On 30th March 2017, We visited "Sringeri Sharada Peetham"
Sringeri Sharada Peetha is the southern Advaita Vedanta matha established by Sree Adi Shankara in 8th century AD.
The matha is on the banks of the Tunga River in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India, 257 KM from Tumkur.
History
Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada established the first of the four Amnaya Peethams at Sringeri more than twelve centuries ago to foster the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma. He was on the look-out for a convenient and holy place where he could establish an institution to spread the truths of Advaita Vedanta.
When the Acharya came to Sringeri, he saw an unusual sight on the banks of the Tunga - a cobra was seen spreading out its hood over a frog in labour pains, to give it shadow from the scorching mid-day sun. Struck with the sanctity of the place, which could infuse love between natural adversaries, the Acharya chose this very location to establish His first Math.
Sri Kappe Shankara – A Shrine on the banks of the Holy Tunga river in memory to the
glorious sight witnessed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya; A serpent giving shade from the
scorching sun to a pregnant frog in labour pains
scorching sun to a pregnant frog in labour pains
Lineage of Gurus
Sl No
|
Jagadgurus of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham
|
Period of Reign (CE)
|
1.
|
Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada
|
820 (videha-mukti)
|
2.
|
Sri Sureshwaracharya
|
820 – 834
|
3.
|
Sri Nityabodaghana
|
834-848
|
4.
|
Sri Jnanaghana
|
848 – 910
|
5.
|
Sri Jnanottama
|
910 – 954
|
6.
|
Sri Jnanagiri
|
954 – 1038
|
7.
|
Sri Simhagiri
|
1038 – 1098
|
8.
|
Sri Ishwara Tirtha
|
1098 – 1146
|
9.
|
Sri Nrisimha Tirtha
|
1146 – 1229
|
10.
|
Sri Vidya Tirtha
|
1229 – 1333
|
11.
|
Sri Bharati Tirtha
|
1333 – 1380
|
12.
|
Sri Vidyaranya
|
1380 – 1386
|
13.
|
Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati I
|
1386 – 1389
|
14.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati I
|
1389 – 1408
|
15.
|
Sri Puroshottama Bharati I
|
1408 – 1448
|
16.
|
Sri Shankara Bharati
|
1448 – 1455
|
17.
|
Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati II
|
1455 – 1464
|
18.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati II
|
1464 – 1479
|
19.
|
Sri Puroshottama Bharati II
|
1479 – 1517
|
20.
|
Sri Ramachandra Bharati
|
1517 – 1560
|
21.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati III
|
1560 – 1573
|
22.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati IV
|
1573 – 1576
|
23.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati V
|
1576 – 1600
|
24.
|
Sri Abhinava Nrisimha Bharati
|
1600 – 1623
|
25.
|
Sri Sacchidananda Bharati I
|
1623 – 1663
|
26.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati VI
|
1663 – 1706
|
27.
|
Sri Sacchidananda Bharati II
|
1706 – 1741
|
28.
|
Sri Abhinava Sacchidananda Bharati I
|
1741 – 1767
|
29.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati VII
|
1767 – 1770
|
30.
|
Sri Sacchidananda Bharati III
|
1770 – 1814
|
31.
|
Sri Abhinava Sacchidananda Bharati II
|
1814 – 1817
|
32.
|
Sri Nrisimha Bharati VIII
|
1817 – 1879
|
33.
|
Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati
|
1879 – 1912
|
34.
|
Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati III
|
1912 – 1954
|
35.
|
Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha
|
1954 – 1989
|
36.
|
Sri Bharati Tirtha
|
1989 – Present
|
37.
|
Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati
|
Successor-Designate
|
The Math houses following temples:
1. Sri Sharadamba -
· The ancient temple of Sri Sharada, the head goddess of Sringeri has a glorious history that begins with the setting up of the Dakshinamnaya Peetham by Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada.
· Originally it was an modest shrine with the Murti of Sharada made of sandalwood, installed over the Sri Chakra carved on a rock by Sri Adi Shankara.
· Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha (11th Guru) and Sri Vidyaranya (12th Guru) had a temple built in the Kerala style, with timber and tiled roof.
· Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha substituted the sandalwood idol with the present golden idol.
· The original idol of Sri Sharadamba in sandalwood, is now housed in the temple of Sri Vidyashankara at Sringeri.
2. Sri Torana Ganapati:
· The Jagadgurus of Sringeri used to stay near the Shankaracharya temple in Sringeri.
· On one occasion, the Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji (32nd Guru) had a vision of the Ganapati when he was thinking on resolving and issues in the mutt affairs.
· He offered His prayer by offering a dhurva to the image of Lord Ganapati carved on the Torana of the door nearby, and the problem got resolved.
· Since then, the Ganapati has come to be worshipped as Torana Ganapati.
· Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji (33rd Guru) offer his prayers and dhurva everyday to Sri Torana Ganapati.
· Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekara Bharati Mahaswamiji (34th Guru) offered Torana Ganapati silver kavacha.
· Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Swamiji (35th Guru) organized for the nitya puja.
· Jagadguru Sri Bharati thirtha Mahaswamiji (36th Guru) got the reconstruction of the place and has offered a Golden kavacham.
3. Sri Vidyashankara:
· 10th Guru of the Matth- Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha, who was the head of this Peetham for a period of 105 years from 1228 CE to 1333 CE is considered to be one of the greatest Gurus of this Peetham.
· 12th Guru – Vidyaranya who headed the peetham was another extraordinary leader, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire,
· The Vidyashankara temple at Sringeri was built in memory of 10th Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha by Sree Vidyaranya, with the aid of the Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century.
· The golden image of Sarada was also installed then at the Sarada temple.
· The temple also houses ruby images of Venugopala and Srinivasa and a Nandi made out of a large pearl. Several inscriptions are seen in the temple, describing contributions made by the Vijayanagar emperors.
Architectural features
· This temple combines the Hoysala and Dravida architectural features.
· It stands on a richly sculptured basement.
· There are six doorways leading into the temple.
· The twelve pillars in the mandapam are named the Raasi pillars, and are so arranged that the sun's rays fall on each of them, in the order of the solar months.
· Each column also has a large Rearing lion, with non removable rolling stone balls in its mouth.
· A circular shikhara crowns the sanctum.
· This temple also features 61 images carved in bas relief, of various scenes from the puranas.
· Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here.
· From across the river, this temple looks seated like a majestic swan.
4. Sri Janardhana:
· The origin of this temple is traced to Sri Jnanaghanacharya the 4th acharaya of the Sri Matha
· The wonderful form of Janardhana carved in granite with Sridevi and Bhudevi on two sides and has Chaturbhuja with Shanka, Chakra Abhaya Mudra /Varada Mudra and Gadha.
· The prabhavali is an ornate piece, rich in flowery decorative details.
· The deity is covered by sandal paste, throughout the year. Abhishekam is performed once a year on Krishna Ashtami day.
(Daily Pavamana Abhishekam is performed for the Vishnu saligrama only.)
(Daily Pavamana Abhishekam is performed for the Vishnu saligrama only.)
· There is a Copper Venkatachala Pathy Yantra placed for worship at the foot of Lord janardhana.
· There is a separate Sudarshana Chakra for which special pooja is performed. (3ft. dia)
· Prayers are offered to ward off the feeling of hostility in us towards our fellow human beings and to cure psychological problems.
· Maha Sudarshan Yantra is the highly Protective Yantra.
· The Sudarshan refers to the discus of Vishnu, weapon to repel and punish evil and it is constructed from the pure flame of the sun.
· It is a dynamic Yantra in that the construction represents a whirling wheel of sacred flame that keeps all negativity, illness, misfortune and so on at bay.
· Within the body of the Yantra are inscribed sacred bija mantras that have proven their efficacy as protective talismans.
· “One of the functions of the Sudarshan Cakra is to punish the demoniac attitude in human beings, but another is to uplift the consciousness of the living beings”
5. Sri Anjaneya and Sri Garuda
· Outside the Shrine of Sri Janardhana Temple, attached to the navaranga are the shrines of
Sri Hanuman and Sri Garuda. Garuda,
Sri Hanuman and Sri Garuda. Garuda,
· Unlike most shrines of Lord Vishnu, Garuda , the vahana or vehicle of Lord Narayana stands to the faces east, rather than the Lord, which is unique to this temple.
· Anjaneya, the mighty valorous monkey God, stands to the south of the shrine of Sri Janardana swami.
· From the Ramayana we learn that Hanuman – as Adhakass Adhakasswamin –could make the impossible possible.
· Garuda and Hanuman are the strongest of the strong powers in the universe. Both idols are huge and made of monolithic granite.
6. Sri Vaageeshwari
7. Sri Balasubrahmanya
· Sri Adi Shankara has identified and established six pattern of worshiping deities, of which Kaumaram is related to the worshiping of Lord Subramanya .
(Ganapathyam - Lord Ganesh,
Soumaaram - Lord Surya, Sun.
Saivam - Lord Siva,
Saktham - Goddess Parvati.
Kaumaaram - Lord Subramanya
Vaishnavam, - Lord Vishnu.)
Soumaaram - Lord Surya, Sun.
Saivam - Lord Siva,
Saktham - Goddess Parvati.
Kaumaaram - Lord Subramanya
Vaishnavam, - Lord Vishnu.)
· A temple for Balasubrahmanya Swami was consecrated in 1978 by Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal (35th Guru).
· On the day of Subrahmanya Shasti or Champa Shasti (Margashira Shukla Paksha Shasti) is the grandest festival in this temple. Shata Rudrabhishekam is peformed to Sri Bala Subrahmanya in the morning and Deepotsava in the evening.
8. The Chandramouleeshwara Linga:
· Legend says that this “Sphatika linga”, along with those of the other three Amnaya Peethams as well, was handed over by Sri Adi Shankaracharya to his four disciples.
· Sri Adi Shankaracharya himself received the four lingas from Lord Shiva.
· Since then, the Lingas have been propitiated by the various Acharyas who have adorned the Peethams.
· The Linga of Sri Chandramoulishwara crystal linga, radiant like the moon, representing Jnana and bliss,
· It is the principal idol of worship not only in Sringeri but also in the other three Amnaya Peethams – Badri, Dwaraka and Puri.
· Today, the Chandramouleeshwara linga is propitiated thrice a day, morning and evening with “Shodasha-Upachara” as ordained in the scriptures.
· Devotees also get the rare previlage of having a darshan of the Jagadguru worshipping the Chandramouleeshwara Linga in the night.
· The Jagadguru propitiates Lord Chandramouleeshwara as the vedas are chanted admidst rituals through the pooja.
· Along with the Chandramouleeshwara Linga, Special Sri Chakra Pooja is offered by Jagadguru on Fridays, immediately after the Chandramouleeshwara Pooja.
· Apart from the Chandramouleeshwara Linga and Sri Chakra, idols of other deities can be as well seen. These include the linga of the famous Appaya Deekshita, Sri Ratna Garbha Ganapati, Lord Subrahmanya Swami, and others.
· It is noteworthy that the Devotees will have the Darshan of the Lingam, have the Blessings of the Jagadguru Shankaracharya, and to get the teertham of Lord Chandramouleeshwara in the morning just after the morning pooja conculdes.
9. Sri Malahanikareshwara:
10. Sri Adi Shankaracharya
11. Sri Sureshwaracharya
12. The guardian deities
13. Adhishthanams
14. Sri Malayala Brahma
15. Sri Kodandaramaswami
Sarada Devi is enshrined seated on the Sri Chakra Peetham, holding a Japa Mala, with a parrot perched on the top of her hand. The original image of sandalwood was installed by Adi Sankaracharya, and it was replaced with a golden image, in the 14th century. The processional image of Saradamba is enshrined in the sourhern prakaram. There are also shrines to Shakti Ganapati and Bhuvaneswari here. There is also a shrine to Aadi Sankara here.Each Friday witnesses the procession of Saradamba in a silver chariot around the temple. The Navaratri festival season also witnesses processions of the processional image of Saradamba. Also in this temple are shrines to Shakti Ganapati, Mahishasuramardini and Rajarajeswari.
Also in Sringeri is the Janardhana temple, where carved in one of the niches of the sanctum is an image of Aadi Sankaracharya. Near this temple is the brindavanam of Sureshwaracharya. At Rishyasringapuram on the banks of the Nandini river, enshrines Sringeswara. Legend has it that the sage Rishyasringa attained salvation here.
Tippu Sultan of Srirangapatna is believed to have made gifts to Sringeri for the conduct of the Sahasra Chandi Japa for the welfare of the country.
Sharan-Navaratri
The Navaratri Utsava is the most celebrated one among all the festivals at Sringeri. During auspicious nine nights the Jaganmaata is worshipped, who killed the cruel demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Mahishasura and so on. The following verse is quoted from Devi Mahatmyam occuring in the Markandeya Puranam
Mahabhishekam
A Mahabhisheka to Sharadamba will be performed on the day-before-Navaratri (i.e. on No-moon-day of the month of Bhaadrapada). Various types of Phala-Panchaamrita Abhisheka is followed by Shata Rudraabhisheka with Mahaanyasa and 108 Abhisheka while chanting Sri Sukta. The mother will be offered with Jagatprasutika Alankaara on that day.
1. Jagatprasutika Alankaram : With a smile on her face Mother Sharada fondles a cute baby on her lap as if she is telling her devotee that “I am the mother of the whole creation and you are my child. You will ever be taken care as this baby on my lap, if you seek me”. This Alankara will be very nice. Navaratri festival starts from the next day. Every day new Alankara will be made to Sri Sharadamba throughout Navaratri. It will not be an exaggeration to tell that even two eyes are not enough to see this splendor.
2. Hamsavahana Alankarara – BRAHMI : Mother Sharada who is the queen of Brahma Deva, sitting on Hamsavaahana bless her devotees beholding in her hands the Kamandalu, Aksha Maala, Pustaka, Pasha and Chinmudra.
3. Vrishabhavahana Alankara – MAAHESHWARI : Adi Shakti, the concert of Maheshwara, sitting on Vrishabhavaahana, wearing Crest-Moon, beholding Trishula bless her devotees.
4. Mayuravahana Alankara – KOUMARI : Mother Sharada sitting on a Peacock, beholding Shakti Ayudha, in the form of the Power of Kumaraswamy, protect the world with her grace.
5. Garudavahana Alankara – VAISHNAVI : Devi as the Power of Sri Mahavishnu, sitting on Garuda, beholding Conch, Disc, and Gadaa, bless the group of her devotees.
6. Indrani Alankara : Devi beholding Vajrayudha, sitting on Airavata, as the concert of Devendra and as the destroyer of demons like Vritrasura, takes care of devotees.
7. Veena Sharada Alankara : Mother Sharada beholding Veena in her hands, gives knowledge also to a dull-headed devotee. This Alankara is very beautiful to see.
8. Mohini Alankara : It is a life-time-opportunity for the devotees to see this Alankara of Jaganmaata carrying Amritha Kalasha in her hand, who deluded the bad, cruel demons by her charm and beauty for the sake of distributing the Amritha to the angels.
9. Rajarajeshwari Alankara : Mother Rajarajeshwari who is the concert of Kameshwara, beholding Pasha, Ankusha, Pushpabaana and Chapa, with her merciful-eyes, adorned with all the ornaments, fulfills all the desires of her devotees through her divine grace.
10. Simhavahana Alankara – CHAMUNDA : Jaganmaata has taken this form of Chamunda to protect the good people and to destroy the cruel demons Chanda, Munda, etc. She sits on Simhavaahana holding Trishula in her hand.
11. Gajalakshmi Alankara : Sri Gajalakshmi sitting on the lotus and being saluted by the elephants on both sides, with a smiling face, gracefully gives wealth, food, happiness and prosperity to her devotees.
Parayanas (Chantings) during Navaratri
Many Parayanas will be done at Sringeri Math during Navaratri festival viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvanaveda Parayanas, Valmiki Ramayana, Devi Bhagavata, Shrimad Bhagavatam, Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya, Suta Samhite, Lalitopakhyana, Prasthanatraya Bhashya Parayanas, Mahavidya, Lakshminarayana Hridaya, Durga Saptashati and other Parayanas. Surya Namaskara, Srisukta Japa, Bhuvaneshvari Japa, Durga Japa and other Japas will be performed. Shata Rudraabhisheka to Sri Chandramoulishwara Swamy, Navaavarana Pooja to Sri Chakra which is called as the abode of Jaganmaata as per the Shastras, Suvaasini Pooja and Kumari Pooja at 12Noon everyday are also performed. Also the devotees will receive Prasada. Around 15 – 20 thousand people will have Meals daily during Navaratri festival.
Rathotsava to Sharadamba will be held at 6.30 pm daily on the main street. Mangalaarati will be performed in the presence of Parama Poojya Acharyah. Then starts the Rathotsava. Many Alankaras will be done to this Utsava Murthy too.
Itenerary of Sri Jagadguru Mahaswaminah during Navaratri
After Ahnika and Anushthana at dawn during Navaratri festival, Parama Poojya Acharyah will perform special pooja to Guru Padukas and to Sri Chakra.
At 9.30 am Acharyah will visit all the temples in the premises of Sri Math and take Darshan of all the deities.
After the regular morning and noon pooja, Sri Jagadguru Mahaswaminah will perform special pooja to Sri Sharadamba between 12 noon to 2.30 pm. Acharyah will give Darshan to the devotees between 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, and attend Sri Sharadamba Rathotsava at 6.30 pm. At 7.30 pm Acharyah will bathe again and after completing Ahnika, attends Sri Chandramoulishwara Pooja at 8 pm.
Darbar
Darbar is a special programme during Navaratri. This special function is being celebrated since the time of Sri Vidyaranya. Sri Vidyaranya Mahaswaminah played a main role in the establishment of Vijayanagara Empire and blessed Harihara Raya and Bukka Raya in every aspect.
They in-turn, as a token of gratitude and devotion, offered the whole kingdom, golden throne, crown made of ruby, gold palkin, chatra-chamaras and all the royal symbols at the Lotus-feet of Sri Vidyaranya.
They honoured Parama Poojya Sri Guru Vidyaranya with great titles like “Karnataka Simhasana Pratishthapan aacharya” “Srimad rajadhiraja guru” “Bhumandalaacharya” and so on.
Because of the humble request and devotion of these desciples, Sri Guru Mahaswaminah had to accept these royal symbols.
Sri Jagadguru Mahaswaminah wearing crown and ornaments as per the tradition of Sri Math, enters the Darbar at Sharada Temple in a procession through Chandramoulishwara Hall. After this the idol of Sharadamba which is kept at Vyakhyana Simhasana will be brought into the golden chariot.
Rathotsava will be done in the corridor of the temple three times, alongwith Veda Ghosha, Vadya Ghosha and Chatra-Chamara. Acharyah facing towards the Mother walks infront of the Ratha. After the Rathotsava, Acharyah will take his seat on the golden throne which is kept facing towards Sharadamba. Then the chanting of one or two chapters of Saptashati will be done.
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