Mahashivaratri 2017
Mahashivaratri was observed at Sringeri by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam on February 24, 2017. Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam arrived in a procession along with Thorana, Vadya Ghosha, Veda Ghosha etc. at the ancient temple of Sri Malahanikareshwara at around 11:30 AM on Mahashivaratri day. Sri Sannidhanam had Darshan at the temple. After worshipping Sri Stambha Ganapati, Sri Mahasannidhanam performed a special Pooja to Lord Malahanikareshwara with Phala-Panchamrita Abhisheka and Rudrabhisheka. Thereafter, Sri Mahasannidhanam performed a special Pooja to Goddess Bhavani.
Sri Sannidhanam performing Abhisheka to Lord Chandramoulishwara on Shivaratri
In the evening, Sri Mahasannidhanam commenced the first Yaama Pooja of the Chaturyaama Mahashivaratri to Lord Chandramoulishwara in Gurunivas. The Guru Nivas hall was filled with devotees from various parts of the country, and from abroad. Sri Sannidhanam performed Chandramoulishwara Pooja during the second, third and fourth Yaama of the Mahashivaratri. The Chaturyaama Poojas to Lord Chandramoulishwara concluded on the next day (February 25, 2017) by around 7:30 AM with Sri Sannidhanam performing Mahamangalarati in the presence of Mahasannidhanam.
At around 12 noon the same day, the Poornahuti of the Maharudra Yaga, that had commenced four days earlier, took place in the divine presence of the Jagadgurus.
On February 26, 2017, the Jagadgurus proceeded to Sri Malahanikareshwara temple at around 10:30 for Darshan and to initiate the proceedings of the grand Malahanikareshwara Rathotsava. As soon as the Jagadgurus reached the temple, Aarati was performed. The Utsava Murti was taken in a procession subsequently to be placed in the grand Ratha in front of Sri Sharadamba temple. Then Sri Malahanikareshwara Rathotsava took place with Sri Sannidhanam leading the procession.
On February 27, 2017, the Utsava Murti of Lord Malahanikareshwara and Goddess Bhavani were brought ceremoniously to the Sharadamba temple and in the divine presence of Sri Sannidhanam, the priests enacted a humorous dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati followed by Mahamangalarati and Ashtavadhana Seva. This Utsava is called Sandhaana Utsava. Teppotsava of Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami and Sri Bhavani Amba was celebrated in the evening of February 28, 2017.