Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

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:

Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam gracing Sahasra Modaka-Ganapati Homa Poornahuti (August 17 2023)

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.

Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam performing special Puja to Sri Kalabhairava swami (August 20 2023)

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.

Jagadguru Sri Sannidhanam delivering Anugraha Bhashana to Thousands of devotees assembled (21 Aug)
Thousands of devotees assembled listening to Anugraha Bhashana of the Jagadguru (21 Aug)

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.

Jagadguru Sri Sannidhanam performing Special Puja to Sri Chandramoulishwara (21 Aug)
 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names