Sri Sureshwaracharya Jayanti Utsava
Ashwayuja Shukla Ekadashi (the day following Vijayadashami) is the Jayanti day of Jagadguru Sri Sureshwaracharya. The Acharya was the foremost of disciples of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, who anointed him as the first Peethadhipati of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri. The Jayanti day also coincides with the Rathotsava and Addapallaki Utsava during Navaratri.
The Jayanti this year was celebrated on October 25, 2023 in an elaborate manner with Shatarudra Abhisheka at the Adhishtanam of Jagadguru Sri Sureshwaracharya. Mahamangalarati took place in the presence of Sri Sannidhanam.
In the evening, a Jayanti Sabha was organised in the Pravachana Mandiram in the divine presence of Sri Sannidhanam. After Vedaghosha and Prarthana, Vidwan TV Shivakumara Sharma spoke briefly on the illustrious life and works of Jagadguru Sri Sureshwaracharya.
Jagadguru Sri Sannidhanam then blessed the audience with an Anugraha Bhashanam – “Amongst the four primary disciples of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Sureshwaracharya holds a unique place. The other three disciples, namely Sri Hastamalakacharya, Sri Totakacharya and Sri Padmapadacharya approached Sri Shankaracharya, in a spirit of surrender to tide past this samsara (ocean of transmigratory existence). However, in the case of Jagadguru Sri Sureshwaracharya, it was the Guru who approached the shishya! Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharya wanted a vartika (critical gloss) written on His Brahmasutra Bhashya by the eminent Purva Mimamsa scholar, Sri Kumaarila Bhatta. However, since Sri Kumarila Bhatta was not in a position to do so (having already entered a slow fire to immolate himself as an expiatory act), he suggested that the Acharya approach his primary disciple, Sri Mandana Mishra, engage and win him in debate, and have the vartika written by him.
Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharya accordingly went to Mahishmati where Mandana Mishra lived. When He enquired about the whereabouts of Sri Mandana’s residence, the Acharya received a very unique and fascinating response. Instead of any mention of a street name, door number, etc. the Acharya was asked to look out for the house where caged parrots in its doorway chirp and discuss lofty spiritual questions. The fact that even the parrots chirp such philosophical matters is suggestive of the extent of philosophical study, discussion and debates that transpired at Sri Mandana Mishra’s house. Sri Shankaracharya and Sri Mandana Mishra entered into a debate with the terms that the one who loses must take up the ashrama (stage of life) of the victor. Mandana Mishra lost the debate and therefore took up Sannyasa.
From the life of Sri Mandana Mishra we learn that we must transition from Dvaita to Advaita. It is indeed rare and a great blessing to secure a Guru who will teach the Advaita Tattva and therefore one must make use of the opportunity. However, one cannot directly embark on the path of Jnana. In order to transition to the Jnana Marga, one must first practise Karma Marga and only after one has earned the eligibility to foray into Jnana Marga can one give up Karma. Therefore Karma Marga is like a foundation which provides one with the eligibility for Jnana Marga. Without Karma Marga, one cannot foray into Jnana Marga. To give an illustration: If we tell someone that he has full access to all the gold and other wealth contained inside a room, but withhold the room’s keys from that person, how is the wealth of any use to him? Similarly, access to the Jnana Marga without the foundation of the Karma Marga is of no use.”
Later, Sri Sannidhanam witnessed Mahamangalarati at the Adhisthanam of Sri Sureshwaracharya and Ashtavadhana Seva was conducted.