31st Vardhanti Mahotsava
Under the benign blessings and divine guidance of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, a series of sacred ceremonies unfolded to illuminate the occasion of the 31st Vardhanti Mahotsava of Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam on August 21, 2023. The sanctified proceedings extended over multiple days, each marked by its own significance and rituals, as detailed below:
August 17, 2023 – Thursday The inauguration was accompanied by the reverberation of sacred hymns during the Sahasra Modaka Ganapati Homa, an ancient fire ritual invoking the benevolent presence of Lord Ganesha. This was followed by the solemn Sankalpa of the Maharudra Mahayaga, a monumental ceremony that invoked the blessings of divine forces for the welfare of all beings.
August 20, 2023 – Sunday Commencing at 8:30 AM, a Special Puja dedicated to Sri Kalabhairava Swamy unfolded, honoring a divine aspect that represents the passage of time and transformation.
August 21, 2023 – Monday The auspicious day commenced with the Ahnika Darshan, where thousands of devoted souls were graced with a glimpse of the revered Jagadguru. At 10 AM, the Guruvandana Sabha brought together a multitude of devotees, who were privileged to receive the Jagadguru’s Anugraha Bhashanam. This enlightening discourse expounded upon the profound legacy of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the transformative merits of adhering to His teachings.
Following the spiritual discourse, the day unfolded in a tapestry of rituals:
- 11 AM Darshan: Devotees encountered the divine grace of the Jagadguru.
- 12 noon Maharudra Mahayaga Poornahuti: This grand culmination of the Maharudra Mahayaga was marked by the chanting of Sri Rudra prashna for an awe-inspiring 1331 times. This profound recitation spanned four days and culminated on the fifth day with the radiant presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam.
- 12:45 Somavara Puja: The worship of Lord Shiva, the embodiment of cosmic consciousness, transpired.
- 8:30 PM Special Puja to Sri Chandramoulishwara: A ceremonial homage was offered to Bhagavan Sri Chandramoulishwara, underscoring the significance of divine unity and harmony.
In the resplendent tapestry of these consecrated observances, thousands of devotees were granted the privilege of Ahnika Darshan, beholding the luminous presence of the Jagadguru. The Guruvandana Sabha resonated with profound wisdom, as the Jagadguru’s Anugraha Bhashanam illuminated the path of righteousness. The Maharudra Mahayaga, spanning days of devout chanting, epitomized the collective yearning for the well-being of humanity. As the sacred mantras echoed, the divine blessings of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam encompassed all, transcending time and space. The ceremonious Puja to Sri Chandramoulishwara brought a fitting crescendo to this spiritually enriched commemoration, a testament to the eternal connection between the earthly and divine realms.
