Ardrotsava 2021
Ardrotsava was celebrated in the early hours of December 20, 2021 at Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri. Special Abhishekas to Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami and Utsava Murthy Sri Nataraja Swamy were performed amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras by Vidaayrthis of Sri Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala, Sringeri.
Sri Malahanikareshwara Swamy was the Aaraadhya Devata of Maharshi Vibhandaka (father of Maharshi Rishyashringa, after whom Shringagiri or Sringeri derives its name).
Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam graced the temple of Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami at around 5:30 AM. After having the Darshan of Mahamangalarati at the shrines of Sri Stambha Ganapati, Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami and Sri Bhavani Amba, a grand procession of the idols of Lord Nataraja along with Devi Sri Shivakamasundari (Bhavani) followed by Veda Gosha and Mangala Vaadya was carried from the temple to Sri Chandramoulishwara Thotti where Puja was performed to Lord Nataraja and Shivakamasundari devi in the presence of the Jagadguru. The Utsava ended at around 8:00 AM and the idols were brought back to the hill-temple to the resonating chant of Sri Shivananda Lahari.
The earlier evening, Andhakasura Vadha, marking the vanquishing of the demon “Andhaka” by the Lord, was celebrated in the divine presence of Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam in the precincts of the Sri Math near the Raja Gopuram.