After the Puja, granite blocks were sanctified just outside the Garbha Griha of the Goddess. These blocks were then carried towards the South Gopuram as the Jagadguru proceeded towards the construction site of the South Gopuram. Renowned Sthapatis, Ganapati Sthapati and his son Shankar Sthapati, in charge of the construction of the South Gopuram welcomed the Jagadguru. The granite frames of the entrance of the Gopuram was fixed in the Jagadguru’s presence after a short Puja by the Jagadguru.
In the evening, the Jagadguru once again performed the night Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja and the Sri Chakra Puja in the southern corridor of the third Praakaara of Ramanathaswamy temple. While the Jagadguru was performing the Sri Chakra Puja, the Golden Palanquin Utsava of the Moorti of Goddess Parvati Vardhani took place along the third Praakaara of the temple. It was a delight for the devotees to watch the scene of the Goddess Herself coming to watch the Puja where the Jagadguru was worshipping Her own self in the form of the Sphatika Srichakra.
On the morning of May 19, after finishing His morning Anushtanams, the Jagadguru started for Dhanushkodi where the Jagadguru offered worship on the shores of the ocean – the meeting point of Mahodadhi and Ratnakara. The difference between the two oceans were clearly visible as one had waves gushing out while the other was calm. The Jagadguru performed the Puja and then entered the oceans and undertook Samudra Snanam. The Jagadguru returned to Rameswaram after blessing devotees.
Later that morning, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to the devotees and accepted the Bhiksha Vandanam and Pada Puja offered by the families living traditionally in the holy land of Rameswaram. The Jagadguru started for Sivagangai in the evening and en route graced the Sringeri Shankara Math in Manamadurai. The Jagadguru blessed the gathering with Anugraha Bhashanam and proceeded towards Sivagangai.
Travelling from Rameswaram and gracing Manamadurai en route, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Sivagangai on the evening of May 19. The Jagadguru had Darshan at the temple of Sri Sundararaja Perumal and was taken in a procession to the Shiva temple where the Rani of the Sivagangai Samsthanam offered a traditional welcome with Poornakumbham.
On the morning of 20th May, the Jagadguru graced the Sivagangai Samsthanam where the Rani and her family accorded a warm welcome. The Jagadguru had Darshan of the Goddess at the Rajarajeshwari temple inside the Samsthanam and blessed the royal family. The Jagadguru then moved to the Sringeri Shankara Math at Sivagangai and had Darshan of Sri Ratna Garbha Ganapati, Adi Shankaracharya and Goddess Sharada.
In the evening, en route to Kodimangalam, the Jagadguru graced the TVS Lakshmi School and blessed the educational activities being undertaken.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in the village of Kodimangalam on the evening of May 20 and had Darshan of Goddess Seethalakshmi. After the performance of Dhuli Pada Paja and the traditional welcome read in Sanskrit and Tamil, the Jagadguru blessed the residents of Kodimangalam with a Anugraha Bhashanam.
On May 21, the Jagadguru offered Puja to Goddess Seetalakshmi at 6:30 in the morning. At about 9 AM, the Jagadguru graced the adjoining town of Tenkarai and had Darshan at Mariamman temple, Moolanatha Swamy temple, and Navaneetha Krishnan temple. The Jagadguru then visited the Sri Sringeri Shankara Math, Tenkarai and had Darshan of the Murti of Sri Adi Shankarcharya.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam to the devotees at Tenkarai, the Jagadguru spoke briefly on the teachings of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Jagadguru remembered that His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had consecrated the Murti of Sri Adi Shankaracharya at Tenkarai. The Jagadguru also remembered the services of ardent disciple of Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam, late Dharmatma Vaidyasubrahmanya Iyer, and commended his sons Sri Vaidyanathan and Sri Jayaraman for their continued service. The Jagadguru blessed the residents of Tenkarai and the residents of nearby towns Sholavandan, Mannadimangalam and Mullipallam who had come for His Darshan.
The Jagadguru then returned to Kodimangalam to grant Darshan to devotees. Poornahuti of the Chandi Homa took place in the Jagadguru’s divine presence. In the evening, the Jagadguru started from Kodimangalam towards Madurai.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in Madurai on the evening of May 21 to a joyous reception. The Jagadguru had Darshan of Vinayaka in the temple adjoining the Bypass Road and was taken in a procession to Sri Sringeri Shankara Math, Bypass Road, Madurai. The Jagadguru had Darshan of Ganapati, Adi Shankara and Goddess Sharada at the Math and graced the public function organized by the devotees to welcome Him. Dhuli Pada Puja was performed by Dharmadhikari Sri Sankaranarayanan. Devotees were seen in an exuberant mood as the Jagadguru was gracing the Math in the Bypass Road for the first time since its construction. As if to acknowledge the cheers of the devotees, the clouds opened and rain poured cooling the entire region.
Arriving at the ancient city after twenty years, the Jagadguru in His Anugraha Bhashanam expressed happiness over being in Madurai that is sanctified by the divine presence of Meenakshi and Sundareshwara.
After staying in the city of Madurai for ten days, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Theni on the evening of May 31. The Jagadguru was offered a reverential Poornakumbha welcome at the entrance of Sri Vedapuri Ashram by Swami Omkarananda. Swami Parmarthananda (Vedanta teacher and Vidyaguru of Swami Omkarananda) from Chennai, Swami Satswarupananda and Swami Nithyananda Giri from Tirukovilur also joined in the welcome. The Jagadguru was taken around the Ashram in a procession on a special vehicle decorated as a swan.
In his Swagata Bhashanam, Swami Omkarananda said that He had the Darshan of both Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sri Sannidhanam in His Poorvashrama. He remembered that the Jagadguru had graced the fledgling Ashram on 22nd March 1995 and had said that all welfare will come to him and the Ashram, as he was spreading the message of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada. Swamiji also pointed the truth in the Jagadguru’s blessings when he remembered that the Jagadguru had planted a Vata Vriksha (banyan tree) inside the Ashram chanting the Rik, “स्योना पृथिवि भवानृक्षरा निवेशनी । यच्छा नः शर्म सप्रथाः” and had blessed that as the Vata Vriksha grows, the message of Vedanta would spread and the Ashram would grow. Recalling the Vedic prayer, “सकृत्ते अग्ने नमः । द्विस्ते नमः । त्रिस्ते नमः । चतुस्ते नमः । पञ्चकृत्वस्ते नमः । दशकृत्वस्ते नमः । शतकृत्वस्ते नमः । आसहस्रकृत्वस्ते नमः । अपरिमितकृत्वस्ते नमः ।” ,the Swamiji offered his innumerable prostrations to the Jagadguru.
The Jagadguru ended His Anugraha Bhashanam expressing joy over the work being carried out by Swami Omkarananda in the propagation of the tenets of the Advaita Siddhanta. Swami Omkarananda then received the special blessings of the Jagadguru. The Jagadguru later performed the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja in the Ashram premises.
At 6:30 AM on 1st June, the Jagadguru performed Puja to Sri Prajna Dakshinamurti. At 10 AM, the Jagadguru visited the now huge Vata Vriksha that He had planted 17 years ago. After a small Puja was offered at the spot, the Jagadguru laid the foundation stone for the building, Sri Bharati Tirtha Vidyarthi VilasaH and visited Sri Rajagopala Mandiram, the Goshala of the Ashram. The Jagadguru then returned to the Prajna Dakshinamurti temple, gave Darshan to the devotees and blessed the members who had undergone a course on Bhagavad Gita. Devotees performed Bhiksha Vandanam and Pada Puja to the Jagadguru and received Mantrakshata.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji started from Theni on the evening of 1st June and arrived at Vathalagundu to a welcome by a devout gathering. After Dhuli Pada Puja and Swagatam, the Jagadguru blessed the gathering with a Anugraha Bhashanam.
The Jagadguru ended His Anugraha Bhashanam expressing joy that the devotees of Vathalagundu had joined together to bring up a branch Math of Sringeri for Sri Adi Shankaracharya in Vatthalagundu.
On the morning of June 2, the Jagadguru visited Kunnuvaarankottai, the birthplace of the 25th Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I.
The Jagadguru spent some time in the Sri Sri Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Swamigal Dhyana Mandapam and then had Darshan at the Vishalakshi Vishwanathar temple. Devotees conducted a public function in the temple premises to welcome the Jagadguru. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I had reigned as the Peethadhipati for about 40 years and had brought great fame to the Peetham. The Jagadguru praised the efforts of the residents of the town for having constructed a Dhyana Mandapam in His name. The Jagadguru expressed that it was natural for the Acharyas of Sringeri to associate a special importance to the birthplace of their predecessors and remembered His Guru’s visit to the village in 1965 and His own visit in 1987. The Jagadguru conveyed that that though He was not making a Vijayam to many towns in Tamil Nadu during the current Vijaya Yatra, He had resolved to come to Kunnuvaarankottai and bless the residents. The Jagadguru gave His blessings for the proposed construction of a Mandapam in the Vishalakshi Sameta Vishwanathar temple and said that the Math would offer its help in the construction.
Later, the Jagadguru visited the ruins of the ancient Agrahara at Kunnuvaarankottai located a few kilometres away. According to the local residents, there was a temple here surrounded by about 300 houses and one of them was the Poorvashrama home of the 25th Jagadguru of Sringeri. Today, only the ruins of the temple remain. The Jagadguru visited the site and directed that the inscriptions on the stone structures of the temple be deciphered.
The Jagadguru then returned to Vathalagundu and laid the foundation stone for Sringeri Shankara Math. Devotees had Darshan of the Jagadguru, offered Bhiksha Vandanam, and performed Pada Puja. The Jagadguru started from Vathalagundu in the evening towards Melmangalam.
Arriving at the Agrahara of Melmangalam on June 2nd evening, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji was reverentially welcomed by the residents. The Jagadguru then proceeded to the Sringeri Shankara Math in the Agrahara, had Darshan of Sri Adi Shankaracharya and spent a few quite moments inside. Afterwards, the Jagadguru inaugurated the new Pathashala complex of the Veda Pathashala run by Vidya Bharati Saanga
After the performance of Dhuli Pada Puja to the Jagadguru’s Padukas and the reading out of the Swagata Patrikas to the Jagadguru, the Jagadguru blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
The Jagadguru blessed that the Pathashala develop into an ideal setting for nurturing the Vedas and Shastras. The Jagadguru spoke about the generation-old Guru-Shishya relation between the Acharyas of the Peetham and the residents of Melmangalam. The Jagadguru also remembered the Anugraha bestowed by His Guru upon the residents of the village and His establishing the Shankara Math and performing the installation of the Murti of Sri Bhagavatpada 17 years back. Having praised the residents for devotionally maintaining the sanctity of the Math in the village, the Jagadguru blessed that the students of the Pathashala become scholars. The Jagadguru commended Sri Venkataraman who had first developed the inclination to revive the Vedic Sampradaya in the village and was functioning as the backbone behind every activity. The Jagadguru ended His Anugraha Bhashanam blessing one and all and performed the Sri Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja in the Agrahara.
The following day, the Jagadguru gave Darshan; devotees offered Bhiksha Vandanam and performed Pada Puja. The Jagadguru then blessed everyone and graced the Poornahuti of the Maharudra Yaga conducted on the occasion of His Vijayam to Melmangalam. Prior to departing the village, at 5:30 in the evening, the Jagadguru specially blessed the Vidyarthis (students) of the Pathashala as well as devotees who had contributed in many ways in the running of the Pathashala.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Periyakulam on the evening of June 3 and was given a grand welcome at the Agrahara. The Jagadguru was then led to the Pravachana Mandiram, Sringeri Shankara Math amidst Vedic chants and the singing of Bhajans led by Udayalur Sri Kalyanarama Bhagavathar.
After the Dhuli Pada Puja was performed, Swagata Patrikas were read in Sanskrit and Tamil. Two elderly Vedic Pandits of Periyakulam, Brahmasri V. Thyagaraja Deekshitar and Brahmasri Dr. P K Rajagopala Bhattacharyar, each aged around 100 years received the Jagadguru’s blessings and were felicitated on the occasion with shawls and cash awards. Financial assistance was also provided to S P R Pandian nursery and primary school in Periyakulam and to an orphanage located in Theni. Justice Sri V. Ramasubramanian, Jugde of the Chennai High Court spoke on the occasion about the Peetham and his experiences with the Jagadguru.
On 4th June, the Jagadguru gave Darshan at the Pravachana Mandiram, Sringeri Shankara Math. Devotees performed Bhiksha Vandanam and Pada Puja and received the Jagadguru’s blessings.
On the evening of 4th June, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at the famous temple town of Palani. The Jagadguru was reverentially welcomed by the local MLA, MP and members of the Municipality. The Jagadguru was then received at the main hall of Sri Angaleshwari Kalyana Mandapam near Adivaram, Palani.
Dhuli Pada Puja was performed by Sri Hariharamuthu. In the Swagata Patrika welcoming the Jagadguru, it was joyously noted that the Jagadguru had arrived at Palani on the 100th day of the Vijaya Yatra that had begun on 26th February from Sringeri. Devotees were also excited that the Jagadguru arrived on a full moon day and that the Jagadguru would worship Lord Dandayudhapani on Tuesday, an auspicious day for the Lord.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru expressed that he was joyous to be in Palani, the most famous of the Kshetras of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy.
After the Bhashanam, songs from Tiruppugazh, a collection of devotional hymns towards Lord Murugan and penned by Saint Arunagirinathar were rendered by a Tiruppugazh Anbargal group from Coimbatore. The Jagadguru’s Chandramoulishwara Puja then took place in the Mandapam.
On 5th June morning, the Jagadguru completed His morning Anushtanams and went up the Dandayudhapani temple where Archakas of the temple along with the Joint Commissioner of the temple, the MLA accorded a traditional welcome. The Jagadguru had Darshan of Sri Ananda Vinayakar and offered a Vastram. Soon afterwards, the Jagadguru entered the main temple complex via the southern Rajagopuram and went for Snanam. The Jagadguru then entered the Garbha Griha at around 8:30 am and first performed Puja to Sharadamba Chandramoulishwara Shiva Linga. The Jagadguru then performed the Kala Sandhi Puja to Lord Dandayudhapani Swamy. As part of the Kala Sandhi Puja, the Jagadguru did Abhisheka to the main deity (Moolavar) and the Utsava Moorti of Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy with thailam, panchamrita, milk, vibhuti and theertham. The Archakas then decorated the deity with the Vastrams offered by the Peetham to the Lord. The Jagadguru then performed Archana to Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy. The Jagadguru then offered Dhupa, Deepa, Neivedya and Mahamangalarati to Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy. After the Puja, the Thakkaar of the temple, Sri Bhaskaran and the Archakas offered the Prasadams to the Jagadguru. The Jagadguru descended from the Palani hill after blessing the officials of the temple headed by the Joint Commissioner.
The Jagadguru then graced the area where the Palani Panchamrita Prasada is prepared and oversaw the preparation process. Later, the Jagadguru proceeded to Palani Dandayudhapani Sthanika Archaka Sangha where the Archakas of Palani accorded a devotional welcome and presented documents highlighting the relation between Palani and the Sharada Peetham at Sringeri.
The Jagadguru then went to the Shankaralaya Trust belonging to the Peetham and laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the building. Afterwards, the Jagadguru returned to Sri Angaleshwari Kalyana Mandapam where devotees had Darshan and offered Bhiksha Vandanam and Pada Puja.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji started from Palani on the afternoon of 5th June 2012 and arrived at Dindigul in the evening to a devout welcome. The Jagadguru blessed the gathering with a Anugraha Bhashanam after Dhuli Pada Puja was performed and Swagata Patrikas were read in Tamil and Sanskrit.
Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had taken many Vijaya Yatras and graced Dindigul too.
The Jagadguru then recalled the ardent devotees of Dindigul of the previous generation namely Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer, Dr. Janakirama Iyer, Vani Vilas Subramania Iyer, and expressed joy that the children of these ardent devotees were following in the footsteps of their parents. The Jagadguru expressed joy that Sri Mohan Srinivas along with all the devotees of Dindigul had resolved to construct a Sringeri Shankara Math at Dindigul. The Jagadguru stated that He had come to Dindigul as the devotees were awaiting Him with such expectation just as the Chataka bird awaits rainfall to quench its thirst, and ended His Anugraha Bhashanam blessing everyone in the gathering. Later in the night, devotees witnessed the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja performed by the Jagadguru and deemed themselves blessed.
At 10 AM on the next day, the Jagadguru laid the foundation for a new Sringeri Shankara Math at Dindigul. The Jagadguru then visited the old Sringeri Shankara Math in Dindigul and blessed the assembled devotees. From the Math, the Jagadguru went to Kalahasteeshwarar temple and had Darshan of Goddess Abhirami, Sri Padmagiriswarar, Goddess Jnanambika and Sri Kalahasteeshwarar. The Jagadguru then returned and gave Darshan to the assembled devotees. The Jagadguru started from Dindigul towards Karur in the late afternoon.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in Karur on the evening of June 6, 2012 and was offered Poorna kumbha at the entrance of Pashupateeshwarar temple. A procession along one of the arterial streets of Karur was organized. Dhuli Pada Puja was then performed to the Jagadguru and the Swagata Patrikas read in Sanskrit and Tamil highlighted the association between the Sringeri Sharada Peetham and Karur. The Patrikas also remembered the visits of the prior Acharyas of Sringeri to Karur.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that His Guru, Parama Guru and Parameshti Guru had come to Karur, performed Chandramoulishwara Puja here and blessed the devotees. Close to Karur is Nerur, the Samadhi place of Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra. Our Parameshti Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji had come to Nerur, had Darshan of the Adhishtanam of Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra there, had composed hymns on Brahmendra and had given His Anugraha to the people here.
About 200 years ago, Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra lived in this region, attained mastery in the Shastras, embraced Sannyasa and shone as a great personage.
The Jagadguru mentioned that He had come to Karur so that He could go to Nerur and offer worship at the Adhishtanam of Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra. The Jagadguru remembered that His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had established the Shankara Math at Karur in 1959 and had then consecrated Goddess Raja Rajeshwari. After the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja, the Jagadguru had Darshan of Goddess Raja Rajeshwari and stayed in the Sringeri Shankara Math at Karur.
The Jagadguru then praised the devotion of the residents of Krishnarayapuram and recalled that His Guru, Paramaguru and Parameshti Guru had graced Krishnarayapuram.
On 9th June, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to devotees at Krishnarayapuram. In the evening at around 5 pm, the Jagadguru started from Krishnarayapuram and had Darshan at the Simhapureeshwarar temple at Karuppattur. The Jagadguru then went to Ayyampalayam to the temple of Lord Dandayudhapani. The large temple has a unique history associated with the Peetham. It had been built in the late 19th century by Sri Thandavaraya Pillai, an ardent disciple of the 33rd Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji. The Mahaswamiji had laid the foundation stone for the temple in 1893 and had performed the Prathishta Kumbhabhisheka in 1895 and consecrated the images of Lord Dandayudhapani, Sri Prasanna Parameswara and Parvati as well as of the image of Lord Srinivasa. A Murti of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada was also consecrated inside the temple later. In 1908, during the Mahaswamiji’s Vijaya Yatra, Sri Thandavaraya Pillai had requested that the Murti of the Mahaswamiji Himself be installed in the temple to mark the Mahaswamiji’s fiftieth year and the Mahaswamiji’s Murti was installed by the then agent of the Math, Sri Srikantha Shastri. Another noteworthy fact is that, having consecrated the shrines for Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Goddess Sharada at the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya in Kalady, the Mahaswamiji had continued His Yatra and had observed Chaturmasya in Ayyampalayam in 1910 (Sadharana year).
The Jagadguru had Darshan of Lord Dandayudhapani and then went to the nearby shrines for Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Abhinava Shankara i.e. His Parameshti Guru Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji. The Jagadguru offered flowers and Vastram to both the Murtis and revererntially held the silver Padukas of His Parameshti Guru after Mangalarati was performed to them. The Jagadguru then blessed the devotees and proceeded towards Mahadanapuram.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in Mahadanapuram on 9th June evening to a reverential welcome. The Jagadguru was taken in a procession through the streets of Mahadanapuram. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed, Swagata Patrikas were read in Sanskrit and Tamil to welcome the Jagadguru. The Swagata Patrika in Tamil described the long relation between Mahadanapuram and Sringeri. Mahadanapuram had been the headquarters of the Nelamavu Math, one of the branch Maths of the Peetham. Mathadhipatis such as Sri Kamalananda Bharati (a disciple of Jagadguru Sri Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji) and Sri Narayananda Bharati had stayed at Mahadanapuram and their Samadhis are located here. The Samadhi of Sri Ramananda Saraswati (Sannyasi, and disciple of Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji and later of Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji, and the author of books such as Paramahamsa Dharma Nirnaya) is also located here. Sri Sacchidananda Tirtha (disciple of Jagadguru Sri Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji, and famous as Sri Bhashya Swamigal) had also stayed in Mahadanapuram for a few years.
The following morning, the Jagadguru graced the house of Agnihotri Bellamkonda Srinivasa Somayaji in Mahadanapuram and blessed the family. With the Jagadguru rarely gracing anyone’s house, it was a well deserved blessing for the Agnihotri and his family that maintains the Vedic sacrificial fire at home and performs the Agnihotra ritual everyday.
The Jagadguru then had Darshan at the Vishwanathar Vishalakshi temple and graced the Yajur Veda Pathashala. The Jagadguru then returned to give Darshan and devotees partook of the Tirtha Prasada. In the afternoon around 3 pm, the Jagadguru started from Mahadanapuram towards Srirangam. En route, the Jagadguru laid the foundation stone for reconstruction of Sri Kashi Vishwanathar temple at Thimmachipuram. The Jagadguru then graced Manathattai, had Darshan of Sridevi Bhudevi Sameta Prasanna Venkateshwara Perumal and blessed the residents. The Jagadguru then proceeded to the Rajarajeshwarai Township near Viralimalai and inaugurated the township. The Jagadguru also laid foundation stones for an old age home and a school in the township premises and proceeded towards Srirangam.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Srirangam at around 7 pm on 10th June 2012 to a devout reception by a large number of devotees. On arriving at the Sankara Gurukulam (Sringeri Shankara Math), Dhuli Pada Puja was performed to the Padukas of the Jagadguru.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that the 33rd Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji attained fame as a reincarnation of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. He discovered the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya at Kalady and consecrated temples for Goddess Sharada and Sri Adi Shankaracharya there. On the same day when the consecration and Kumbhabhisheka (at Kalady) took place in February 1910, the collection of the works of Sri Adi Shankaracharya was submitted as an offering to the great Master and released under the title of “Shankara Granthavali”. The offering was made by Sri T K Balasubrahmanya Iyer, the founder of the Vani Vilas Press at Srirangam. Such is the unique relation between Sringeri, Srirangam and Kalady that resulted in Sri Iyer, hailing from Srirangam submitting the first print of the works to Our Parameshti Guru at Kalady.
The Jagadguru delved upon the special relation by continuing that, of the many fortunate Shishyas who were blessed by His Parameshti Guru, Sri T K Balasubrahmanya Iyer was one. Through His blessings on many such Shishyas, the Mahaswamiji brought about the welfare of the world. Sri T K Balasubrahmanya had received the Anugraha of the great Acharya and had established the Vani Vilas Press, and later the Sankara Gurukulam at Srirangam. Sankara Gurukulam has transformed into the Sringeri Shankara Math and become a focal point of Sanatana Dharma in the region. The Jagadguru remembered that Sri T K Balasubrahmanya Iyer had taken great care of Sankara Gurukulam and had been conducting and observing various Utsavas during his time, and had earned the respect and support of the community at Srirangam and Tiruchi.
The Jagadguru mentioned that after Sri Iyer’s time, though the Sankara Gurukulam had been maintaining its Dharmic activities, further development took place only after the arrival of the late Dharmadhikari Sri Ramanarasu. The Jagadguru remembered that Sri Ramanarasu had approached Him during His Yatra 25 years back and had requested blessings for developing Sankara Gurukulam. Having received the blessings, he executed whatever he had envisioned and developed the Math.
The Jagadguru compassionately remembered Sri Ramanarasu’s final visit to Sringeri when he had expressed his wish to see the Jagadguru grace Srirangam and look at the developments in the Math. The Jagadguru expressed great joy at being in Srirangam and said that it was quite fitting that Sri Ramanarasu’s daughter and son-in-law had performed the Dhuli Pada Puja. The Jagadguru ended the short Anugraha Bhashanam blessed the devotees of Srirangam and Tiruchirapalli who had welcomed Him with such ecstasy-filled devotion.
On the morning of June 11th, the Jagadguru started for the sprawling temple of Sri Ranganathaswamy via the southern Raja Gopuram. The Jagadguru first inaugurated the Peetham’s “Arogya Prada” health centre built in the South Chitra Street in the place where the Vani Vilas Press building once stood. The Jagadguru also graced the Kumbhakonam Cooperative Bank located in the premises.
The Jagadguru then proceeded towards Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and was received at the entrance by the temple officials led by Smt. Kalyani, Joint Commissioner and the Executive Officer of the temple. The Jagadguru first had Darshan of the massive Garuda, the mount of the Lord and then proceeded towards the Garbha Griha of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. Having had Darshan of Sri Ranganatha, the Jagadguru was offered Prasadams in ceremonial style by the Archakas of the temple. The Jagadguru then walked to the temple of Goddess Ranganayaki, had Darshan, came out via the northern Gopuram and returned to the Math.
In the evening a Guru Vandanam program was organized in the premises of the Shankara Math. As part of the event, renowned scholars Brahmasri R Krishnamurthy Shastri, Brahmasri Goda Venkateshwara Shastri and Upanyasakar Sri Anantaraman addressed the gathering of devotees. Sri Goda Shastri based his address on the Vagvaadini Shatkam composed by Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji, and talked about how Karma, Bhakti and Jnana all have a role in spiritual Sadhana. Sri Anantaraman delved on the short prose of the Mahaswamiji titled “Purushartha NirnayaH” that describes the four Purusharthas of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and explains Moksha to be the supreme Purushartha. Sri R Krishnamurthy Shastri then gave a lucid explanation of the 26-verse Sri Dakshinamurti-manu-suvarnamala stavaH of the Mahaswamiji.
With the Jagadguru arriving to grace the function, the Sringeri Birudavali was chanted, prostrations were offered and Swagata Patrikas in Sanskrit and Tamil were read.
On 12th June, at 6:30 am the Jagadguru performed Puja to Goddess Sharada, Sri Adi Shankara and to His Parameshti Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narsimha Bharati Mahaswamiji. It may be noted that besides the Adhishtanam at Sringeri, there are shrines for Jagadguru Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narsimha Bharati Mahaswamiji at Mysore, Srirangam and Ayyampalayam.
At 3 pm in the evening, the Jagadguru started towards Neyveli and enroute had Darshan at the Subrahmanya Swamy temple in the India Cements factory premises and at the Ganapathy temple in the Madras Cements factory premises, and blessed the devotees in both the places.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in Neyveli on the evening of 12th June 2012 to a devout welcome. The Jagadguru first had Darshan of Goddess Sharada at the Sringeri Shankara Math in Neyveli. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed and Swagata Patrikas were read, the Jagadguru blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
The Jagadguru remembered the consecrations of Goddess Sharada by His predecessors and said that He had consecrated the Goddess in Neyveli twenty years back and the Goddess had been blessing the residents of Neyveli ever since. However as the Kumbhabhisheka had never been performed since then, it is now the opportune moment to perform the Kumbhabhisheka. The Jagadguru also noted that the Kumbhabhisheka would again take place on a Wednesday just as it happened twenty years ago in January 1992. The Jagadguru remembered the services rendered by Sri SRS Sastry at that time. The Jagadguru commended the devotees led by Sri Sampath in making preparations for the Kumbhabhisheka. The Jagadguru also expressed with joy that by the Grace of Ishwara, the auspicious time for performing the Kumbhabhisheka had fallen on June 13 to coincide with His moving towards Chennai. The Jagadguru said it was an example of how Ishwara blesses those with a pure intent, as the residents of Neyveli had with great devotion wished for the Guru to perform the Kumbhabhisheka, and that was to become a reality.
The following day, the Jagadguru performed the Punah-Prathishta Kumbhabhisheka at the temple of Goddess Sharada the following day. After blessing the devotees, the Jagadguru started for Pondicherry.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Pondicherry on 13th June evening. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed, Vidwan SLP Anjaneya Sharma read out the Swagata Patrika in Sanskrit and Sri Ramakrishnan delivered it in Tamil.
The Jagadguru recalled His visit to Pondicherry along with His Guru in 1982, His own visit 25 years back and blessed the gathering that they remain Dharmikas and attain Shreyas. The Jagadguru then performed the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja.
At the Sringeri Shivaganga Math
On the morning of 14th June 2012, the Jagadguru graced the premises of the Sringeri Shivaganga Math at Pondicherry and was received with Poornakumbha honours by the Mathadhipati of the Math, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji. The Jagadguru graced the Math on the occasion of the Kumbhabhisheka day of the shrine of Sri Anjaneya at the Math.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that the Sringeri Shivaganga Math is a Shakha (Branch) Math of the Peetham, and was established by the 24th Acharya of the Sharada Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji in the 17th century. The Math has since had an uninterrupted lineage of Gurus who have been beacons of light in matters of Dharma for people in and around the Shivaganga region near Bangalore in Karnataka.
The Jagadguru added that, more than a century ago, the then Mathadhipati, Sri Subrahmanya Abhinava Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji of the Shivaganga Math had been a recipient of the Anugraha of His Parameshti Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji. The Swamiji had undertaken tours in the southern parts of the country and had attained Videha Mukti in Pondicherry. A Samadhi was constructed in Pondicherry, and ever since, a branch of the Shivaganga Math had sprung up in Pondicherry and has been serving the Astikas in the region.
The Jagadguru recalled that Sri Sacchidananda Subrahmanya Bharati Swamiji, the Paramaguru of the present Shivaganga Swamiji, had come to Chennai to perform Padapuja to His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji in 1960, the year in which the Sringeri Jagadguru had last observed Chaturmasya in Chennai.
The Jagadguru also described that the present Mathadhipati Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji as composed and engaged in Anushtana and striving for the welfare of all. The Swamiji had received Mantra Deeksha from His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji and was deeply devoted to the Acharyas of Sringeri. The Jagadguru conveyed His blessings for the Swamiji and for all the devotees assembled. The Jagadguru then had Darshan at the shrine of Sri Anjaneya. Afterwards, the Jagadguru blessed 200 differently abled students and gave a special Darshan to 2000 children of the Vivekananda School.
At about 3:30 pm, the Jagadguru started towards Chennai. Enroute the Jagadguru had Darshan of the huge Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy at Panchavati in Pondicherry. In their welcome speech, the temple authorities mentioned that the temple was established due to the blessings of the Jagadguru. The Yantra Pratishtha at the base of Sri Anjaneya Swamy had been done as per the Jagadguru’s directions. Earlier the Jagadguru also had Darshan of Sri Valamburi Mahaganapati and Sri Pattabhiramar. The temple also houses a Goshala and the “Sringeri Sri Sharada Mata Prasada Mandapam” where Annadanam is performed daily. The Jagadguru offered Vastram to Sri Anjaneya and blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam highlighting the greatness of Sri Anjaneya.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived in Chennai on 14th June 2012 to a grand reception. The Jagadguru was received at the junction of Mount Road and Venkataranarayana Road in T Nagar and then led in a procession towards Sringeri Bharathi Vidyashram in T Nagar. Dignitaries including Chennai’s Mayor, Saidai S Duraisamy, Justice C Nagappan and others participated in the welcome.
Ardent disciple and Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy offered Dhuli Pada Puja. In the Sanskrit Swagatam, Vidwan Mani Dravida Shastrigal offered his Pranams to the Jagadguru and expressed that the long expected arrival and Darshan of the Jagadguru in Chennai had brought great joy to the citizens of the city by recounting the words of the poet Maagha:
“हरत्यघं संप्रति हेतुरेष्यतः शुभस्य पूर्वाचरितैः कृतं शुभैः ।
शरीरभाजां भवदीयदर्शनं व्यनक्ति कालत्रितयेऽपि योग्यताम् ।।”
Through the verse, he was conveying that the Jagadguru’s Darshan brings to light a devotees’ threefold fortune associated with the past, present and future. It is their past good deeds that has given them the Darshan. This Darshan destroys the accumulated sins in the present, and is the forbearer of the welfare that will be brought about in the future.
The Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy reverentially welcomed the Jagadguru in Tamil and said that the Jagadguru had condescended to the request of the citizens by gracing the city and purified it by His presence. Justice C. Nagappan spoke on the occasion saying that it was the foremost duty of everyone to following the teachings of the Jagadguru and prayed that the Jagadguru be enshrined in their hearts forever.
Hon. Chennai Mayor Sri Saidai Duraisamy then welcomed the Jagadguru on behalf of all citizens of Chennai and noted the joy and blessed feelings that the citizens were enjoying at that moment.
In the inaugural address of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra, Sri V. R. Gowrishankar, Administrator and CEO of the Peetham, sought the Blessings of the Jagadguru to bestow strength to all the devotees to offer their services during the observance of the Jagadguru’s Chaturmasya Vrata at Chennai.
Mentioning that Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had observed Chaturmasya in Chennai in 1960 and had also gone on to celebrate Navaratri at Chennai in that year, Sri Gowrishankar beseeched the Jagadguru on behalf of the citizens to consider giving them the opportunity to serve the Jagadguru during the Navaratri festival as well.
He mentioned that when the Jagadguru had started on the Vijaya Yatra, His destination was Chennai with the Sankalpa to perform the Kumbhabhisheka of Goddess Sharada temple at Kodambakkam. Starting on February 26th 2012, the Jagadguru had taken 109 days to arrive at Chennai gracing many many towns and villages en route.
He also expressed joy that a welcome was being offered to the Jagadguru at the very place (the Vidyashram) from where He had started from, after halting for 44 days in 1995. During the 17 year period, a number of developments had happened in the area with construction of the new temple in Kodambakkam, the Tattvaloka building and research centre in Teynampet, the Tamil monthly magazine Amman Darshanam, as well as education and heath care activities.
He ended the address thanking, on behalf of all devotees of the Sharada Peetham, everyone involved for the heart-warming reception accorded to the Jagadguru, mentioning in particular the Government of Tamil Nadu, the administrative officers and the police officials for making excellent arrangements throughout the Vijaya Yatra.
In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that He had arrived in Chennai after 17 years. Yet the devotion of the residents had not lessened but had only increased. The Jagadguru remembered a
The Jagadguru then remembered the Guru Bhakti of late Guruseva Dhurandhara Daani Dr. A. Sivasailam, who had strove to bring the Vidyashram at T Nagar to its present shape. The Jagadguru also remembered the final Darshan at Sringeri that Dr. Sivasailam had had in January 2011 and how he had expressed then that he would be engaged in making preparations whenever the Jagadguru decided to grace Chennai. However it is Ishwara Sankalpa that he was not present in the current occasion. The Jagadguru then expressed happiness that his younger brother, Sri A Krishnamoorthy had worked to make the wish of his elder brother come true.
The Jagadguru also expressed happiness that many people filled with ardent devotion had assembled on the occasion. While He had come to perform Kumbhabhishekams at Chennai, He had decided to stay at Chennai to observe Chaturmasya. The Jagadguru attributed to Ishwara Sankalpa that the Sringeri Jagadguru would observe Chaturmasya in Chennai after a gap of 52 years. The Jagadguru also mentioned that the location of Navaratri Celebrations will be as per the will of Ishwara and ended the Anugraha Bhashanam blessing the gathering.
Serpentine queues formed at the Sringeri Bharathi Vidyashram as devotees having longed for the Jagadguru’s Darshan thronged T Nagar to fulfill their longing. The Jagadguru stayed for five days at the T Nagar and started for Kodambakkam on 19th June 2012.
At about 6 PM in the evening on 19th June 2012, the Jagadguru was received at the Arcot Road in Kodambakkam and led in a procession to the Meenakshi College. A traditional welcome was offered by Principal, Dr. KS Lakshmi and the faculty of the college. After Dhuli Pada Puja and a welcome in Sanskrit and Tamil, the Jagadguru blessed the gathering with a Anugraha Bhashanam.
At 10 AM on 21st June 2012, the Jagadguru performed Bhumi Puja for Sringeri Sharadambal Meenakshi Sundararajan Multi-speciality Hospital. The Jagadguru also graced the engineering college campus and laid a foundation stone for a new Mechanical engineering block. The Jagadguru then inaugurated the Bharathi Theertha Library and visited the Abhinava Vidyatheertha Computer Lab and blessed the members.
Having thus illustrated the significance of Ishwara Sankalpa, the Jagadguru blessed the assembled devotees and performed the Sharada
Chandramoulishwara Puja in the college premises. The backdrop of the Puja Mandapam was beautifully done with models of the Vidyashankara temple and Goddess Sharada temple at Sringeri, as well as the Gopuram of the new Sharada temple at Kodambakkam.
The Jagadguru was given a grand reception at the Sringeri Shankara Math in Kripa Shankari Street, West Mambalam. At the Math, the Jagadguru first had Darshan of Lord Ratnagarbha Ganapati, Goddess Sharada, and Sri Navaneeta Krishnan. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed by Hon. Manager Sri Ramakrishnan, the Jagadguru was offered a Swagatam in Tamil. Sri V R Gowrishankar, Administrator & CEO, spoke on the occasion mentioning how such a small Math had brought together the community on a spiritual platform.
The Jagadguru appreciated the great service being rendered by Hon. Manager of the Math, Sri. Ramakrishnan in running the Sringeri Shankara Math at Kripasankari Street, West Mambalam. On Sunday, the 24th June, tens of thousands of devotees thronged the small premises of the Math to have Darshan of the Jagadguru, perform Pada Puja and Bhiksha Vandanam. The volunteers and devotees had made such excellent arrangements even in the smallest of the Sringeri Maths in Chennai. Residents in the Kripashankari Street volunteered to aid the moving of the queue and drenched the street with water to provide relief from the hot summer sun for the devotees queued up for the Jagadguru’s Darshan. The Jagadguru blessed one and all and started from West Mambalam on June 25th and arrived at the Tattvaloka building in Eldams Road, Teynampet.
The Jagadguru started from the Tattvaloka premises on the afternoon of 26th June and went to Besant Nagar. He first had Darshan at Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple Besant Nagar. The Shila nyasam for the temple had been performed by Sri Mahasannidhanam in 1977 during the then Vijaya Yatra of Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sannidhanam. Having had Darshan and having blessed the devotees at the temple, the Jagadguru proceeded to have Darshan at the Ratnagirishwarar temple at Besant Nagar. The Jagadguru dedicated a golden door at the temple for Sri Kothanda Rama inside the Ratnagirishwarar temple and blessed the devotees with a Anugraha Bhashanam.
The Jagadguru observed that the Ratnagirishwarar temple is serving the cause of devotees well in the area, and remembered that Sri Mahasannidhanam had graced the temple, and that it had become a practice to come to the temple every time He is in Chennai. The Jagadguru expressed joy at having the Darshan of the Lord, and for dedicating the golden door at the temple of Sri Kothandarama and ended the Bhashanam blessing the gathering.
The Jagadguru travelled back to the Sringeri Bharati Vidyashram on the evening of 26th June and stayed on till the evening of 28th June.
The Jagadguru was received at the Sringeri Pravachana Mandiram at Raja Annamalai Puram on the evening of 28th June. After Dhuli Pada Puja and welcome in Sanskrit and Tamil, the Jagadguru started His Anugraha Bhashanam reminiscing about His Guru – Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, who toured the country extensively and brought about faith in Dharma and Adhyatma in the hearts of people. The Mahaswamiji undertook his first Yatra within South India for 6 years from 1956 to 1962. His second yatra was from 1964 to 1968 all over India. During this Yatra, He had also visited Nepal where He was received with great devotion by the then Maharaja of Nepal, King Mahendra. The Mahaswamiji performed Maha Shivaratri Puja in the Pashupatinath temple. During the course of the Yatra, the Mahaswamiji did Prathishtha of Sharadamba and Shankara Bhagavatpada in many places and blessed the devotees in those places.
Sri Mahasannidhanam had installed Sharadamba, Adi Shankara and Maha Ganapati at the Sringeri Jagadguru Pravachina Mandiram, Raja Annamalai Puram in the year 1969. The temple had been constructed by Sri Vaidya Subramaniya Iyer, an ardent disciple of the Mahaswamiji on whom the Mahaswamiji had conferred the title “Dharmatma”. From then on, people in the area have been blessed to have Darshan of Sharadamba, Adi Shankara and Maha Ganapati.
The Jagadguru mentioned that the second Kumbhabhishekam was arranged by the Dharmatma’s sons Sri Vaidyanathan and Sri Jayaraman and had been performed by Him in the year 1995, after a period of 26 years. This year, the opportunity has come for the third Kumbhabhishekam of the temple.
Talking about the family of the Dharmatma, the Jagadguru mentioned that, in some instances, the father has lot of Bhakti but his children don’t reflect the same level of Bhakthi. In other instances, its the reverse. But in the family of Dharmatma Vaidya Subramania Iyer, he and his sons had the same level of Bhakti towards God and Guru.
The following day, on 29th Jun 2012, the Jagadguru performed the Kumbhabhisheka of Lord Mahaganapati, Sri Adi Shankara and Goddess Sharada. In the evening , during a function was organized to commemorate the Kumbhabhisheka, the Jagadguru blessed the devotees with a Anugraha Bhashanam. The Jagadguru mentioned that on the occasion of the Kumbhabhisheka, everyone becomes the recipient of the Grace of Mother Sharadamba.
The Jagadguru concluded the Bhashanam by praying to Sharadamba that everyone be blessed with a pious bent of mind.
The Jagadguru then observed the Prathama Ekadashi following Kashta Mounam on 30th June 2012 and blessed the devotees on Dwadashi day (July 1 2012) before starting in the afternoon for Sudharma in Mylapore to observe Chaturmasya.
On the evening of July 1 2012, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji started from Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai and arrived at Sudharma to a grand welcome by a large congregation of devotees. Here, the 100 year old heritage home of the Late Sri A. Sivasailam, an ardent devotee of the Mahaswamiji, would be the abode of the Jagadguru during the Chaturmasya Vrata. Ardent disciple, younger brother of Late Sri A. Sivasailam and Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy offered Dhuli Pada Puja.
The public function to welcome the Jagadguru began with a Veda Ghosha. Sangeetha Saraswati Dr. Sudha Raghunathan rendered the prayer song, singing the composition, “Sharada Karunanidhe” composed by the 34th Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji. Vidwan Goda Venkateshwara Shastri welcomed the Jagadguru in Sanskrit.
Sri A Krishnamoorthy then welcomed the Jagadguru by reading the Swagata Patrika in Tamil. He also remembered the various visits of the Sringeri Jagadgurus to Sudharma ; the first one being in 1960 when Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had stayed for 10 days, and his father Sri Anantaramakrishna Iyer of M/s Amalgamations Group had the fortune of serving the Jagadguru. His elder brother, Sri A. Sivasailam along with others had the fortune of welcoming Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sri Sannidhanam in the late 1970s and in 1986, and also during Sri Sri Sannidhanam’s 1995 Vijaya Yatra to Chennai. Sri A Krishnamoorthy ended the welcome with prayers that, by the Satsankalpa of the Jagadguru, the people of Chennai develop greater faith and devotion in God and the Guru.
Sri B. Madhavan, Secretary of the Madras Sanskrit College in his address recalled the dictum, “दर्शनादेव साधवः” and “तीर्थीकुर्वन्ती तीर्थाणि” from the Puranas that state that all fortune dawns by the mere Darshan of saints and that even the holy places are made holier by the dust of saints.
The Jagadguru also fondly remembered that it was exactly forty-six years ago, on July 1 1966 that He had reached Ujjain to surrender at the Lotus Feet of His Guru. The Jagadguru ended His Anugraha Bhashanam stating that securing eveyone’s welfare was His daily prayer to Bhagavan, and blessed that everyone have Shraddha in Dharma and live as a Dharmika.
The Jagadguru also expressed that that devotees and disciples streamed in to have the Darshan of their Acharya, to listen to His words, to receive His blessings, and they were prepared to travel long distances merely to have His Darshan.
The current year’s Chaturmasya’s period would be an extended one stretching into 3 months due to the Adhika Bhadrapada Maasa, and said that He would deliver Upanyasas regularly for the benefit of disciples.
The highlight of this Chaturmasya was the series of Vedantic Anugraha Bhashanams in Tamil delivered by the Jagadguru in the evenings on Wednesdays and Sundays (excluding Ekadashis and other days when special events were organized). The Jagadguru delved into various topics and in particular, chose topics from the Brahma Sutra Bhashya of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Jagadguru also mentioned in one of the Bhashanams, that it is a practice of the Acharya to engage in Bhashya Paatam – teach the Bhashyas in Chaturmasya, and some ardent disciples had approached Him with this request. The Jagadguru gave this series of Anugraha Bhashanams with the view of satisfying their request, and to benefit all Astikas. The Anugraha Bhashanam series on Vedanta was truly an Adhyatma Vidya Vrishti – a shower of spiritual wisdom that was eagerly consumed by sincere seekers. The audience for the Bhashanams ranged from scholars, upanyasakas, judges, professionals, householders interested in Vedanta, devotees and disciples young and old. The entire series was telecast live on Sankara TV.
This entire series of discourses, with a run-time of about 8 hours has been released on DVD in two volumes and is available for purchase at Sringeri Sharada Peetham and its branch Maths across the country. A version with English sub-titles will be released next year and made available to an international audience via Amazon.com
On September 19, Vinayaka Chaturthi was celebrated with a Ganapati Homa and a special puja performed by the Jagadguru. In the afternoon, the Mahaganapati Vakyartha Vidwat Sabha commenced.
Below is an archival video from around 1990, where the Jagadguru speaks about the Glory of Lord Ganesha
The Jagadguru performed Shravana Somavara Puja on 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August and 13th August. On 27th July, the Jagadguru observed Varamahalakshmi Vrata in the evening. Disciples consider it a privilege and fortune to have Darshan of the Jagadguru during the Shravana Somavaras that occur during the Chaturmasya. This year, devotees in large numbers witnessed the Jagadguru’s elaborate worship of Lord Chandramoulishwara.
Thousands of devotees had Darshan of the Jagadguru every day in the mornings and in the evenings. Many dignitaries and agents of Dharmic and Social Change arrived to have the Darshan of Jagadguru and returned blessed and inspired. The Jagadguru gave many interviews and messages that were published in both English and Tamil newspapers and magazines.
On every single day of the Yatra, the Vijaya Yatra Committee in Chennai made arrangements for Annadanam on a large scale both in the morning and evening. Many volunteers worked hard for long hours to ensure that the thousands who came to have Darshan returned only after a sumptuous Prasadam meal. Beginning July 1, the Committee also organized musical concerts and other events every evening. Under the leadership of ardent disciple and violinist Sri RK Shriramkumar the events including performances by both leading and rising Carnatic musicians and offered a melody of Kirtanas filled with Bhakti. The concerts began after the evening Darshan of the Jagadguru and ended with the Chandramoulishwara Puja. Leading exponents of Bhajans and Upanyasas also enthralled the devotees. Sanskrit plays were also held in the Jagadguru’s presence. A 3-day Yajur Veda Parayana was organized in late August and scholars were honoured.
On 11th August, Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation organized a function to announce the awards of the annual essay writing competition conducted by the foundation. Winning students were awarded prizes and blessed by the Jagadguru. The Jagadguru also blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
On 12th August, the Jagadguru released audio CDs of Krishna Yajur Veda Krama produced by Vedic Sangeeta Foundation, Chennai. Earlier, Parayana of all the four Vedas took place in the presence of the Jagadguru from around 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm. The function ended with the Jagadguru giving an Anugraha Bhashanam throwing light on the valuable advices mentioned in the Vedas.
On 20th August, Guru Vandanam was organized on behalf of the Telugu community in Chennai. The Jagadguru blessed the gathering with an Anugraha Bhashanam in Telugu.
On 7th September, the Vijaya Yatra Committee invited a large assembly of Chennai’s professional community comprising of leading doctors, judges, lawyers, educationists and social workers to have Darshan of the Jagadguru and listen to His Anugraha Bhashanam. The Jagadguru delved on the tenets of Dharma and how professionals in the present-day should take care to adhere to Dharma even in a world driven by economy.
On 9th September, the annual award function in honor of late Dharmatma Sri Vaidyasubrahmanya Iyer was organized by his sons, Sri V Vaidyanathan and Sri V Jayaraman and held in the presence of the Jagadguru.
On 16th September, the prize distribution ceremony of the popular program Bhajan Samrat on Sankara TV was held in the presence of the Jagadguru. The final had been held in the Meenakshi College premises the previous day when Sri V R Gowrishankar, Administrator & CEO of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, had announced that the Amalgamations group would sponsor prize money for the other four teams also. The five finalist teams performed Bhajans in the Jagadguru’s presence, received their awards and were blessed by the Jagadguru. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru pointed out the efficacy of Nama Sankeertanam and commended the efforts of the organizers and the participants.
To the delight of the Chennai devotees, the Adhika Bhadrapada Masa adding an extra month to the Chaturmasya period. Thus, the 38th Chaturmasya of the Jagadguru was filled with Vedanta Anugraha Bhashanams, Vratas and Pujas, music concerts, Upanyasas and Bhajans. The Jagadguru had clearly touched millions of astikas and the Jagadguru was firmly entrenched in their hearts and minds.
On the evening of 3rd October 2012, a Guruvandana programme was organized by Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation, Chennai to honour the Jagadguru.
Prior to arriving for this evening function, the Jagadguru individually blessed and gave prasadam to a large gathering of physically challenged women and men who were given Tailoring Machines and Wheelchairs.
At around 6 PM, the event began with the Sama Veda chanting by Vedabrahmasri Chandramoulishwara Shrouthi and his disciples. Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Aksharamala Stotram composed by the Jagadguru on His Guru, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji was then sung by Kum. Amrita Murali and Kum. Bharati Ramasubban.
After the entire gathering offered Pranams to the Jagadguru by way of chanting of the Sringeri Jagadguru Birudavali, welcome addresses were read in Sanskrit and Tamil by Sri Narayanan and Sri R Krishnan of Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation. Sri Krishnan mentioned that the foundation that had small beginnings after its foundings in 1992 was now engaged in a number of activities: celebrations of the Jagadguru’s Vardhanti and Jayanti of Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji; publishing books and DVDs containing lives and teachings of Sringeri Jagadgurus, conducting competitions to create opportunities to help youngsters imbibe our culture and tradition, honouring Vedic and Shastric scholars and assisting orphans in getting education.
Sri Krishnan recalled the words of the Jagadguru spoken in a function organized at Sringeri on November 9, 2004 on the occasion of the completion of 30 years of His Sannyasa. The Jagadguru then had given an Anugraha Bhashanam speaking at length about His Guru and had blessed that Sri Vidyatheertha foundation function as an important Dharmic institution in Chennai. Eight years since, the foundation had indeed become such an institution merely due to the blessings of the Jagadguru. Sri Krishnan also recalled the happy occasion when the student competition had been held in Chennai in 1995 and the Jagadguru had blessed the students during His Vijaya Yatra then. Once again, the competitions were held during the Chaturmasya of the Jagadguru this year and the students were rewarded as part of a function during the Chaturmasya.
On behalf of the foundation, Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy honoured Brahmasri Chandramoulishwara Shrouthi and presented a cheque of 1 lakh for his Pathashala.
Dr. V R Gowrishankar released the DVD, “Krishna – The Lord Almighty” containing the Puja performed by the Jagadguru on Krishna Janmashtami day during the Chaturmasya at Chennai and the Anugraha Bhashanam given on the eve of Krishna Janmashtami. A special supplement brought out by Makkal Kural was also released.
A number of dignitaries including Swami Vimurtananda (Editor, Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam, Chennai), Hon. Justice Sri V. Ramasubramanian (Judge, Madras High Court), Hon. Justice Sri R S Ramanathan (Judge, Madras High Court), Brahmasri Dr. R. Mani Dravid (Shastraic scholar, Madras Sanskrit College), Brahmasri B. Sundarakumar (well-known Harikatha exponent), Sri T S Krishnamurthy (former Chief Election Commissioner of India), Sri N. Gopalaswami (former Chief Election Commissioner of India), Sri E Mariappan (Director – News, Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai), Sri M S Gopalakrishnan (Renowned Musician), Dr. S S Badrinath (President, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai), Dr. Padma Subramanian (Vice-president, Dharma Rakshana Samithi), Dr. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty (Renowned Philanthropist), Sri K. Srikkanth (Former International Cricket Player), Trichur Sri V Ramachandran (Sangeetha Kalanidhi Designate), Kavignar Sri Subbu Arumugan (Renowned poet), Dr. S Revathy (Professor of Sanskrit, Madras University), Sri G. Ramkumar (Film Producer, Chennai), Sri R. Ganesh (Renowned Violinist), Sri V.B. Chandrasekar (Former International Cricket Player) and Sri R. Ambreesh (Assistant Editor, Dinamalar, Chennai) as well as the Chief Editor of Makkal Kural attended the function.
Dr. Revathy recited a Sanskrit sextet in praise of the Jagadguru. Vidwan Mani Dravid spoke about how although each branch of Shastra is as vast and deep as an ocean, the Jagadguru had complete mastery in every Shastra and the Vedas. The Vidwan also deeply respected and admired how the Jagadguru lucidly explained various Adhikaranas (topics from the Brahma Sutras) in simple and lucid style during the series of Vedanta discourses during the Chaturmasya. Brahmasri B R Sundarakumar expressed wonder on many aspects of the Jagadguru be it command over language, poetry, the Anushtanams, the concentration of the Jagadguru during the Pujas and Vratas, Vairagya and adherence to Sannyasa Dharma, Bhagavad Bhakti and Guru Bhakti, and hailed the Jagadguru as a Jnana Svaroopa. Film producer, Sri G Ramkumar, High Court Judge Sri V Ramasubramanian and Swami Vimurtananda, Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai also spoke on the occasion.
Administrator & CEO, Sri V R Gowrishankar had words of praise for the foundation that had brought together various dignitaries from various diverse fields as the judiciary, sports, administration, arts, religion and people of impeccable name. He felicitated the dignitaries in the Jagadguru’s divine presence.
The 23rd Aradhana of the 35th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Peetham, Brahmibhuta Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji was celebrated for 3 days from October 6th to 8th. On all three days, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji offered special Aradhana Puja, with the main Aradhana day falling on 7th October. A larger-than-life sculpture of Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam offered by devotees was used in the Puja. The Jagadguru performed Puja to a large Saligrama with the huge sculpture of Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam in the background, giving devotees a feeling that Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam was Himself seated accepting the Aradhana Puja and blessing the devotees. Gandha (Sandalwood Paste) and Tirtha was distributed to devotees at around 3 pm on 7th and 8th October. The Aradhana was also observed for 3 days at the Adhishtanam of Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam at Sringeri.
On 15th October 2012, the grand Navaratri Celebrations began with the Mahabhisheka of Goddess Sharadamba. The Mahamangalarati of the Goddess, in the Jagatprasutika Alankara took place in the presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji before noon.
This day being Mahalaya Amavasya day, also marked the Videha Mukti of the renowned Jivanmukta, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji.
The Sharannavaratri Mahotsava began in its full splendour from the following day, October 16th 2012. Devotees noted a rare occurrence as part of the Navaratri this year: the Murti of Goddess Sharadamba that is part of the Jagadguru’s Nitya Puja was the one chosen for worship. The large smiling Murti of Goddess Sharada, that was at Kodambakkam also graced the dais.
Each day, Parayana of the four Vedas, Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s Prasthana Traya Bhashyas, Srimad Bhagavatam, Lalitopakhyanam, were conducted in the morning as per the tradition of the Peetham. The Jagadguru then performed special Puja to Goddess Sharadamba from noon until 2 PM. Thousands of devotees witnessed the Puja performed by the Jagadguru and were blessed. Suvasini Puja and Kannika Puja took place with the Navaratri Seva Kartas taking Sankalpa before performing these Pujas. After the Puja, the Jagadguru individually blessed the Seva Kartas. In the evening, kritis of various Carnatic saint-composers were rendered by leading musicians.
In the evenings, devotees eagerly awaited for the Rathotsava of Goddess Sharada. A moving event unfolded during the Rahthotsava on October 16th. Rains had disrupted the event on the previous two days and the rain continued to come down heavily on this evening as well. Sri A. Krishnamoorthy (Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra committee) approached the Jagadguru as the evening Darshan was winding down to seek His guidance. The Jagadguru immediately arose and said that He would join the Rathotsava today and moved towards the Ratha to offer prostrations to Goddess Sharada. The heavy rain suddenly turned into a drizzle and by the time the Jagadguru took His first steps, it had stopped raining! As the procession turned the bend at Sudharma, the clouds had cleared and the moon came shining through! The Jagadguru accompanied the joyous devotees on the Rathotsava throughout the entire circumambulation of Sudharma.
At night, after the daily Chandramoulishwara Puja by the Jagadguru, the Jagadguru presided over the traditional Durbar. The eastern end of the main hall of the Puja Mandapam was modified with a glorious golden backdrop. Even though the Jagadguru was not in His traditional royal splendour consisting of sporting the silk dresses, diamond crown, golden Padukas and the Japamala of pearls, the rich ambience and the thousands of the devotees provided a suitable substitute. The Jagadguru was led to the eastern end and then seated in the Simhasana with two beautifully sculpted large silver lamps placed nearby. Thereafter Saptashati Parayana took place followed by Mahamangalarati to Godess Sharadamba. Then Ashtavadhana Seva was performed including Chatur Veda Seva, Panchanga Seva with the Panchanga being read out in Sanskrit, and Sangeetha Seva rendered by eminent artists performing as part of the Navaratri concerts.
The Shatachandi Yaga began on 19th October and concluded on Mahanavami day – 23rd October with Poornahuti performed in the Jagadguru’s presence after the worshipping of Goddess Sharada in Simha Vahana Alankara. Gaja Puja and Ashwa Puja were also performed by the Jagadguru.
On Vijayadashami (October 24th), the Jagadguru did Parayana of the Pattabhisheka Sarga from Valmiki Ramayana. Devotees gathered in large numbers on that day and the stipulated area for Annadanam was overflowing. Sri A Krishnamoorthy quickly converted one of the Mandapams inside Sudharma to a Bhojanashala and thousands were served Prasadam inside Sudharma. Soon after, at about 4 pm, a grand Suvasini Puja was held in the premises where more than a thousand Suvasinis were worshipped. The Suvasinis chanted Lalita Sahasranama thrice and then received the Darshan of the Jagadguru and His blessings. It was a fitting conclusion to the Navaratri Celebrations at Chennai, as the Jagadguru also gave an Anugraha Bhashanam expressing the significance of the Suvasini Puja and the importance of looking upon every lady as a manifestation of the divine Mother.
At Sringeri, the Mahabhisheka to Goddess Sharadamba, the Aradhana celebrations of Paramaguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji at the Adhishtanam, and the Sharada Sharannavaratri celebrations took place in a grand manner under the able leadership of Guru Seva Dhurina Sri V R Gowrishankar.
On October 26th, the devotees of Chennai organized a function titled “Respectful Gratitude” at Sudharma to honour Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji.
That evening, the Jagadguru first blessed a large group of people (young and old) with special needs. The Jagadguru blessed this group of blind and physically challenged people and they were given new clothing, tools (wheel chairs, hearing-aids) to improve their life and Prasadam blessed by the Jagadguru.
The public function began with Veda Ghosha and prayer. The Chairman of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy spoke on the occasion, saying ” We had been to Sringeri in January 2012 invite the Jagadguru to Chennai as part of the Vijaya Yatra. We also placed our request to the Jagadguru to observe Chaturmasya Vrata at Chennai and also celebrate Navaratri at Chennai. It was our earnest desire for us to request the Jagadguru to observe Chaturmasya at Chennai. However, it almost seemed like greed when we requested the Jagadguru to celebrate Navaratri here. I also feared if we were going overboard with our request. All of us in the group felt that we might get admonished by the Jagadguru but we knew how compassionate He is. Our Jagadguru did not admonish us. Instead, He has given us such a big Anugraha.”
He continued, “Our Jagadguru graced Chennai on 14th June, more than a hundred days after the start of the Vijaya Yatra. During those days, He had blessed so many people, taught them through His Anugraha Bhashanams, stayed for a day, two days or more in every place, performed many Kumbhabishekas and Pujas. In Chennai, the Jagadguru conducted the Kumbhabhishekas at Kodambakkam and RA Puram and graced many institutions. The enthusiasm among the people only kept increasing.”
“We all know how much we were blessed out of His compassion during the Chaturmasya observed at Sudharma for a period of three months. There may have been a few amidst us who could have had gone to Sringeri to witness the events in Chaturmasya (had it been observed in Sringeri). However, we all had the fortune of having the Darshan of the Jagadguru twice a day and witnessing Him perform the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja every night.”
Sri Krishnamoorthy mentioned that he had originally thought of reading out a written speech, but had then decided to pour his heart out. He recounted how the Jagadguru unflinchingly and compassionately gave Darshan even in the early mornings after 6 AM during Go Puja, with the devotees having Darshan even after the Chandramoulishwara Puja until well past 10 PM every night.
He said that he was amazed with the response from the people of Chennai, for when Sudharma was getting ready to receive the Jagadguru, there seemed to be doubts over how sustained the flow of devotees would be after Chaturmasya began. After the first few weeks, the arrangements had to be enhanced to accommodate the ever-increasing stream of devotees coming to have Darshan of the Jagadguru.
He continued, “What have we not seen during these months – be it Vinayaka Chaturthi, Krishna Jayanti, Vamana Jayanti, Varalakshmi Vrata, Somavara Puja. I wonder if any other location, outside Sringeri, would have had the fortune of paving the way for devotees to have Darshan of the Jagadguru over more than 100 days”
“We are indeed very very greatly blessed. Do we really deserve all of this?. Obviously the Jagadguru feels so. It is the Jagadguru who has instilled in us the strength to receive Him here and serve Him for all these days. We are indeed very very grateful to the Jagadguru for acceding to our requests, for being with us, and for blessing us in the manner in which He has blessed for as long as He has been actually blessed us.” He then submitted His gratitude on behalf of all at the Lotus Feet of the Jagadguru.
Sri A Krishnamoorthy then proceeded to thank the Tamil Nadu Government, the Chennai Mayor, the Ministry of HR&CE for their excellent cooperation and support rendered during the Jagadguru’s Vijaya Yatra in Tamil Nadu.
He also thanked in particular the special speakers of the day including Dr. Sudha Seshayyan, Guru Bhakta Mani P R Ramasubrahmaneya Raja and Guru Bhakta Shiromani Sri N Srinivasan.
Special words of praise were reserved for the staff of the Peetham led by CEO and Administrator, Sri V R Gowrishankar. Sri Krishnamoorthy termed Sri Gowrishankar as a person who has dedicated his life for the conduct of affairs at the Peetham, who leads an efficient team that is very considerate to the devotees, and is very supportive in more ways than one of everything that has to be done to make such a visit of the Jagadguru a success. He also remembered Sri Gowrishankar’s contribution in conducting the Ati Rudra Mahayaga in the USA, and the scale of Annadanam happening in Sringeri. He also praised Sri Gowrishankar not merely for his administrative abilities but for his deep knowledge of the tradition, culture and history of the Peetham over many centuries. It was this aspect where the guidance from Sri Gowrishankar and his team was most important, to ensure that the celebrations took place properly, and in a manner in which the Jagadguru would be satisfied.
He had special words of thanks for Sri Thotatharani, who had made all the set and decorative arrangements at Sudharma. Even the support staff of electricians and videographers did not escape the long list of people who were thanked on the occasion. Sri Krishnamoorthy mentioned that the video coverage and the giant LED screen had helped them witness Sri Chandramoulishwara Puja and Sri Chakra Puja at such close quarters as was made possible. He then had sincere words of praise for the security arrangements and all officials involved in the maintaining peace and security.
Probably the greatest of acknowledgements went duly to the team that ensured the large-scale Annadanam during the Jagadguru’s stay at Sudharma. Sri A Krishnamoorthy thanked every devotee and all the volunteers involved for making the stay of the Jagadguru special. He mentioned that such a disciplined crowd over the many months was remarkable.
Feeling that words were not enough and it was more appropriate to prostrate before the Jagadguru than to keep thanking Him or expressing gratitude, Sri A Krishnamoorthy concluded his address with Sashtanga Pranams to the Jagadguru.
Other Notaries Speak
Guru Bhakta Mani P R Subrahmaneya Raja speaking on the occasion, remembered that Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam had told him that the greatest gift for the Peetham was Sri Sri Sannidhanam, and that Sri Sri Sannidhanam was blessed with a golden hand, signifying that the Peetham would soar to new heights during His time.
Guru Bhakta Shiromani Sri N Srinivasan then spoke, saying that when the Jagadguru was first approached requesting for a Vijaya Yatra to Chennai, He had replied saying it would happen as per Goddess Sharada’s desire. So they immediately offered prayers to the Goddess. He said that the conduct of the Chennai Vijaya Yatra is a lesson for all of us on hospitality and devotion. It made everyone feel: Why would anyone not come to have Darshan of our walking living God – the Jagadguru? He also recalled recalled the words of Administrator Sri Gowrishankar said during a Vardhanti function in Sringeri, “Is there not sometime in each of our lives, when we have not been a recipient and beneficiary of the Jagadguru’s Grace?” Sri N Srinivasan expressed his unshakeable faith in the Jagadguru and expressed his gratitude. He added that when the Vijaya Yatra moves on, a big void would be created in the hearts of the people of Chennai for they have all enjoyed over the last four months the Darshan of the Acharya. He also expressed that no matter how long the Acharya will be at Chennai, we will never feel content as the devotees behold God in the Acharya.
Everyone felt that while “Sudharma” refers to Indra Sabha (the court of the King of Gods, Indra), the Jagadguru by His stay had transformed Sudharma into Yatindra Sabha.
Dr. Sudha Seshayyan, medical professor, Dr. MGR Medical University and popular literary figure, said that the Vijaya Yatra of the Acharya to Chennai was a great boon for the residents of Chennai, and expressed her heart-felt devotion. She felt that the entire city had obtained a serene ambience by the stay of the Acharya and expressed that everything is possible when we have the Guru in our minds.
Sri VR Gowrishankar, CEO of Sringeri Sharada Peetham Speaks
Guru Seva Dhurina Sri V R Gowrishankar mentioned that Oct 26th was the 134th day since the Jagadguru arrived in Chennai. On average, 50 Vedic scholars trained in Rudram and Chamakam had been chanting in the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja every day and this chanting alone accounted to be the equivalent of conducting five Ati Rudrams at Chennai. It was a feeling of great satisfaction for everyone that, on the average 2000 people had Darshan of the Jagadguru every day and were given Annadanam and the recorded number of people during the last 3.5 months is around 3 lakh 45 thousand. He stated that this is a Punya that everyone in the Vijaya Yatra committee shares. He remembered how fortunate we are for being a devotee and disciple of the Jagadguru. As Sri Adi Shankara has stated, the most difficult things to get are a human birth, the aspiration for liberation, and the association with Mahapurushas. Sri Gowrishankar spoke about the discipline of the Jagadguru and how He leads and teaches by example. He emphasized that even after the Jagadguru departs Chennai to continue His Vijaya Yatra, his spiritual presence and blessings will always be there here.
His Excellency, Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr. K. Rosaiah was then received at the function. and he had Darshan of the Jagadguru and stayed until the end of the function.
DVD & Book Releases
Guru Bhakta Shiromani Sri N Srinivasan released the “Vedanta Volume 2″ DVD containing the last seven discourses on Vedanta given by the Jagadguru during the Chennai Chaturmasya. The first copy was received by His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Copies were also received by Chairman of the Vijaya Yatra Committee, Sri A Krishnamoorthy Sri V R Gowrishankar and Smt. Geetha Gowrishankar, and Dr. KS Lakshmi, Convenor of the Vijaya Yatra Committee. A Tamil poetry work on Adi Shankaracharya, penned by Sri Viswanathan was also released.
His Excellency Governor Dr. K. Rosaiah Speaks
In His speech, His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr. K Rosaiah paid his reverence to the Jagadguru and said it was heartening to note that many temples and institutions had been graced by the Jagadguru, many Pujas and Vratas observed, and a number of social and religious causes attended to. The Governor spoke about the beauty of India stating that India is a home to all religions and it is quintessential to awaken the discipline in us to become masters of ourselves. The discourses of great Seers are aimed at bringing a change within. Whereever Sri Jagadguru Mahaswamiji went or gave a discourse, His words influenced the masses, strengthened their hearts and purified their minds. The discourses have had a tremendous impact and made many to follow the path of Dharma with nobility in the heart and kindness in spirit. The Governor ended His speech quoting the last verse of Rig Veda, that expressed unity and experiencing the wholeness in life. He also stated that He has come as an ardent devotee of the Mahaswamiji to listen to His Anugraha Bhashanam.
Arriving at the holy town of Tiruttani to a warm welcome on the evening of 2nd November 2012, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji in His Anugraha Bhashanam mentioned that Tiruttani was the only one of the six famous temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Arupadai Veedu) where He had not come before. The Jagadguru recalled His visits to the other temples in the past, including the visits to and Pujas performed at the temples of Tiruchendur and Palani during the present Vijaya Yatra. The Jagadguru expressed joy that the Vijaya Yatra at Tamil Nadu would be completed after having Darshan of Sri Subrahmanya Swamy at Tiruttani the following day.
At about 9 AM on 3rd November, the Jagadguru ascended the hillock to towards the temple and was received with Poorna kumbha at the entrance of the temple by the Executive Officer of the temple and the temple Purohits. The Jagadguru first had Darshan of Sri Aapta Sahaaya Vinayakar and the Murti of Shanmukha. Thereafter the Jagadguru entered the main shrine and offered prayers while having Darshan of Sri Subrahmanya Swamy and His divine consorts Sri Devasena and Sri Valli. The Jagadguru then had Darshan of the Utsava Murti of the Lord following which the temple authorities received the Jagadguru’s blessings. The Jagadguru also went to the top of the temple for Vimana Darshanam and to look at the efforts being taken for the construction of the Raja Gopuram. The authorities received the Jagadguru’s blessings for the efforts being taken for erecting the Raja Gopuram. Alighting from the hillock, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to the devotees.
As the morning rolled into the afternoon, the Vijaya Yatra in Tamil Nadu that had begun on 6th March from Krishnagiri (with a 15-day tour of Kerala in-between in the month of April) came to an auspicious end at the holy town of Tiruttani.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji entered the state of Andhra Pradesh on 3rd November 2012. The Jagadguru was received at the border by various dignitaries of the state including Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer Sri L V Subrahmanyam.
Arriving at the Sringeri Shankara Math in Tirupati, the Jagadguru was received with Poornakumbha and given a reverential welcome. Smt. Chitra Ramachandran, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government Revenue (Endowments) was amongst the notable dignitaries to welcome the Jagadguru.
Prof. Sannidhanam Sudarshana, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Venkateshwara Vedic University rendered the Swagata Bhashanam in Sanskrit and mentioned that in accordance to the dictum – पितृदेवमनुष्याणां वेदः चक्षुः सनातनम् The Vedas are the eternal source of wisdom to the Pitrus, Devas and humans – the Jagadguru focused only on the Vedas and their teachings while travelling through the nation and expounding the message of Sanatana Dharma to the masses. Prof. Ramamurthy, Dharmadhikari of the Math, welcomed the Jagadguru in Telugu.
During the night Chandramoulishwara Puja, at the instruction of the Jagadguru, Veda Brahmasri Prava Ramakrishna Somayaji explained the Veda Bhashya of the mantras in the Krishna Yajur Veda pertaining to the Kooshmanda Homa after the Rudra Abhisheka.
On the morning of 4th November, the Jagadguru arrived at the Sringeri Shankara Math at Narasimha Teertham, Tirupati and had Darshan of Goddess Sharada and Adi Shankaracharya. After blessing the assembled devotees, the Jagadguru returned to the Math in Tirupati and gave Darshan to the devotees.
On the morning of 5th November, the Jagadguru visited Tirumala and was received with Poorna kumbha by Sri L V Subrahmanya, Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and religious authorities. The Jagadguru first had Darshan at the Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple and was then given the special ceremonial Istikapal Swagatam by the Archakas of the temple. The Jagadguru was then led into the temple and had Darshan of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. The Vastram offered by the Jagadguru was placed on the Lord and the Jagadguru then performed Chamara Seva to the Lord of the Seven Hills. The Jagadguru then spent nearly half an hour in front of the Garbha Griha and then later descended to Tirupati to give Darshan to the assembled devotees.
A few days after the Jagadguru’s visit, it came to be known through the TTD authorities that prior to the Jagadguru’s visit, Tirumala had been suffering from acute water shortage for many months due to a drought. However immediately after the Jagadguru’s visit, heavy rains descended upon Tirumala and the reservoirs now had sufficient water for more than a year.
On the evening of November 5, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at the holy town of Sri Kalahasti from Tirupati. Upon arrival, the Dhuli Pada Puja was offered to the Jagadguru and the Executive Officer of the temple offered his respects. The Jagadguru then blessed the audience with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
The following morning, the Jagadguru was received at the Sri Kalahasteeshwara temple by the temple authorities and Archakas. The Jagadguru had Darshan of Lord Kalahasteeshwara and Goddess Gnana Prasoonambika and blessed the assembled devotees.
Arriving at Nellore to a grand reception, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji first had Darshan at the Sri Moolasthaneshwara Temple. The devotees then took the Jagadguru in a procession, which was followed by the Dhuli Pada Puja and the offering of Swagata Patrika.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Kavali on the evening of 8th November. After accepting the Dhuli Pada Puja and the Swagatam offered to Him, the Jagadguru gave a Anugraha Bhashanam.
On the morning of November 9th, the Jagadguru visited the Kavali Shivalayam and had Darshan of the Shivalinga and Goddess Durga. The Jagadguru graced the adjoining Shankara Matham and offered Mangalarati to Lord Adi Shankara, Goddess Gayatri, Lord Dattatreya and Sri Chandramoulishwara. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru praised the efforts being done at the Matham in celebrating Shankara Jayanti and organizing various programs and discourses to spread the works of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Jagadguru also graced the Venkateshwara temple under construction in Brindavan Colony, Kavali and blessed the temple trustees for a quick completion of the temple construction.
The Jagadguru then gave Darshan to the Kavali devotees and started for Ongole in the evening.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Ongole on the evening of November 9th. After Dhuli Pada Puja, the Jagadguru began His Anugraha Bhashanam expressing happiness over the Shraddha and Bhakti of the devotees at Ongole. The Jagadguru remembered that His earlier visits to Ongole, along with His Guru, and by Himself, and it was because of the respect and devotion of the citizens of Ongole that He had decided to grace Ongole on the route from Tirupati to Srisailam.
On November 10th, the Jagadguru graced Sri Aalooru Seetharamamma Rama Kotishwara Rao Veda Pathashala and blessed the Adhyapakas and Vidyarthis. The Jagadguru gave Darshan to the devotees, many of whom offered Pada Puja and Bhiksha Vandanam.
The Jagadguru started from Ongole towards Markapuram the same evening.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Markapuram in Prakasam district on the evening of November 10. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru said that He had graced Markapuram enroute to Srisailam Mahakshetram to stay at Markapuram for a night, perform Chandramoulishwara Puja and seek the grace of Lord Chandramoulishwara and Goddess Sharada for the welfare of the people of Markapuram. The Jagadguru expressed joy at the way the residents had made arrangements to receive the Jagadguru in accordance to Sampradaya (tradition).
On the morning of 11th November, the Jagadguru had Darshan of Sri Chenna Keshava Swamy at Markapuram. Later in the morning, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to all the devotees and then started for Srisailam in the afternoon.
Starting towards Srisailam, the Jagadguru had Darshan of Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari in the temple in Dornala town.
On the evening of November 11, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at the holy town of Srisailam to a reverential welcome. The Jagadguru was first received by the authorities and Archakas of the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple at the outskirts near the Sakshi Ganapati temple. The Jagadguru had Darshan of Sri Sakshi Ganapati and then proceeded towards the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple. Executive Officer of the temple received the Jagadguru with Poornakumbham and the Jagadguru was led in a procession to the Sringeri Shankara Math located just outside the temple premises. After the Dhuli Pada Puja was performed by the Executive Officer, the Swagata Patrikas was read to welcome the Jagadguru to Srisailam on behalf of the temple authorities and the Brahamana Sangam at Srisailam.
On 12th November, the Jagadguru was led in a procession from the Sringeri Shankara Math to the temple of Sri Mallikarjunaswamy and Goddess Bhramaramba. The Executive Officer along with other officials received the Jagadguru at the entrance of the temple with Poorna kumbham. The Jagadguru first worshipped the large idol of Nandi. The idol was adorned with the Silver Kavacham submitted as an offering by the Sringeri Sharada Peetham to the temple. The Jagadguru worshipped Lord Nandikeshwara and then went into the Garbha Griha of the Jyotirlinga, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy. The Jagadguru performed an elaborate worship of the Jyotirlinga, offering Abhisheka, Archana and Mahamangalarati. Pandits and devotees chanted Vedic hymns and rendered Stotras by Sri Adi Shankaracharya such as Sri Shivananda Lahari. The Jagadguru then proceeded to the temple of Goddess Bhramaramba and offered worship. On behalf of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, the Jagadguru offered a diamond-studded braid for the Goddess. Subsequently, the Executive Officer and the temple authorities offered Pada Puja to the Jagadguru in the Mandapam inside the temple. The Jagadguru commended the efforts of the temple administration for improving pilgrim amenities, maintaining the sanctity of the temple and blessed the gathering.
Bali Padya, Pathala Ganga and Kumbabhisheka
On 14th November, the Sankalpa for the Prathishta Kumbhabhisheka of the deities of Goddess Sharada and Sri Adi Shankaracharya took place in the Jagadguru’s presence. As part of Bali Padya, the Jagadguru offered Go Puja. On 15th November, the Jagadguru visited Pathala Ganga, had His afternoon Snanam in the Krishna river and performed Anhikam on its banks. On 16th November, the Jagadguru performed the Prathishta Kumbhabhisheka of Goddess Sharada and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The following day, the Jagadguru started from Srisailam towards Orvakallu.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at the town of Orvakallu from Srisailam late in the evening of 17th November. After Dhuli Pada Puja was performed and the Swagata Patrika was read, the Jagadguru said in His Anugraha Bhashanam that He was gracing Orvakallu for the first time as the devotees had expressed great desire to welcome the Jagadguru.
The Jagadguru conveyed His blessings for the young Sri Phani Shashanka Sharma, who had studied in the Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Pathashala at Sringeri and was instrumental in arranging the Yatra of the Jagadguru to grace the town. The Jagadguru then blessed the residents of Orvakallu and ended the Anugraha Bhashanam.
The following day, at the request of the devotees, the Jagadguru performed the Kumbhabhisheka of Jeeveshwara Swamy temple in Orvakallu.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Kurnool on the evening of November 18th to a warm welcome. In His Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru spoke about the greatness of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
On the morning of November 19th, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to devotees from around 10 am. Devotees offered Pada Puja and Bhiksha Vandanam. Subsequently, the Jagadguru performed the Karthika Somavara Puja, worshipping the sacred Chandramoulishwara Sphatika Linga by offering of Panchamrita Abhisheka, Abhisheka to the chants of Sri Rudram and sections of Sri Mahanarayana Upanishad. Devotees felt blessed by the divine sight of the Jagadguru offering such elaborate worship.
Starting early in the evening, the Jagadguru inaugurated the Vasavi Kalyana Mandapam en route from Kurnool to Mahbubnagar.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Mahbubnagar on the evening of November 19 to a reverential welcome.
After the traditional welcome ceremonies like Dhuli Pada Puja, the Jagadguru gave a Anugraha Bhashanam about the importance of Karma and Bhakti.
The following morning, the Jagadguru gave Darshan to the assembled devotees. Devotees performed Bhiksha Vandanam and Pada Puja and received Tirtha Prasadam. After blessing the devotees with Mantrakshata, the Jagadguru started from Mahbubnagar on the afternoon of November 20th. Enroute from Mahbubnagar to Shamshabad, the Jagadguru visited Kanyaka Parameshwari temple, had Darshan of the Goddess and blessed the devotees with an Anugraha Bhashanam.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Shamshabad (a suburb of Hyderabad) on the evening of November 20th. The Jagadguru was received at the outskirts of Shamshabad by ardent devotees and then proceeded to the newly constructed grand temple for Goddess Sharada and Lord Chandramoulishwara in Sharada Nagar, Shamshabad. Poornakumbha was offered by Sri MVS Prasad, Dharmadhikari and the Sanskrit Swagata Patrika was read by Mahamahopadhyaya Sri Pullela Sriramachandrudu. Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister, Sri C Ramachandraiah welcomed the Jagadguru and expressed that it was a pride for all citizens of Andhra Pradesh that the Jagadguru hails from their state and occupies the most respected position as the Peethadhipati of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri. He also said that the Jagadguru’s Anugraha Bhashanams are a great source of inspiration for everyone to follow the path of Dharma and live in peace.
On 21st November, Andhra Pradesh Governor, His Excellency Sri ESL Narasimhan came to Shamshabad and had Darshan of the Jagadguru. Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Sri Pinaki Chandra Ghose had Darshan of the Jagadguru on 23rd November.
The Jagadguru also commended Sri MVS Prasad for his intense devotion towards the Peetham and efforts to make the temple a reality and the efforts of Sri Subrahmanyam Ravi, son of Vedantam Manikyala Rao. The Jagadguru concluded His Anugraha Bhashanam by blessing the devotees of Shamshabad and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at the Sringeri Shankara Math, Moti Nagar on the evening of November 24th to a reverential welcome. After the Swagata Patrika was read out, the Jagadguru began His Anugraha Bhashanam speaking about the ephemeral nature of life.
At the end of the Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru had special words of praise for Sri Taloor Suryanarayana Rao and Sri Kompella Peraiyya Shastri who had taken efforts to establish a Sringeri Shankara Math in Moti Nagar and effected the construction of the temples for Goddess Sharada and Sri Adi Shankara. The Jagadguru also mentioned that while He was unable to be present for the Prathishta of the temples, He is present today by the grace of Goddess Sharada.
The 404 day Vijaya Yatra undertaken by the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh concluded today, Friday, the fifth of April 2013 when the Jagadguru returned to Sringeri at around 6:00 PM.
The Jagadguru was accorded a memorable welcome by the denizens of Sringeri with grand procession in a specially built “ratha” from the town entrance. The grand procession which had many floats was led by Veda Ghosha and Mangala Vadya.
Upon the entering the Math premises, the Jagadguru alighted from the specially built “ratha” and proceeded to the temple of Goddess Sharadamba, the presiding deity of the Peetham, where He had darshan of the Goddess. This was followed by a Swagata and Guruvandana function held at the Jagadguru Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji Sabha Bhavana in the Math premises. Dhuli-pada-puja was performed by the Administrator and CEO of the Math, Guruseva Dhurina Sri V. R. Gowrishankar. Many dignitaries spoke during the occassion.
Thousands of devotees, especially from Sringeri and adjoining villages had gathered at the Sri Math premises to have darshan of the Jagadguru and also to listen to the Anugraha Bhashanam of the Jagadguru. The event culminated with a spectacular show of fireworks at around 10:15 PM.
