Today is a unique event. People have aspirations; they also make resolutions by themselves. This event is an expression of the affection, love, and trust that devotees have for us. Their enthusiasm has turned into a celebration. On this occasion, we meditated on Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada and worshipped his golden padukas.
We have just come after participating in a festival called Shastrotsavam. More than 600 students and about 100 scholars from across India gathered in Kanchipuram, renowned as “Ghatikasthanam” and discussed over 36 subjects in Sanskrit language. Today, people are researching our traditional treasures under the name “Indian Knowledge System.” However, as early as the 1990s, our Pudu Periyava introduced an educational system that combined the traditional mode of learning and modern education in institutions like Vidya Mandir. Today, under the title “Indian Knowledge System,” many activities are being carried out for society.
A civilized society is one in which, whether a person is poor or rich, learned or ordinary, everyone lives with responsibility, patience, and dignity. Because there is leadership filled with responsibility, patience, and wisdom, India stands tall, leading on the world stage. Among the many sections of people in India, devotion connects them like the thread that strings together a garland of flowers. Our tradition carries the fragrance of truth, virtuousness, surrender, and peace. It is a glorious heritage for family life, and a heritage for the worldly sphere as well. The pride of this lineage must be protected; the heritage of the nation must grow. Sustaining life is lineage; the continued growth of lineage is tradition.
This is a time when society greatly needs courage. At present, society is far removed from the Shastras. But our efforts to bring the Shastras to society should not remain distant. Efforts are needed for self-realization. Everyone must attain both worldly and spiritual advancement. Every aspect of Sanatana Dharma should be integrated both spiritually and in worldly life. The nation has attained political independence, but the full benefit of national independence will be realized only when individuals attain spiritual independence. The progress of South Indian society should also include advancement in spirituality and patriotism. It is a large community rich in noble feelings. To implement many ideas, each person must transform institutions in their true spirit. In the religious activities of Shrimatham, the number of participants has not decreased, nor has the honour extended diminished; progress in spiritual dharma continues. With quality and intense involvement, without losing the identity of our social heritage under any circumstances, everyone—especially the youth—must come forward in large numbers to serve society.
To recognize the consciousness that resides within us, we must, at the right time, from the right perspective, and in the right measure, render service for social progress with great dedication. We must work like a spinning top and remain enthusiastic. Only through service can everyone unite.
In those days, Srimad Bhagavatpada travelled throughout the country and, with great effort, established Sanatana Dharma through the Vedic path. All the Acharyas who followed in his lineage protected and preserved dharma. In our own times, we know the tireless efforts and the services put in by the Paramacharya. The religious and social services of Pudu Periyava are immeasurable. Following the resolve of the two great Acharyas, many new activities continue to take place here. We must cherish the history that Sri Periyavas served as great visionaries, far-sighted guides, and path-breakers for the spiritual progress of society.
In the 1920s and 1930s , when Sri Mahaswami, at a young age, observed the Chaturmasya vratam in the Thanjavur district, he rediscovered the Deepa Puja song that had once been customary during the Karthigai Deepam worship. He printed it in Tamil and reintroduced it as the evening Deepa Puja song in the Srimatham. It continues even today. At that time, he said that the position of Peetadhipathi is not merely a traditional title; it is a position meant to protect tradition.
When we come here, they proclaim “Parak Swamin.” We should not remain merely as spectators. To ensure that the Srimatham remains forever like an inexhaustible vessel (Akshaya Patra), we have given a fitting person on Akshaya Tritiya day. Devotees must remain as a community with the immunity of not losing their social and cultural identity. Good intentions and good actions must become ideals, practices, and expressions of compassion. With devotion and a spirit of surrender, religion must remain accessible and graceful.
In spirituality, up to Moksha there are many stages, including the path of dharma. These are necessary according to the Shastras. Higher spiritual learning is also needed.
On this auspicious day, various Vedic recitations are being conducted. Examinations are held for them, and certificates are being awarded during Shakara Jayanthi celebrations every year. Panditas and trustees from various temples have come here with prasadam.
Adi Shankara saw only the ‘vision of Atma’ everywhere. The philosophy of Advaita—whether in the form of a mantra or as philosophical contemplation—is accepted by many. Devotion and faith in God must grow. Devotion is not something like ‘event management’; devotion is established only in humility. Even Ambika, who bestows knowledge, performs worship. What this means is that we should not abandon our duties (karmas); rather, everything must be done with devotion.
Our temples are extremely important for our nation and for the path of devotion; therefore devotion must grow. We should perform services only for our inner satisfaction. It is also very essential that we cherish, protect, and respect our family tradition (Kulam), family deity (Kuladeivam) and family preceptor (Kulaguru). South Indians have the additional responsibility of managing temples in 3 places – first, their Village Kuladeivam, next, those in cities like Chennai, Mumbai etc. and third, those in countries like America.
Every temple should become a centre that brings dharma to the people. Temples exist to propagate dharma, while our homes exist to practice dharma, to live it in daily life. Just as we protect our temples, we must also protect our families. While we live with good health and prosperity, the strength of society must also grow at the same time; for that, all of us must unite. In today’s environment everything may appear mechanized; however, our thinking must never become mechanized.