Vyasa Puja and Commencement of Chaturmasya Vrata
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham performed Vyasapuja and undertook Chaturmasya Sankalpa on July 9, 2017 along with His Uttaradhikari Shishya, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, at Guru Nivas, Narasimha Vanam in Sringeri.
During the course of the elaborate worship, three groups of Acharyas were worshipped by the Jagadguru. The Jagadguru first worshipped Lord Krishna surrounded by the four Sanatkumaras. This was followed by worship to the Vyasa Panchakam with Bhagavan Veda Vyasa in the centre and surrounded by His four principal disciples, namely, Maharshis Sumantu, Jaimini, Vaishampayana and Paila. Thirdly Jagadguru worshipped Acharya Panchakam that had Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the center surrounded by His four primary disciples – Sri Padmapadacharya, Sri Sureshwaracharya, Sri Totakacharya and Sri Hastamalakacharya.
Then Tulasi Archana was offered to all the previous Acharyas of the Peetham by reciting the Guru Parampara Stotram.
Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam then took the Chaturmasya Vrata Sankalpa, wherein Their Holinesses pledged to stay in one place, spending more time in solitude and contemplation, and in reflection of the Vedantic import. It was a stirring sight for devotees far and near to behold Sri Mahasannidhanam taking His 43rd Chaturmasya Sankalpa and Sri Sannidhanam taking His 3rd Chaturmasya Sankalpa.
Pada Puja to the Jagadguru was offered on behalf of all devotees. Offerings of various Maharajas were then submitted. Sri Sannidhanam then distributed Tirtha Prasada to all devotees.
In accordance to the practice of having Darshan of the presiding deity before commencing the Vrata, the Jagadgurus had Darshan at the Adhishtanams of the predecessor Acharyas, and at all the temples including those of Goddess Sharadamba, Lord Vidyashankara and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Ubhaya Jagadgurus also had Darshan at the temple of Bhagavan Veda Vyasa in Narasimha Vanam. A couple of days earlier, on the evening of Paakshika Pradosham day, the Jagadgurus had Darshan at the Lord Malahanikareshwara temple.
On the evening of Vyasapuja day, the Math’s Sri Shaankara Tattvaprasaara Abhiyan arranged a program called “Guru Saparyaa” at the Pravachana Mandira of the Math premises. Many devotees actively participated in the recital of the Stotras and Ashtottaras of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Veda Vyasa and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Ashtottara of the 35th Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji was also chanted, this year being His birth centenary year. Devotees in various parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu took part in the Guru Saparyaa program in their locations on every Sunday till the Chaturmasya ended.
On the following day (July 10, 2017), the Ubhaya Jagadgurus performed Uttara Puja. Sri Sannidhanam then blessed devotees with Pushpa-prasada.