Makara Punya Kalam – Vishesha Puja
Makarayana punya kalam- Surya puja was performed in the morning at Shrimatham camp at Skandagiri, Secunderabad (22-12-23)
Subbaraya Shashti at Skandagiri Subrahmanya Swamy Devalayam, Secunderabad (18-12-23)
Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam and Sahasranama Archana sameta Subbaraya Shashti was observed in presence of Pujyashri Shankaracharya Swamiji.
Vijaya Yatra Camp – Nizamabad
The camp reached at Sri Uttara Tirupati Venkateshwara Swamy Mandir, Datta Peetam, Nizamabad on 12-12-23 (night), and Pujya Shankaracharya Swamiji was accorded a grand reception by devotees. After giving darshan to the devotees, Acharya Swamiji left for Basara, a town at the Telngana-Maharashtra border, which has a beautiful temple of Gnana Saraswathi Devi. After performing Archanadi Pujas and Harathi at the shrine, Pujya Shankaracharya Swamiji spoke in the temple Mandapam about the importance of knowledge and good speech, and about the various temples of Saraswathi in Southern India.
On return, Pujya Swamiji addressed a special Swagatha Sabha in the Uttara Tirupati Temple.
Karthika Somavaram at Adilabad
On this Karthika Somavaram (4th), Vishesha Abhisheka Pujas along with Arghya Pradanam before Sunset were performed by Pujya Shankaracharya Swamiji.
This year coinciding with the Vijaya Yatra, the four Somavarams have been performed by Pujya Shankaracharya Swamigal in four states – the first in Prayagraj, UttarPradesh, the second in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, third in Nagpur, Maharashtra and the final one at Adilabad, Telangana.
Bhagavadpada Paduka Prathishta Vajra Mahotsavam at Tiruvidaimarudur
With the blessings of Pujya shri Shankaracharya Swamiji, Bhagavatpada Paduka Vajra Mahotsavam was performed at Tiruvidaimarudur commemorating sixty years’ completion after the pratishthapana of the Divine Feet of Shrī Shankara Bhagavatpada (1st-3rd-12-23)
As per the accounts in Sankara Vijayam and Guruvamsa Kavyam, we find that in accordance with the wishes of the public here, Sri Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada, who had arrived here with his disciples for Darshan, prayed to Sri Mahalinga Swami; Sri Parameswara then appeared from the Mulasthana Siva Linga and showed Abhaya Hastam (hand gesture of fearlessness); a thundering sound was heard saying three times ‘Satyam Advaitam’ (Advaita is Real). The relevant verse in Guruvamsa Kavyam is:
तं पूजिय:वाऽनुचरैः सभायां प छ त वं किमहेित योगी ।
दृèयाकृ ित ो भुजोऽथ स:यम ैतमेवे:यवदि: रीशः ॥
“The great Yogi, Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada, offered Puja along with his disciples to Sri Mahalingeswara and asked Sri Siva, “Which is Truth?” Siva appeared in person from the Lingam and said “Satyam Advaitam Eva” (Advaita alone is Real) thrice loudly with raised arm. ”Shrī Chandrashekharendra Sarasvati Swamiji and Shrī Jayendra Sarasvati Swamiji installed in December 1963 a pratima of the Divine Feet of Bhagavatpada inside our Shrīmatham at Tiruvidaimarudur, and on the top of the Shrīmatham, a Shiva Linga with clearly visible raised hand, and near that a Bhagavatpada Murti with hands folded in anjali and had kumbhabhishekam conducted as per shastra.
Further, the Jagadgurus offered archanato the Divine Feet of Bhagavatpada with woollen shawls with scholars reading aloud a hundred and eight quotations collected from texts such as the Brahma Sutra Bhashya, Upanishad Bhashyas etc. with reference to Advaita philosophy. The scholars were then honoured with these shawls.
In the present Shobhana year Vrishchika (Kartigai) month 16th day (2023 Dec 02) Saturday, Krishna Panchamī and Pushya Nakshatra have joined as before. Based on that, from Vrishchika month 15th to 17th (Chaturthī to Shashthī) a program was conducted to commemorate the mahotsava.
Parayana of Prasthana Traya Bhashya, Veda Bhashya and parts of the Veda which are becoming rare was organised. Also Vakya rtha explanations of the Advaita vakyas taken for archana, upanyasa in Tamil, and shobha yatra of Shrī Bhagavatpada were conducted.
Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagna – Punjab
With blessings of Pujyashri Shankaracharya Swamiji, Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagnya was performed at RMIT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, PUNJAB from 27th to 29th Nov 23
Vijaya Yatra – Camp at Prayagraj
The Yatra for Kashi Chaturmasya commenced in Prayagraj on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi known as Shayana Ekadashi when Acharya Swamiji immersed the sand from Dhanushkodi at the Shudha Ganga river on the Dashashwamedha Ghat. The Vyasa Puja at exactly the Triveni Sangam, Chaturmasyam with Adhika Shravan and till Dashami in the holy city of Kashi, Navaratri and Ashvayuja Pournami with Chandra Grahanam at Ramjanmabhoomi Ayodhya, then Sitapur and Naimisharanyam visit followed with a brief stay in UP capital Lucknow, followed by return to Kashi Vishwanatha Dham for Deepavali Deepotsavam and Annapurna Utsav, again coming back to Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Pratishtha on the auspicious Devotthana Ekadashi at Prayagraj for a week’s camp, the Ganga Teertha Yatra of Swamiji was a very eventful, divine, blissful and a very memorable one. It was a great opportunity for devotees who had Darshan of Swamiji at various Kshetras and partake in all the events.
23-11-23: Acharya Swamiji performed the Pran Pratishtha of Sri Venkateshwara Bhagavan. Swamiji concluded the Prayagraj visit with this memorable evening and commenced Yatra towards Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
22-11-23: Pujya Acharya Swamiji visited the Venkateshwara Pratishtha place and blessed the Adhivasam procedures, followed by visit to Sri Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam and Sangam. Kashi Raja and Rani had darshan of Swamiji. Then Pujya Swamiji visited the residence of Justice Giridhar Malaviya , grandson of Bharat Ratna Sri Madan Mohan Malaviya, and blessed the old couple.
21-11-23: Acharya Swamiji addressed Brahmana Sabha meeting and then went to Sri Ramayan Satsang organised by Sri Ganesh Kesarwani, Mayor of Prayagraj. Pujya Swamiji then visited the residence of Sri Girish Chandra Tripathi, Rtd Vice Chancellor of Benaras Hindu University, and specially blessed his father aged about 96 years who chanted shlokas during Pada Puja.
20-11-23: Shobha Yatra at Prayagraj
The Shobha Yatra at Prayagraj commenced from Minto Park House of Vajpayees to Rajarshi Tandon Mandap. On arrival at the venue Pujya Swamiji was received by Prayagraj’s three MLAs, Mayor and other elected representatives. Each Samaj of Prayagraj offered their respects to Swamiji. Shri Harshvardhan Vajpayee, the convenor of the event and MLA of Prayagraj introduced the communities, who offered respects.
19-11-23: Visit to Sringaverapuram
Achrya Swamiji visited Sringaverapuram and performed special Harathi at the banks of Ganga. In the Anugraha Bhashan Swamiji spoke about Ganga Mahatmya, geatness of Ramayana and our Bharatiya Samskruti (culture).
16-11-23: Darshan at Vindhyavasini & arrival at Prayagraj
Acharya Swamiji visited Vindhyavasini Mandir and performed Puja, located in Mirzapur Dist (about 75 kms from Varanasi). This ancient Shakti Peetham finds mention in Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram. Acharya Swamiji then started to Prayagraj.
12-11-23: Deepavali at Sri Vishwanatha Dham , Kashi
Acharya Swamiji performed Deepa Harathi at Sri Chandramouleeshwara Swamy Puja sannadhi early this morning. New Vastrams, Tailam, Seeyakai and Deepavali Marundu were offered. Later Swamiji gave darshan and blessed devotees with the traditional medicinal Lehyam – Deepavali Marundu.
12-11-23: Deepavali at Varanasi Kshetram
Acharya Swamiji visited Annapurna & Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and graced Ganga Harathi. Swamiji performed Abhisheka & Shodashopachara Puja, followed by Archanadi Puja at Sri Annapurna Mandir. After special Harathi at the Swarna Annapurna Sannidhi, Pujya Swamiji went to the Purnahuthi of Annapurna Havan held in the precincts of the temple.
In the evening, Acharya Swamiji visited Dashashwamedh Ghat by boat and graced the Ganga Harathi. On the way back to Shankar Math, Pujya Swamiji went to the Hanuman temple and performed the third Kala Puja.
10-11- 2023:
Acharya Swamiji arrived at Varanasi, and commenced the Deepavali Utsav. The Annapurna Japam & Havan was performed in the precincts of Annapurna temple. In the Deepavali Annapurna Utsav in Shankar Math, Kamakshi, Meenakshi & Vishalakshi Aavahanam was performed and special Harathi conducted.
05-11-23: Shrimatham camp at Lucknow
After visiting the Naimisharanya Dham, Camp moved to Lucknow today and was hosted in the Srinathji Bhawan at Lucknow until Nov.8.
04-11-23: Visit to Naimisharanya
During the Vijaya Yatra to Naimisharanya, Pujya Acharya Swamiji visited the temples, and teerthas, including the Dadhichi Kund.
List of teerthas, and Kshetras visited as below
- Rudravrat Mahadev Mandir and offered anushtan at the Gomati river
- Sri Mata Kali Devi Mandir
- Sri Lalita Devi Mandir
- Chakra Tirth Mandir
- Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple – an ongoing project of Heerapura Math
- Sri Vyas Gaddi
- Naradananda Ashram
- Shri Trishakti Dham
- Sri Satyanarayana Swami Mandir
- Sri Balaji Mandir
30-10-23: Visit to Avama Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
Acharya Swamiji visited the Amava Ram Mandir, a temple located right opposite the newly constructed Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Addressing the media team, Acharya Swamiji narrated the connection between Kanchi and Ayodhya as mentioned in Lalithopakhyanam.
25-10-23: Puja to Ramlalla at Ramjanmabhoomi Kshetram
On this auspicious Ekadashi, Acharya Swamiji performed Rama Ashtottaram Archana, Deeparadhanam, and Chamara Seva at the temporary temple of Ramlalla at Sri Ramajanmabhoomi Kshetram.
20-10-23: Navaratri Puja at Shrimatham camp, Ayodhya
As part of the Navaratri puja at the Shri Shankar Math, Pramodvan, Ayodhya – Ashva Puja and Gaja Pujas were performed as part of the Yagashala Anushthanams.
Sharada Navaratri mahotsavam
Sharada Navaratri Mahotsavam (14-10-23 to 24-10-23) was celebrated at various locations across India, including
- Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, Kanchipuram
- Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Vidyasthanam, Tiruvanaikovil, Trichy, Tamilnadu
- Navaratri Brahmotsav at Sri Gomantak Tirupati Balaji Sansthan, Cuncoliem, Mardol, Goa
- Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Cultural Centre – New Delhi
- Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Shrimatham branch, Madurai, Tamilnadu
- Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Shrimatham, Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu
- Shrimatham camp at Ayodhya
Snaanam in the Sarayu river, Ayodhya
Swamiji performed Snaanam in the holy Sarayu river at South Ghat in Ayodhya on 14-10-23
06-10-23 – Visit to Ram Mandir and Sanga Veda Vidyalaya, Varanasi
A historic event repeated when Pujya Swamiji visited Ram Mandir at Gaay Ghat & Vallabhram Shaligram Sanga Veda Vidyalaya at Ram Ghat, Varanasi. It was on the same date ninety years back on 6/10/1934 when Pujya Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi entered Varanasi and visited both these places.
03-10-23: Visit to Benaras Hindu University
Pujya Acharya Swamigal visited Benaras Hindu University, and was received by the entire Sanskrit Department led by Prof VK Shukla, Rector, BHU. Prof Dr. Rajaram Shukla read out the Hindi Translation of Speech by Pujya Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal delivered at BHU in 1934.
Acharya Swamiji released the 10th volume of Uttankita Vidyaranya Sanskrit Inscription series. Prof Rajaram Shukla then read out the shlokas from the Swagatha Patram given by Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya to Kanchi Mahaswamy and concluded the programme with vote of thanks.
02-10-23: Visit to Vagdevi mandir, Varanasi
Acharya Swamiji visited the Vagdevi Mandir located in the Sampoornanda Sanskrit University campus, Varanasi. The temple
was constructed and consecrated by Jagadguru Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji at the request of Late Kashi Raja Vibhuti Narayan Singh in late eighties and early nineties. Special Deeparadhana, and. Pada Puja to Acharya Swamiji was performed and Veda Swasthi chanted.
Acharya Swamiji stressed the need for students to study the Sanskrit language with dedication so that the treasures can be shared to a greater population.
Visesha pujas at Sri Kashi Vishwanath ji Mandir
On 30- 9 -23, Acharya Swamiji visited Sri Kashi Vishwanathji mandir and performed Rudrabhishekam and visesha pujas. Teertham (Santified water) from the Vishwa-Shanti Mahayagnam was brought in 35 Kalashams and abhishekam performed. After harati, Pujya Swamiji visited the Maa Annapoorneshwari mandir and performed visesha pujas.
Vishwaroopa Yatra (29-09-23)
Acharya Swamiji performed Vishvarūpa Yātrā from Shrimatam at Hanumān Ghāt to Sankata Mochana Hanumān Mandir across the river Assi, signifying the conclusion of this year’s chaturmasya vratam. After prayers at Sri Hanuman ji sannadhi and Sri Ram Durbar, the Vishvarūpa Darshana of Bhagavān described in the Bhagavad Gītā was recited and Sri Krishna puja performed.
Two day International Seminar on Sun Worship and Resurgence of Bharat
With the blessings and presence of Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji, the Seminar held on 23rd & 24th September 2023 at IUCTE Campus, Naria, Varanasi and at Chet Singh Fort, Varanasi, was attended by many scholars on Kashmir including Shri Sushil Pandit and Shri R.R. Gopal. Swamiji in his Anugraha Bhashanam dwelt upon the ancient ties between Kashmir and Kanchi and the efforts being made constantly by Shrimatham to revive the glory of the culture of Kashmir.
Kashmira Stabakam – Book Released
With the blessings and guidance of Acharya Swamiji, the book Kashmira Stabakam was released on 24-09-23. The book, authored by Shri P.R.Kannan summarises great works on Kashmir including
- Rajatarangini
- Bhringisha Samhita
- Nilamata Purana – A compilation on the Temples of Jammu & Kashmir
- Kanchi & Kashmir-a chronicle of the historic connect between Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Kashmir
Unveiling of Statue of Oneness in Madhya Pradesh (21-09-23)
Pujyashri Shankaracharya Swamiji blessed Sankarävataranam – the unveiling of the Statue of Oneness (of Adi Shankaracharya – 108 ft tall, majestically located on top of a hill) and the foundation stone laying ceremony at Ekatma Dham, Omkareshwar, M a d h y a P r a d e s h w i t h A n u g r a h a Bhashanam on the evening of 21-09-23 through v i deo conferencing f rom Shrimatam camp at Varanasi where Chaturmasya Vratam is being observed. Scholars from Shrimatam presented the Shankaravatarana Dashakam (10 poetic verses describing the event and its significance).
Vishwa shanti Mahayagnam – Mahaganapati Havan- Atirudram-Sahasra Chandi Havans (21st to 28-09-23)
21-09-23: Vishwashanti Mahayagnyam – Laksha Modaka Mahaganapati havan sahita- Atirudra- Sahasra Chandi Havans commenced with sankalpam in the morning, with the blessings and presence of Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji at Varanasi in the Chet Singh Fort grounds on the banks of the river Ganga. More than 230 vaidiks belonging to various veda shakhas from different parts of the country participated in this Vishwashanti Mahayajna.
25-09-23: Vishwa Shanti Yagna – Kal vaita Vaaram
With the blessings and presence of Acharya Swamiji, Kal vaitta Vaaram was held. Young Vaidiks participating in the Vishwa Shanti Yagna took part in the contest. Contestants who were successful were given special awards. Deeparadhana and avadharaya was performed in the yagashalas, after which Pujya Acharya blessed the vastra daanam to all the ritwiks.
28-09-23: Sahasra Chandi Havan poornahuti
The Vishwa Shanti Mahayagnya which commenced on 21st Sep. concluded this evening with Poornahuti of the Sahasra Chandi Yagnyam. Acharya Swamigal blessed all the ritwiks and veda pandits who participated in the havans, and sambhavana was given.
Vinayaka Chaturti at Shrimatam camp at Varanasi (19-09-23)
After the morning Sri Chandramouleeswara Puja, Acharya Swamiji performed the Vinayaka Chaturti (Ganesh Chaturti)/Puja.
The traditional offering of 108 coconuts to Lord Ganesha was performed at the Vinayaka Sannadhi at Sri Kamakoteeshwara Mandir. Syamantaka Mani Upakhyana parayanam was performed in Sri Chandramouleeswara Puja Mandapam.
Jammu-Kashmir Mandir Chaitanya Vikas
With the blessings of Pujya Acharya Swamiji, Homam and Pooja for Jammu Kashmir Mandir Chaitanya Vikas was performed at Kanchi Kamkoteeshwar Mandir, Hanuman Ghat, Varanasi for 8 Days (17-24 September).
List of havans
- 17 Sept., 2023 Sunday – Ganpati Homam
- 18 Sept., 2023 Monday- Navagraha Homam
- 19 Sept., 2023 Tuesday- Kartikeya Homam
- 20 Sept., 2023 Wednesday- Dhanvantari Homam
- 21 Sept., 2023 Thursday- Dakshinamurti Homam
- 22 Sept., 2023 Friday – Devi Homam
- 23 Sept., 2023 Saturday- Sudarshan Homam
- 24 Sept., 2023 Sunday – Surya Namaskaram
Bharatiya Bhasha Samman Diwas (14-09-23)
With the blessings and presence of Pujya Acharya Swamiji, Bharatiya Bhasha Samman Diwas 2023 was held at Varanasi.
Prashant Anantharamu
