goddess Mahalakshmi had come to him and how he had sought the blessings and guidance of Sri Mahasannidhanam at every stage. He expressed great joy that his wish that the Prathishtha happen only by Sri Mahasannidhanam was coming true.
Sri Sannidhanam, in His Anugraha Bhashanam, stated that the natural inclination of man towards the acquisition of wealth can only fructify with the Grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi. He stressed upon the importance of earning by adherence to Dharma. Sri Sannidhanam also elaborated on charity given to the right person at the right time, without any expectation of return. One can donate to charity in accordance to one’s own ability. Sri Sannidhanam recounted an incident from the life of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada when the Acharya, then still in His Poorvashrama and a young Brahmachari, had sought Bhiksha at the house of a poor family. The lady of the house finding nothing else, offered a dry gooseberry with great sincerity. Pleased by the offering, the young Shankara had prayed to Goddess Mahalakshmi by composing the Kanakadhara Stotram, and the Goddess had showered gold and made the poor family wealthy. Such was the power of charity! Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam offering Pranams to His Guru.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Mahasannidhanam spoke about Sri Adi Shankaracharya and His work to establish the tenets of Vedanta in the heart and soul of Bharatavarsha. Pointing that people had affiliated themselves to one form of God or the other and had began quarrelling over the supremacy of their respective deities, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that it was Sri Adi Shankaracharya who explained that the same Divine Consciousness manifests in various names and forms.
Sri Mahasannidhanam recounted that once a (Vaishnava) scholar suggested during the occasion of Sri Rama Navami, that a committee be formed for the celebrations of the birth of Sri Rama in a grand manner throughout India, and the President and the Secretary of the Committee be accepted as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Jagadguru, in His Anugraha Bhashanam at that time, replied to the suggestion that the next time Mahashivaratri needs to be celebrated, a similar all-India Committee must be formed and Sri Rama and Mother Sita be appointed the President and Secretary of the Committee. This, however, did not seem acceptable to the scholar as he saw differences between the forms of God.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya taught that the same Divine Consciousness has manifested in different forms and emphasized not to have such discriminating thoughts regarding the Lord. Sri Shankaracharya taught that all prayers dedicated to various forms will ultimately reach the same Lord – as can be seen from the teachings in the various Shastric texts of Sanatana Dharma.
Sri Mahasannidhanam had special words of praise for Sri Attaavara Ramadas, who built the temple and was devotedly firm that only the Jagadguru of Sringeri consecrate Goddess Mahalakshmi in the temple.
Accordingly, at about 8 AM the following morning (June 12 2015, Jyeshtha Krishna Ekaadashi), the Jagadguru Mahasannidhanam performed the Prathishtha of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Sri Mahasannidhanam also consecrated shrines for Lord Ganapati and Sri Krishna. Sri Sannidhanam blessed the devotees with Phala Mantrakshata.
Kumbhabhisheka of Goddess Swarnambika at Balaganchi
The Ubhaya Jagadgurus arrived at the village of Balaganchi in Hassan district at around 10 AM on 12th June 2015. Thousands of people from the nearby villages assembled and witnessed the arrival of the Sringeri Jagadgurus. Sri Mahasannidhanam then performed the Jeernodharana Kumbhabhisheka of Goddess Swarnambika (Honnadevi) in the newly erected magnificent temple. Sri Sannidhanam performed the Shikara Kalashabhisheka atop the Vimana of the temple.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam said that our human body, a vehicle to adhere to Dharma, is put to best use when used in the service of the Lord. We must not be akin to a donkey carrying sandalwood and having no inkling of the value of the load. A wise man would put a rare object, that has become his, to good use. Similarly, we must have the wisdom to put our human birth, which is so rare to get, to good use. We must realize in this human birth that the suffering one faces is due to his past Adharma and the joy obtained is due to the Dharma adhered to in the past lives. Consequently, one must shun Adharma and practise Dharma now.
Sri Mahasannidhanam, in His Anugraha Bhashanam said that in times of difficulty, it is natural for anyone to remember his or her mother, for no one desires a child’s good more than the mother. Even if her child has fallen into evil ways, the mother always desires only good for her child. Such is the greatness of the mother. Bhagavatpada has said – कुपुत्रो जायेत क्वचिदपि कुमाता न भवति. Emphasizing the greatness of the Divine Mother, our ancestors have said –
आपदि किं करणीयम् ? स्मरणीयं चरणयुगलम् अम्बायाः ।
तत्स्मरणं किं कुरुते ? ब्रह्मादीनपि किङ्करी कुरुते ।
What does one need to do in times of danger? One has to remember the Lotus Feet of the Divine Mother. What does such remembrance bring about? It helps overcome all miseries and leads to fulfillment in life. Remembrance of the Mother also delivers us from all fear – दुर्गे स्मृता हरति भीतिमशेषजन्तोः. It is also by the grace of the Divine Mother that our intellect functions correctly. That the same Mother is manifest in many forms is known from Her words – एकैवाहं जगत्यत्र द्वितीया का ममापरा – “There is no one in this Universe besides Me.”
Sri Adi Shankaracharya too sang in praise of Goddess Sharadamba – “भजे शारदाम्बाम् अजस्रं मदम्बाम् – “I am ever in service of my Mother, Goddess Sharadamba”, and in praise of Goddess Lakshmi even in His childhood.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then said that His Paramaguru, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji had toured in the Channarayapatna region in 1924 and the residents of the villages including that of Balaganchi, Hirisave and Matigatta had performed Pada Puja at that time and had received blessings from the Jagadguru.
Sri Mahasannidhanam expressed joy at the consecration of Goddess Honnadevi in the newly-built temple, and that so many thousands had gathered at the village, unmindful of the inconveniences, to behold the Kumbhabhisheka and be a recipient of the Grace of the Ubhaya Jagadgurus. Sri Mahasannidhanam said that He had offered prayers to the Goddess for the well-being of all and blessed the gathering.
In the evening, Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam went to the ancient temple of Lord Narasimha in Balaganchi and had Darshan.
At Hirisave
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam arrived at Hirisave in Hassan district on the evening of 12th June 2015. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed by the principal devotees, the Jagadgurus blessed the gathering with Anugraha Bhashanams.
Sri Sannidhanam, in His Anugraha Bhashanam, said that Sanatana Dharma has been followed by great personages in various Yugas. Citing the example of Nala, Sri Rama and Yudhishthira in the Krita, Treta and Dwapara Yugas, Sri Sannidhanam said that many great persons have been torch bearers of Sanatana Dharma in the present Kali Yuga too.
The greatness of this Dharma is that the Lord Himself incarnates to protect it. Sri Sannidhanam then extolled the incarnation of Sri Rama as the epitome of Dharma. While we get angry when we are denied something that we do not even deserve, Sri Rama was unperturbed when He was asked to go into exile. This happened at a juncture when He was about to become the crown prince. Such was Sri Rama’s adherence to Dharma that He felt that even the directive of going into exile had to be followed unflinchingly as it had come from His father.
Thus, in His incarnation as Sri Rama, the Lord showed that it is possible to stick to Dharma even under the most trying circumstances. We must consider such trials and tribulations in our lives as tests to check how sincere we are in our adherence to Dharma. The Shreyas that we attain by passing such tests, i.e. by sticking to the path of Dharma and overcoming these trying situations in life, will be immense.
Sri Sannidhanam also stressed that one must stay away from the path of Adharma, for it is only the indulgence in Adharma that causes our misery and not any external agency or person. Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam stating that our lives can be happy if we remain Dharmikaas (righteous and noble people).
Sri Mahasannidhanam, in His Anugraha Bhashanam, said that Sri Adi Shankaracharya has pointed to four qualities that are rare and worth earning. The first quality is that when charity is done, it has to be done speaking words of good-will to the donee. Many donate but, when doing so, hurt the feelings of those in need. Even if a small amount is being given in charity to the person in need, offer it with kindness.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then said that the second rare quality is to cultivate the practice of engaging in charity when endowed with wealth. Most of us do not want to give away our hard-earned money; we want to take it along with us, even after death – मृतोऽप्यर्थं न मोक्ष्यामि बद्ध्वा नेष्यामि मूर्धनि । Our forefathers have revealed a method for such people. We cannot take away this wealth of ours in this very form. However – इति चेत् सुदृढा बुद्धिः पात्रे देयमशङ्कितम् । If we have donated to a worthy person, it will come along with us even after death. Only these noble acts of Dharma fructify in future.
Pointing out the third rare quality of humility in a well-read person, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that only that which brings about both learning and humility can be called education. The Jagadguru then quoted a shloka from Mahakavi Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsha Mahakavyam,
सुतौ लक्ष्मणशत्रुघ्नौ सुमित्रा सुषुवे यमौ ।
सम्यगाराधिता विद्या प्रबोधविनयाविव ॥
The Jagadguru explained that the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna were born to Sumitra even as education, when undertaken well, begets the twins of knowledge and humility.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then mentioned that the fourth rare quality is to cultivate patience while being in power. Several people have plenty of strength and capability, but they lack patience. Even if a person commits a small mistake, he is either given a huge punishment or spoken to with strong language. It must be remembered that there is none who has committed no mistake – न कश्चिन्नापराध्यते । Hence it is not right to punish a man for the small errors he commits. The powers vested in an individual must always be tinged with patience, tolerance and forgiveness.
Thus, Sri Adi Shankaracharya has pointed out to us the four rare qualities – i.e. charity given with pleasing words, wealth along with the disposition to engage in charity, learning with humility, and power coupled with patience and tolerance – that ought to be cultivated.
The devotees assembled felt great joy when Sri Mahasannidhanam concluded His Bhashanam by pointing out that while the previous Jagadgurus of Sringeri have travelled in the region and blessed the people, this was the first time that the Sringeri Jagadguru was camping at Hirisave and performing the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja. Everyone then witnessed the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja and the Sri Chakra Puja performed by Sri Mahasannidhanam.
The following morning, the Ubhaya Jagadgurus had Darshan at the Chaudeshwari temple in Hirisave and gave Darshan to the devotees, blessing them with Aasirmantrakshatas.
Jagadgurus at Shivaganga Math
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam arrived at Shivaganga Math to a rapturous reception, amidst heavy showers, by thousands of devotees. Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji, the Mathadhipati of Shivaganga Math welcomed the Jagadgurus with Poornakumba Swagata. The Swamiji then performed Dhuli Pada Puja to Sri Mahasannidhanam. The Swamiji with deep-felt devotion and joy performed Paduka-Samarpanam, and then Chatra & Chamara Seva. He also devotedly offered Rudraksha Malas to Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam. Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji then offered a silver Peetham to Sri Mahasannidhanam.
On behalf of the devotees of Shivaganga Math, Sri Ashok Haranahalli, former Advocate General of Karnataka, welcomed the Sringeri Jagadgurus and expressed how the grace of the Jagadgurus have always been a guiding light to the Shivaganga Math. Referring to the description of a Guru in Bhagavatpada’s he said that the Sringeri Jagadguru is an exemplar of the Guru mentioned therein and offered a reverential welcome.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Puroshottama Bharati said that the Shivaganga Math was established by the 24th Acharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji, for the propagation of Dharma in the region, and has been functioning ever since under the guidance and direction of the Sringeri Jagadgurus. Expressing great joy that his prayer to the Sringeri Jagadguru to grace Shivaganga had fructified on the day, the Swamiji said that everyone felt doubly happy that the Jagadguru had graced Shivaganga along with His Uttaradhikari Shishya.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Sannidhanam said that all our possessions, wealth and knowledge will be useless if we do not have devotion towards the Guru.
It is well known that man behaves the way he wants and tends to go along the path of Adharma without much thought and ends up suffering a lot. Hence, it is important to have access to a power that will direct our minds along the right path. It is the Grace of the Guru that will purify and regulate our minds and prevent us from taking the wrong path. By mere instruction, the Guru sets the mind of His disciple along the path of welfare.
Many have direct experience in this regard. Many have felt helpless at various junctures in their lives, sought refuge under a Guru and have overcome their trifles by the Guru’s Grace and by following the Guru’s Upadesha (instruction). Even if a person is a great scholar, a magnate or even an emperor amongst men, he cannot tread the path of welfare but for the Grace of the Guru.
Even Sri Adi Shankaracharya, who was an Avatara of Lord Parameshwara, and had mastered the Vedas by the age of eight, sought refuge in His Guru, Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada. The great Acharya did so to show the importance of the Guru in one’s life and also to imply that however great one may be, he would still have to develop a reverent attitude towards the Guru and remain a dutiful Shishya serving the Guru.
We must remember that all our suffering has at its root, Ajnana (ignorance) and this Ajnana can be removed only by the Grace of the Guru and His Upadesha. Even in ordinary life, we find that if a man comes across a rope, mistakes it for a snake, and freezes in his tracks not knowing what to do, he would need an external guide to reassure him that what he sees as a snake is only due to his ignorance and is actually just a rope. Hence, if one has to have his Ajnana – the cause of all suffering – removed, it can happen only by receiving Upadesha from the Guru.
However, the Guru may not give us Upadesha just because we have sought refuge in him. We will have to acquire the necessary competence to be instructed by the Guru. This competence comes to us by dedicatedly serving the Guru. Shedding all pride and ego, one must serve the Guru sincerely. To illustrate this, Sri Sannidhanam narrated an incident from the early life of His Paramaguru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, after He had received initiation into Sannyasa. Sri Sannidhanam said that it was a practice of the attendant of His Parameshti Guru, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji, to always be ready at the summons of the Acharya and hence he would always remain just outside the Acharya’s room. Even at night, the attendant would sleep right outside this room. One night, during winter in Sringeri, the attendant felt too cold and slept at a cozy corner a little distance from the Acharya’s room. However, he soon woke up feeling guilty that he had neglected his duty. He realised that if the Acharya were to call him, he would be out of earshot and so made his way back to the spot outside the Acharya’s room. As he neared the Acharya’s room, he realised that there was someone else sitting near his spot. As he went closer, he was shocked to find the young Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji Himself sitting outside the room of His Guru. Such was the Guru Bhakti and Guru Seva that the Mahaswamiji had towards His Guru! The attendant begged pardon and realised the exemplary ideal that was being set in the service of the Guru.
Sri Sannidhanam said that He had shared this to illustrate that how ever accomplished one may be, one must never exhibit his achievements or status before the Guru but serve Him instead with a pure mind. The Shastras warn that one who disregards or disrespects the Guru will end up being a tree in a cemetery in a future life. Hence, we must take great care when we associate ourselves with the Guru and serve Him for the removal of our ignorance through His Grace.
Sri Sannidhanam then reflected on the unbounded Grace of His Guru, Sri Mahasannidhanam, who bestowed upon Him the Sannyasa Ashrama, and has been teaching all the Shastras to Him. Sri Sannidhanam stated that just as milk lends its taste and pristine colour to water when the latter comes into contact with it, He had surrendered to His Guru and His Guru has graced all His own qualities upon Him.
Speaking about Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji, Sri Sannidhanam said that he shared a close bond with the Swamiji, even from the times of their Poorvashrama (pre-monastic days). Sri Sannidhanam remembered that when He was still a Brahmachari, and the Swamiji was still in His Poorvashrama, with the inclination of embracing Sannyasa, they had both sat in the temple of Sri Adi Shankaracharya at Sringeri, and performed Parayanam of the entire Krishna Yajur Veda in five days.
Sri Sannidhanam then recounted the time when Sri Mahasannidhanam had instructed Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji to take up the headship of the Shivaganga Math. The Swamiji had agreed after Sri Mahasannidhanam had said that His Anugraha would ever be with the Swamiji. Sri Sannidhanam stated that on the occasion of coming to Shivaganga, He was witnessing this Anugraha of Sri Mahasannidhanam on the Swamiji. Sri Sannidhanam ended His Anugraha Bhashanam expressing happiness at the activities being carried out by the Swamiji at the Sivaganga Math, with the Anugraha of Sri Mahasannidhanam and Goddess Sharadamba.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then blessed the huge gathering with His Anugraha Bhashanam. He began His Bhashanam stating that an event that had occurred 35 years back in the Shivaganga Math had repeated again. In 1980, Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati Swamiji, the Paramaguru of Purushottama Bharati Swamiji, had invited His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) and Himself to the Shivaganga Math, and had organized a similar program, offering His respects to the Sringeri Jagadgurus and ensuring that all devotees had the fortune of beholding the then two Jagadgurus of Sringeri.
Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that He had come 35 years ago with His Guru and now He had come with His Shishya. And once again, Sri Puroshattama Bharati Swamiji had ensured that all the present-day devotees could have the fortune of having the Darshan of the two Jagadgurus of Sringeri.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then explained the beautiful relationship between the Sringeri Jagadguru Mahasamsthanam and the Shivaganga Math. Even though there are many Maths in Karnataka, and amongst these, many Advaita Maths as well, it is only the Shivaganga Math that has, from its time of inception, revered the Jagadgurus of Sringeri in an unbroken tradition. Sri Mahasannidhanam said that, in recent times, the present Shivaganga Mathadhipati, Sri Puroshottama Bharati Swamiji and His predecessor Mathadipatis, i.e. Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji, his Guru Sri Visweshwarananda Bharati Swamiji, his Guru Sri Sacchidananda Abhinava Subrahmanya Bharati Swamiji and his Guru Sri Subrahmanya Abhinava Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji, had all received the grace of the Sringeri Jagadgurus and had been appointed as heads of the Shivaganga Math directly by the Sringeri Jagadgurus. Hence, all these Mathadhipatis have had great Shraddha and Bhakti towards the primary Jagadguru Peetham at Sringeri.
Sri Mahasannidhanam said that He had directly seen the devotion of four generations of Mathadhipatis from the time of Sri Sacchidananda Abhinava Subrahmanya Bharati Swamiji. When the then Shivaganga Mathadhipati Sri Subrahmanya Bharati wished to take a Shishya, he approached our Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji and sought His refuge in finding a suitable Shishya. At that time, just as Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji in his Poorvashrama had come to Sringeri from Vijayawada in pursuit of Sannyasa, Sri Marti Venkateshwara Shastri had come from Vijayawada to Sringeri in pursuit of Sannyasa. With the blessings of Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, he was initiated into Sannyasa with the monastic name of Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati and was staying at Sringeri. It was at this time, that Sri Subrahmanya Bharati Swamiji from Shivaganga approached the Sringeri Jagadguru and the Jagadguru had instructed the Swamiji to accept Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati as the Shishya. Accepting the Jagadguru’s verdict, the Swamiji accepted Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati as his Shishya in 1969. The senior Swamiji was already around 80 years old and the newly initiated successor-designate was in his mid-sixties. It was a sight to behold such elderly Sannyasis in the Guru-Shishya role for the devotees of the Shivaganga Math. After being under the tutelage of his Guru for 8 years, and post his Guru’s Videha Mukti, Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati Swamiji headed the Shivaganga Math for five years. He too had approached us for a Shishya and we had sent a qualified young candidate from the Sringeri Pathashala named Sri Seetarama Sharma. The young Brahmachari had been duly initiated into Sannyasa with the monastic name, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati. After the time of Sri Vishweshwarananda Bharati Swamiji, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati became the Mathadhipati. As he could not spend a lot of time with his Guru, we had sent a Paramahamsa Sannyasi named Yogananda Bharati to train Sri Sacchidananda Bharati in the Sannyasa Ashrama Dharma. Sri Mahasannidhanam then stated that His Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) and He Himself had given all the various Mantropadeshas for Sri Sacchidananda Bharati. By the power of his Anushtanam, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati brought about many developmental activities in the Math.
Sri Mahasannidhanam then, to the amazement of everyone, remembered that it was exactly three years back, on June 13, 2012, that Sri Sacchidananda Bharati had His Darshan as He arrived at Pondicherry and the following day, June 14 2012, he had invited the Jagadguru to the Pondicherry branch of the Sivaganga Math, and had performed Pada Puja with great joy and reverence.
Sri Purushottama Bharati, in His Poorvashrama, was immersed in Vedic lore and had a pure conduct. When Sri Mahasannidhanam had graced Vijayawada in 2013, he had expressed the desire to embrace Sannyasa. Upon Sri Mahasannnidhanam’s direction, he came to Sringeri. It was at this time that the disciples of Shivaganga Math sought refuge seeking a Mathadhipati. When the Jagadguru affirmed that Sannyasa would be given but that he would have to take up the headship of the Shivaganga Math, Sri Purushottama Bharati expressed that he had no desire to take up such a position that may bring in a number of issues, and wished to remain in Sringeri and engage in Vedantic inquiry.
Responding that the Sringeri Jagadgurus are duty-bound to revive the Shivaganga Math, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that even if one goes to the Himalayas, there will be problems. However, one need not get perturbed by them. We must have the determination that we will be able to face all issues with the Grace of Mother Sharadamba and our Guru. The solutions to all issues will be wrought about by the Mother. Even in the life of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada, so many problems arose. Bhagavatpada viewed them all as a test, rose above them and overcame them all. Hence, there is no reason for hesitation.
Accordingly, Sri Mahasannidhanam said He had sent a Srimukha (letter of blessings) to the principal devotees of the Shivaganga Math, and the Swamiji was instated as the Mathadhipati on Chaitra Krishna Dashami in 2014. Sri Mahasannidhanam expressed joy at the way the Swamiji was conducting the affairs of the Math. Many disciples of Shivaganga Math had come to Sri Mahasannidhanam as well expressing gratitude for having selected such a Swamiji to head the Math.
“Everything will function very well during Your time” – Remembering how His own Guru (Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji) had thus blessed Him after giving Sri Vidya Upadesha, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that all that was happening was due to the blessings of His Guru. Such being the blessings of the Guru, the Swamiji too need not have an iota of doubt in running the Shivaganga Math. Sri Mahasannidhanam also remarked that the Math would function very well during the time of the Swamiji. Sri Mahasannidhanam then blessed the developmental activities being undertaken in the Shivaganga Math and assured that all activities would, by the Grace of Goddess Sharadamba, proceed without obstacles.
Sri Mahasannidhanam said that the Swamiji, ever since He became the Mathadhipati of the Shivaganga Math, had been requesting Him to grace Shivaganga. Sri Mahasannidhanam also stated that the visit to Shivaganga had taken place only because of the purity, sincerity and devotion of Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji. Sri Mahasannidhanam expressed great joy at having come to Shivaganga and made reference to the fact that Lord Varuna seemed even more pleased as He had showered a strong spell on His arrival.
Pleased with the devotion of Sri Swamiji, Sri Mahasannidhanam honoured the Swamiji stating that the honour would serve as a Kavacha – armour – so the Swamiji can discharge his duties as the Mathadhipati with aplomb.
Early in the morning of 14th June 2015, Sri Mahasannidhanam had Darshan, offered Pushpam and performed Mangala Aarati to Goddess Sharadamba and Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada. Later, Sri Sannidhanam had Darshan of Goddess Sharadamba and Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada and graced the Poornahuti of the Ganapati Homa conducted on the occasion. Sri Sannidhanam, accompanied by Sri Purushottama Bharati Swamiji, then went to the Subrahmanya temple on a hillock in the Math premises and had Darshan. Thereafter, the Ubhaya Jagadgurus granted Darshan to the devotees. Poornahuti of the Rudra Homa conducted on the occasion took place in the divine presence of Sri Sannidhanam and the Shivaganga Math seer.