123rd Varshikotsava of Sringeri Pathashala
Shravana Shukla Shashthi which fell on July 29, 2017 marked the 123rd anniversary of the Sri Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala. The Pathashala’s students and teachers gathered at Guru Nivas at 9am. The Ubhaya Jagadgurus graced the event which began with Guru Vandanam. Amidst Vedic chantings and prayer, Vidwan M.A. Nagaraja Bhat, the Principal of the Pathashala, Veda Brahma Sri C. Krishna Bhat, the Superintendent of the Pathashala, along with teachers and students performed Phala-Pushpa-Samarpanam to the Ubhaya Jagadgurus. Sri V R Gowrishankar, CEO of the Sringeri Math was also present during the event. Pathashala Principal, Vidwan M.A.Nagaraja Bhat presented the annual report of the Pathashala before the Jagadgurus.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Veda Brahma Sri Kuppa Shivasubrahmanya Avadhani, Principal of the T.T.D Veda Pathashala, Tirupati, distributed prizes to the students who took part in various competitions held by the Pathashala. In his speech, Sri Avadhani discussed aspects mentioned in the Taittireeya Upanishad corresponding to principles to be observed by a Brahmachari studying under his Guru.
New Principal for the Pathashala
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, Sri Mahasannidhanam stated that His Paramesthi Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji established the Pathashala with the objective of fostering the study of the Vedas and Shastras. Following the path laid by the 33rd Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji (the 34th Acharya) and Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji (the 35th Acharya) kept the tradition alive. Sri Mahasannidhanam expressed happiness about the functioning of the Pathashala and said that better efforts fetch better results in the study of the Vedas and Shastras. Talking about the achievements of the Principal of the Pathashala, Vidwan M.A. Nagaraja Bhat, Sri Mahasannidhanam said that the Vidwan after having completed his Vyakarana studies, had learnt the Nyaya Shastra and the Vedanta Shastra under His (Sri Mahasannidhanam’s) tutelage and is a scholar in all these three Shastras. Sri Nagaraja Bhat has rendered his services to the Pathashala as the Principal for more than two decades and has produced scholars in Vyakarana Shastra. Sri Mahasannidhanam then stated that the Vidwan upon his own request was now being relieved of the managing and administrative duties of the Pathashala in his capacity as the Principal. He would continue to function in his teaching capacity in the Pathashala. Sri Mahasannidhanam then announced that Sri Vinayaka Udupa, a Vidwan in Vyakarana and Nyaya Shastra, will function henceforth as the Principal of the Pathashala. Sri Mahasannidhanam conveyed His blessings to both Sri Vidwan Nagaraja Bhat and the new Principal, Sri Vidwan Vinayaka Udupa.
Vedabrahmasri Nagesha Bhat spoke the concluding words and the Sabha concluded by offering of Pranams at the lotus feet of the Ubhaya Jagadgurus.
In the evening, the famous Sanskrit drama of Bhaasa titled “Ooru-Bhangam” was staged by the Pathashala students. A Kannada Yakshagana titled “Kamsa Vadhe” by the child artistes from Gokarna was also staged.