Brahmotsavam at Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, Kanchipuram (02-Mar-25 onwards)
The Dhwajarohanam ceremony was performed on 3rd March morning at the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam in Kanchipuram. This event marks a significant ritual for the temple, symbolizing the raising of the temple flag as part of the ongoing worship and celebrations dedicated to Kamakshi Ambal. The Brahmotsavam celebrations are performed with the Utsava Kamakshi Vigraham taken in procession around the town on different Vahanams. Procession of Adi Shankaracharya was held daily evening from 5 to 9 March 2025. As part of Brahmotsavam, Nitya Veda Parayanam is performed at the temple. On 14th March, Viswaroopa Darshanam in the morning will be followed by Vidayatri utsavam commencement in the evening.
Pujya Shankaracharya Swamigal visits temples at Tiruvaiyaru (02-Mar-25)
Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji visited Sri Abeeshta Varadha Maha Ganapathy Temple and Sri Aatkondar Temple at Thiruvaiyaru.
Pujya Acharya Swamiji visited the Sri Dharmasamvardhini sametha Sri Panchandeeswara temple in Tiruvaiyaru, where he participated in the ongoing Mandalabhishekam rituals. This coincided with Revathi Nakshatram and followed the completion of the Kumbabhishekam ceremony earlier this month on the last Revati Nakshatram.
Jayanti Mahotsavam at Tiruvanaikovil (25-Feb-25)
The Jayanti Mahotsavam of Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji was celebrated with devotion at Tiruvanaikovil, Kanchipuram, Thandalam (the birthplace of Swamiji) and other places. At Tiruvanaikovil, the celebrations began with Vishwaroopa Darshan and Go-Puja at Sri Chandramouleeswara Swami Sannadhi. Swamiji performed the Sri Chandramouleeswara Puja and visited the Yagashala for Maharudram and Chandi Yagams, concluding with Poornahuti. Abhishekam was performed to Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji with the sanctified water from the homa kalashams accompanied by chanting of Veda mantras. Pujya Acharya Swamiji received prasadam from various temples, and the event also featured Kanya Puja, Vatu Puja, and Dampati Pujas, with large devotee participation.
Snaan and anushtaan at Mahakumbh at Prayagraj (23-Feb-25)
Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji took a holy Kumbh Mela Snan at the Sangam in Prayagraj, accompanied by Pujya Shri Krishnananda Teertha Swamiji of Srividya Shakatapuram Math, Karnataka. They performed Sankalpam, Snan, Ganga Puja, and Dana & Dakshina at the sacred confluence.
Later, at the Kanchi Math Tent, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji. The Purnahuti for Rudra Yajna was performed at the Yagashala.
Pujyashri Swamiji and the entourage then visited Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam – Shankara Vimana Mantapam, the icon of Kumbh Mela before embarking on the return journey. The towering Mandapam is a cynosure to eyes of every devout visiting Prayagraj.
Speaking on various occasions, His Holiness commended the faith, patience and resilience of common people, the greatness of Sanatana Dharma, the significance of Kumbh Mela and the efforts of state and central governments. Devotees participated in large numbers in the Darshan of Swamiji.
With the blessings of Swamiji, the Kanchi Math had set up a special tent in sector 20 to conduct Veda Parayanams, Havans, Pravachans, Cultural programmes and to felicitate facilities for devotees visiting Prayagraj from South.
Praying for welfare of one & all, Veda Parayanam by Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Kashi & Ayodhya Pathashalas run by Kanchi Math, Special Shanmata Havans by Vaidika team from Chennai, Rigveda Havan by Scholars from Mumbai & Chennai, Rudra Havan & Durga Havan, Samuhika Stotra Parayanam by more than 100 Kamakoti Adhyapika (women), Durga Saptashati Yagnya, Annadana, Bhagavath Pravachan by Swami Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj were held at Shri Kanchi Math tent continuously for the entire Kumbh Mela period. Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchipuram, organized religious and cultural programmes at the Mahakumbh including Veda Parayanam, Havans, Bhagavat Katha, spiritual discourses, bhajans, Surya Namaskar, and pujas. Cultural events like Sangeeta Samarpan and Bhajan-kirtans were also held. A large number of pilgrims attended and participated in these sacred celebrations.
Maha Kumbh Mela – Message of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swamiji of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam – 14-Jan-2025
गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।
नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् संनिधिं कुरु ॥
Bharat is a holy land with ancient civilization, rich culture, a land of saints and seers, an embodiment of human values and virtues, a land of penance, sacrifice and service.
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who reside in Kailash and Vaikunt have protected the people of this land, Vedas and dharma by manifesting as avataras. It is in this holy land that the holy Ganga flows. Of the seven sacred rivers, Ganga holds supreme. There are references about Ganga in various scriptures including the Vedas. The banks of the Ganga are known for performing various religious practices including yoga sadhana.
Charati bhuvane Sankaracharya rupaa – Lord Shiva incarnated as Adi Shankara in Kerala. In his life span of 32 years, he traversed the length and breadth of Bharatavarsha not once but multiple times covering the 12 jyotirlingas, 51 shakti peethas and also visiting the Pashupathinath temple in Nepal.
He also visited various holy rivers and has composed ashtakams (8 shlokas) glorifying the Holy rivers such as Gangaashtakam, Yamunaashtaka, Narmadaashtakam.
The Holy Ganga is not just a river but worthy of worship.
Geyam gita naama sahasram
Deyam sripati rupamajasram
Neyam sajjana sangechittam
Deyam dinadanayacha vittam
Ganga jalalava kanika pita
By drinking the Holy waters of the Ganga, even a few drops, it transforms the human life to be fruitful and our birth’s purpose is attained.
Puskhar-annual festivals are celebrated across India to worship the rivers. Pushkarams are celebrated annually in the banks of rivers like Kaveri, Bramhaputra, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, Tamaraparani etc. Similarly in the banks of Ganga, the Maha Kumbh is performed once in twelve years.
Adi Sankara laid down the principles and rudiments and blessed the festival which is being followed till date by various seers who propagate the Karma, Bhakti and Jnana marga. During this period of the Kumbha mela – 40 days the seers following the teachings of Adi Sankara including the various Akhadas, Dasanamis, propagate the teachings of our tradition and culture with the first and foremost of the practice being Shravanam (listening). Following the principles laid down in our ancient scriptures will establish Unity, Security and Peace in our Nation. We cannot imagine Bharata Varsha without Dharma. The progress of our Nation, be it – Spiritual or Economic is possible only by Dharmaacharan.
Adi Sankara from his childhood has composed various texts like the Kanakadhara Stotram, written Commentaries (Bhashyam) on various Advaita related subjects and teachings. To make the teachings of Adi Sankara and his works such as the Bhaja Govindam, Viveka Choodamani, Prashnottara Ratna Malika etc. a reality, the numerous sadhus and devotees organize various programmes during the Kumbh.
To participate in Kumbh and receive the blessings of Ganga jal or to have a dip in the Holy Ganga will definitely bestow His divine grace on all those who participate in the Kumbh. This is being organized by the combined efforts of the Government, Sadhus and devotees at large.
About 36 years ago (3 Kumbh Melas ago), Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji had arranged a chartered flight to carry the Holy waters of the Gangs for His revered Guru Sri Chandrasekherendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji from Prayagraj to Kanchipuram. Pujyasri Mahaswamiji had the Ganga Snan on the very same day.
Under the aegis of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, a Sankara Vimana Mantapam has been constructed at Prayagraj. Devotees can have the darshan of Sri Kamakshi Devi, Sahasralingam and Balaji Venkateswara here.
As part of the Kumbh Mela, the Kanchi Mutt has organized Chaturveda parayan, Homams, Pravachan (Ramayana Katha by Sri Govind Dev Giriji) and Annadaanam etc at the banks of Ganga.
TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) under the guidance of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has also organized various programmes as part of Kumbh Mela.
All devotees who are believers of the Santana Dharma, should participate in the Kumbh to their own mite and be the recipient of the divined blessings of Ganga and Triveni, we pray to Gangadhara Parameshwar for this benediction.
Maata cha Parvati devi
Pita devo maheswaraha
Bandhavaha shiva bhaktaascha
Sva desho bhuvanaht trayam
As portrayed in the shloka by Adi Sankara, there is a sculpture in Cambodia depicting the same. On the banks of this Holy Ganga, Adi Sankara pronounced numerous preachings. The banks of the river is also the seed bed of knowledge leading to enlightenment.
The Kumbh signifies positive omen, as said by (poet) Sri Harsha Kavi:
Kalasham jalasambrutam puraha
Kalamham sa kalayaam
Ba bhuva saha
It also prophecies a bright future to our country.
“गंगा गंगेति यो ब्रूयात, योजनानां शतैरपि।
मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो, विष्णुलोके स गच्छति॥”
Ganga gangeti yo bruyaat – Chanting of the very name of Ganga invokes bleesings. There are temples in South India – Gangamma Devi Shrines, signifying that it is not restricted to one part of the country but to the entire Nation.
We pray to Devi Ganga to bestow her perennial blessings on all
धर्म की जय हो, अधर्मं क नाश हो प्राणियो मे सद्भाव हो,
विश्व का कल्याण हो।हर हर महादेव.. ||
Visesha Pujas at Prayagraj (23-Feb-25)
Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji visited Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh, and offered Vishesha Pujas at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam, Prayagraj.
Despite the constraints of crowd and other conditions, Scholars, Pathashala Students, Organisers, volunteers gave their best efforts to carry out the directions of Acharya Swamiji. The visit of Swamiji gave a renewed vigour to the Prayagraj camp. Atirudram was organised on the last three days of Kumbh Mela coinciding with Shiva Ratri Mahotsav as a grand finale.
Seminar on Uttarayana and Makara Sankaran at Chennai – 18-Feb-2025
Uttarayana and Makara Sankaranti – a seminar took place in the presence of various Vidwans on 18th Feb. 2025 at the Madras Sanskrit College Auditorium, Chennai.
Taatanka Pratishtha– Tiruvanaikovil (16- Feb-25)
Sri Parameswara incarnated on earth 2500 years ago as Shri Shankara Bhagavatpadacharya, undertook Digvijaya yatra throughout Bharata desha, established six paths of bhakti (Shanmatha) on the foundation of Vedas – Shaivam, Shaaktam, Vaishnavam, Gaanaapatyam, Souram and Koumaaram, set up Advaita Vedanta on a firm footing, ascended Sarvajna Peetham at Kanchipuram, founded Shri Kamakoti Peetham, adorned the Peetham as Acharya and Jagadguru, blessed the wellbeing of the world, and established Mahayantras in many Mahakshetras. It is on this basis that the attribute
(who is decorated with the fame from installation of Shrichakra, which bestows stability to all the chakras of worlds) has adorned from ancient times the Birudaaavali of Shri Acharya.
Of the kshetras where Shri Adi Shankara established Shrichakra with his holy hands, Gajaranya kshetra, known as Tiruvanaikka, is an important one. The Sthala Purana says that in this kshetra in the middle of the two branches of Kaveri river, Veda itself took the form of white Jambu (rose apple) tree and performed Tapas. In Tiruvanaikka, celebrated as the ‘water kshetra’ among the five kshetras associated with the five elements, the Universal Mother Parashakti is giving darshan as Shri Akhilandeshwari in the Shri Jambunathaswamy temple and blessing the devotees.
Shri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada, during his Vijaya yatra in the South, visited Jambukeshwaram and for the benefit of the public , established while in Tapas Shri Mahaganapati directly in front of Ambal in Ambal Sannidhi and quietened the ferocious Ambal. Shri Acharya set up the ‘Kala’ of the peaceful Paradevata in a pair of Shrichakras, which he adorned as Taatankas (earstuds) in the ears of Ambal. Further, in his unmatched Devi Stotra, Soundaryalahari, in the 28th verse, he praised the glory of the Taatankas, saying तव जननि ताटङक महिमा (Mother, this is the glory of your Taatankas), that Shri Parameshwara’s survival after drinking, for the sake of the wellbeing of the world, the terrible poison, which emerged when Devas and Asuras churned the Milk Ocean for obtaining Amrita. As the entire power of Ambal is concentrated in this pair of Taatankas, daily Pujas and Utsavas are always held with the Taatankas adorning the Devi. In view of this Pratishtha of Taatankas, in the Ashtottarashata Archana of Shri Adi Shankara, one of the names is
(Prostrations to One who fulfilled the wish of Ambika by decorating her with Taatanka of Shrichakra). This is evidenced by the presence of Shri Acharyamurthy in Tapas by the side of Shri Vinayaka in front of Shri Ambal. While blessing the people with Pratishtha of Shrichakra Taatanka, Shri Adi Shankara also set up Shri Shankara Matham and flower-garden by the side of the Sannidhi of Shri Akhilandeshwari Ambal; this historical information is noted in ancient documents submitted by the Jambukeshwaram Devasthanam. The ancient heritage of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya Swamigal Shrimatham Samsthanam and Tiruvanaikka Jagadguru Vidyasthanam of Shrimatham can be appreciated from these documents.
It has been the tradition that during the times of renovation of the Shrichakra Taatanakas of such glory, Shri Shankaracharya Swamiji, the Peethadhipati of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, coronated in the throne of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Moolamnaya Sarvajna Peetham, the Adhishthanam of Jagadguru Shri Shankara Bhagavatpadacharya, would visit Jambukeshwaram, get the renovation of the Taatankas done and adorn the same in the sacred ears of Ambika as per established practice. Ancient historical documents convey that Shri Adi Shankara and the successive Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipatis have renovated and adorned the Taatankas several times.
Thus the Taatanka Pratishtha has been eminently carried out for Shri Akhilandeshwari Ambal in recent centuries by
- Shri Bhagavannama Bodhendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 59th Acharya in 1686 CE, Akshaya year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2195
- Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 62nd Acharya in 1757 CE, Easwara year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2266
- Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 64th Acharya, together with Shri Sudarshana Mahadevendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 65th Acharya in his Poorvashrama, in 1846 CE, Parabhava year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2355
- Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 68th Acharya in 1908 CE, Plavanga year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2416
- Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 68th Acharya in 1923 CE, Rudrotkari year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2432
- Shri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 69th Acharya and Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 70th Acharya in 1982 CE, Prajapati year, Shankara Samvatsaram 2500.
Recently, the Devasthana administrators, Pujakas and Sthanikas submitted as per tradition to Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya Swamigal, Moolamnaya Sarvajna Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati the information regarding the present state of the Taatankas needing renovation, with prayer to get the renovation done and adorn the Devi’s ears with the same. Agreeing kindly to their prayer, Pujyashri acharya Swamiji visited Jambukeshwara kshetram along with his Puja entourage and accompanists and performed Kalakarshanam on 13th February 2025 and blessed the preparations for renovation of the Taatankas.
Taatanka Pratishtha Mahotsavam for Ambika was performed at the holy hands of Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji on 16th February 2025.Devotees participated in the Mahotsava in large numbers and had Darshan of Shri Ambal and Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji.
Kumbabhishekam at Sri Kayarohaneshwara Swami temple, Nagapattinam (10-Feb-25)
Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji visited Sri Neelayatakshi sameta Sri Kayarohaneshwara Swami temple at Nagapattinam on 10-02-25. Kumbhabhishekam was performed earlier in the morning.
Pujyashri Shankaracharya Swamiji arrives at Tiruvanaikovil (09-Feb-25)
Pujyashri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji was received with Poornakumbha Swagatam at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Tiruvanaikovil. Veda Gosham and special pujas were performed at Sri Ganesha Sannadhi. Pradosham puja was performed on February 10 and Pournami special pujas on February 11 .
Gauri Tritiya – Vasanta Panchami – Message of blessings – 02-Feb-2025
Gauri Tritiya -Vasanta Panchami- by the Grace of Devi Gauri -Maa Sarasvati, may the greatness of the fields of knowledge,texts and scholars of Kashmir be brought out and propagated.
Pujya Acharya Swamiji visits Sri Jambunatheswarar Temple, Jambai (30- Jan-25)
Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji visited Sri Jambunatheswarar Temple in Jambai, Villupuram District, and blessed the Yagashala pujas conducted as part of the Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam. Following visesha pujas at various sannidhis, Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji delivered Anugraha Bhashanam, blessing the gathered devotees.
Discourses on Shrimad Bhagavadgita – Started on 25-Jan-2025
Online discourses on Shrimad Bhagavadgita with emphasis on the Bhashya of Adi Shankaracharya were commenced on 25th January 2025 by Shri P. R. Kannan as instructed by Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji. The weekly discourses in English are on Saturdays at 7.30 pm IST and on Sundays at 7.00 am IST.
Vijaya Yatra – Shrimatam camp at Tiruvannamalai (20-Jan-25)
As part of Pujya Acharya Swamiji’s Vijaya Yatra, the Shrimatam camp reached Shri Shankara Matam, Tiruvannamalai, situated opposite Simha Teertham.
Tiruvannamalai is the famous Agni Kshetra where Lord Shiva assumed the formlessform of a huge blazing flame. The Arunachala Hill is revered as Shiva himself and devotees visiting this holy town make it a point to perform Girivalam around the sacred hill. Regular pujas are offered at the Sannadhis in the Shankara Matam. On Pournami, Chandi homam is performed.
Pujya Acharya Swamiji visits Sri Seshadri Swamigal Manimandapam at Vazhur (19- Jan-25)
Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji visited Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal Manimandapam at his birth place in Vazhur on the 19th January 2025, enroute from Kanchipuram to Tiruvannamalai. Padapuja was performed to Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji, who blessed the gathering of devotees with Anugraha Bhashanam.
It may be mentioned here that Sri Seshadri Swamigal lived only in two places namely Vazhur and Kancheepuram before finally settling down at Thiruvannamalai, from where he never moved out.
8th Parasuram Kund Yatra performed – Arunachal Pradesh (17-Jan-25)
With the blessings of Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji, the 8th Parasuram Kund Yatra in Arunachal Pradesh was held from 11th to 17th January 2025 during Makara Sankranti – Uttarayana Punya Kalam. The yatra featured Veda Parayanam, havans, go-puja, snaan with sankalpam, shloka parayanam, poornahuti, and harati. Annadaan was performed to more than 1000 pilgrims. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Utsava was performed around the Hanuman Mandir. A large number of locals participated with enthusiasm. The group of vaidiks and pilgrims also visited Tinsukia and Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Balaji Mandir and Veda Patashala in Guwahati, Assam.
Mattu Pongal celebrated at Shrimatam (15-Jan-25)
Mattu pongal was celebrated at Shrimatam, Kanchipuram and at other Shrimatam goshalas. Go- puja was performed. Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji performed Deeparadhana.
Arudra Darshanam- Visesha pujas, Shrimatam, Kanchi (13-Jan-25)
On the auspicious occasion Arudra Nakshatram, the Utsavamoorthy from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, located near Shrimatam, was brought to Shrimatam. Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji performed pujas to Sri Ramanathaswamy.
Pujya Shankaracharya visits Orikkai (12-Jan-25)
Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji visited the Sri Mahaswamigal Manimandapam at Orikkai and blessed various events.
Pujya Mahaswamiji’s Siddhi day – Veda Parayanam, Shrimatam, Kanchi (10-Jan-25)
As part of the Aradhana Mahotsavam of HH Jagadguru Pujyashri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji, Hoysala Karnataka Vedic scholars performed Veda Parayanam at Shrimatam, Kanchipuram, from 8th to 10th January 2025. The scholars were blessed by Pujyashri Acharya Swamiji. The recitations included the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas. The event was organized by the Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Swamimalai Vedaparayana Trust.
Jagadguru blesses students of Shankara Vidyalayas, Shrimatam, Kanchi (07-Jan-25)
Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji blessed the students of Sri Shankara Schools appearing for examinations (Tambaram, Urapakkam, and Pondicherry) at Shri Shankara Matam, Kanchipuram, and delivered Anugraha Bhashanam.
31st Aradhana Mahotsavam of Jagadguru Pujya Mahaswamigal (25-Dec-24)
The 31st Aradhana Mahotsavam of Jagadguru Pujyashri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal was held from 25th to 27th December 2024 at Shrimatam, Kanchipuram. The event featured Veda Parayanam, Vidwat Sadas, discourses, and bhajans, starting on 25th December. On 27th December (Aradhana Day), the Ekadasa Rudra Japa Homam commenced at 7:00 AM, followed by Vasordhara, Poornahuti, and Mahabhishekam at the Brindavanam. The Pancharatna Kritis were also rendered. The Aradhana Mahotsavam was held also at various centres in India and abroad.
Makarayana punya kalam- visesha puja performed at Shrimatam – 21-Dec-2024
Makarayana punya kalam- visesha puja performed at Shrimatam on the morning of 21 Dec. 2024 – Pujyashri Shankaracharya Swamiji performed Deeparadhana.
Girivalam Performed at Parvathamalai, Thenmadimangalam (16-Dec-24)
With the blessings of Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji, the Girivalam event took place on 16th December 2024, starting at 6:00 AM from Thenmadimangalam and covering 25 km through villages before returning to the starting point. Devotees assembled on 15th December at M.R. Kalayana Mandapam, Thenmadimangalam. The event was free of charge, with food and arrangements provided by the Girivalam Committee. Participants received blessings from Lord Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Pujyasri Acharya Swamiji.
– Prashanth Anantharamu