Give Skins of Bananas used for Panchamrutham to Ghoshalas! --- Bala Periyava! Why?

Inspired by Shirdi Baba, I have started a programme on my own to make Banaras cows Banana cows and not Plastic cows at Kasi as HOD of Dept of Cardiology in Banaras Hindu University, since 33 crore Devathaas are residing in the cows.

I have inspired all marriage caterers in Benaras to collect the skins of the bananas and give to the stray cows as well as ghoshalaa cows so that milk will not become white poison. More over it is rich in minerals, vitamins and fibres.  When we buy bananas we give money for both skin and inner portion of the fruit. On children’s day at Benaras I gave 1500 bananas to children of Kendriya Vidyalaya and made them celebrate banana day by eating them and collecting the skins and gave to all stray cows.

If we could motivate all children in all schools to eat one banana at school for lunch and collect and give the skins to ghoshaalas,  cows get nutrients and children develop empathy for cows. Children will become happy and soft and gentle since banana has lot of serotonin which makes mind calm. Banana improves memory and intelligence. The Keralites who use bananas have very high IQ.

In my recent visit to Kanchi Mutt I made a humble presentation of my humble idea to HH Sri Bala Periyava. He immediately gave instructions that all the skins of bananas used for panchaamrtham in Mutt must be collected and given to the ghoshaala!

Just imagine if all the hundred crores people eat bananas in this country which has more nutrient value than apples which coming from abroad thereby  losing all its nutients in transit! Our farmers will be benefitted, our chidren and cows will be healthy, cost of taking care of cows will be less and the World will become a neat place!

Cow’s milk will be very nutritive. I wish to start banana movement in every school by everybody. There is no need to have wax coated apples which sap our country’s foreign exchange and produce cancer, since it undergoes gamma radiation for long shelf life.

I pray to Kanchi Paramacharya to inspire everyone to do it for greater benefit of our nations’s health and wealth!

*****

Shared by Smt Geetha Subramanian who is spearheading such a Noble Deed! What an inspiring task she has undertaken! Shankara.

Weekend Trip with Nayanmars --- July 15/16 2017!

A heritage trip for two days on July 15th and July 16th, 2017. Visit to Thiruppugalur, Karaikal, Nagapattinam etc and Nachiyar koil. Trip curated by Smt Padmapriya Baskaran.

The above is from a report in The Hindu's Metropolis Travel today June 22nd, 2017 under caption "Checklist".

Please see the above picture for more details.

Thanks to Shri Vaidyanathan Ramamurthy for sharing this with us.

Kanchi Periyavas on Modern day Palanquins! :)))

HH Pudhu Periyava being carried by devotees. Oh, what blessed shoulders they are!

HH Pudhu Periyava being carried by devotees as seen in the first picture. Oh, what blessed shoulders they are! Vigraham of Kanchi Mahaperiyava being carried atop a Toyota car!

Adi Shankara statues in White Marble!

It looks beautiful. If anyone is interested in having a statue of Adi Shankara in white marble...

President does Pada Pooja to Adi Shankara Padukas!

President of India Pranab Mukherjee performed puja for the Bhagavathpada’s Padugai at Kanchi Sankara Mutt at Kanchi on Tuesday June 13th, 2017.

Mr. Mukherjee arrived at Kancheepuram at around 2-30 p.m. by road from Arakkonam, after he reached the Rajali Naval Air Base by air from New Delhi by 1.20 p.m.

At the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple, where he offered his prayers to the presiding deity Goddess Kamakshi, the Junior seer, HH Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, briefed him about the temple’s history and the renovation works that were carried out within its precincts recently.

When the President reached Kanchi Sankara Mutt at around 3.45 p.m., HH Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal received him at the entrance amidst chanting of mantras as the Mutt staff presented poornakumbam honours to Mr. Mukherjee.

Accompanied by Bala Periyava the President offered his prayers at the athishtanam of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi and also performed puja to the padugai (metal covered wooden footwear) of Sri Adi Sankara.

Subsequently, he had a brief interaction with the Senior Seer, HH Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, and the Junior Seer HH Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, according to Mutt sources.

Source: The Hindu

More unseen pictures of Pudhu Periyava!

Periyava during Kumbhamela in Allahabad.

Periyava at the event of Hindu Spiritual Poets Meet at Kanchi Kumara Koshtam in the year 1984.

Periyava on a makeshift Palanquin!

HH Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal is seen at Kumbha Mela event at Allahabad in the first picture. He is seen at the event of Hindu Spiritual Poets Meet at Kanchi Kumara Koshtam in the year 1984 in the second picture. And atop the makeshift Palanquin in the third one.

Thanks to Shri Vasant Raj for these precious pictures.

Shankara.

Pratyaksha Deivame --- Mahaperiyava Music Book/CD by Gayathri Girish and Rukmini Ramani released on April 15th, 2017!

A book and CD titled ‘Prathyaksha Deivame The Veritable God’ by Dr. Rukmini Ramani was released on April 15 2017 at an event held at P. S. School, Mylapore in Madras.

The music book which consists of Pancharatna Kritis on Sri Kanchi Mahaperiyava was composed on the Mela kartha ragas Todi, Simhendramandyamam, Chakravaham, Dharmavathi and Sarasangi. Smt Gayathri Girish has rendered the kritis in the CD.

The event was presided over by Sri Ganesh Sarma. Dr. K. V. S. Gopalakrishnan, secretary, P. S. Educational Society welcomed the gathering. The sale proceeds of the book and CD will be given to Sri Matha Cancer Care and veda patashala respectively.

Guru T. V. Gopalakrishnan, N. Rajeswari, sub-editor, The Hindu (Tamil), guru P. S. Narayanaswami and K. N. Ramaswamy, director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and several others were the guests at the event.

Those interested in the Book and music CD please contact Dr Rukmani at the below address:

Dr. Rukmini Ramani, 
Shivanugraha Trust,
Flat P, Saradambal Apartments, 3rd Floor, 
36, Kripasankari Street, 
West Mambalam, Chennai-600033

Phone number: +91 98403 48638

For more details please check the below link:

https://vandeguruparamparaam.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/gayathri-girish-singing-on-mahaswamigal-for-the-cause-of-vedas/

Orissa Sankara Eye Hospital's First Annual Day on June 7th, 2017!

Shankara Eye Hospital in Odisha (Orissa) celebrates its First Annual Day on June 7th, 2017. Thanks to Kamakoti.org for sharing this with us. Those nearby the location in Orissa please do attend the event and make it a success.

Precious pictures of Pudhu Periyava taking Snanam!

Thanks to Kicha Kasi and Hariharan for these beautiful pictures of HH Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya Swamigal of Kanchi Matam!

A blessed Guruvaram Day to Everyone.

Shankara.

TTD begins Yagam for good rains with blessings of Pudhu Periyava!

Pudhu Periyava is seated on the left while TTD EO and his wife take the Sankalpam for rains.

Rishyasringa Mantra that is to be chanted for good rains.

A magnificent picture of Kanchi Pudhu Periyava and Lord Balaji at Tirupati!

With the benign blessings and presence of HH Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, Kareereshti and Varuna Japam commenced at Tirumala. Various Japas and homams are being performed to invoke almighty's blessings for rains. The pujas will last for five days and is being organised by TTD.

In the wake of dry spell in the state and various parts of the country, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday May 29th, 2017 started a five-day Kareeristhi-Varuna Japa-Parjanya Shanti Yagam, three Vedic rituals aimed at propitiating Rain God Varuna to shower his blessing for a good rain in the entire state and also in the country.

The unique yagam meant for rains began on a ceremonial note in Paruveta Mandapam here with the blessings of HH Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swami, the chief pontiff of Kanchi Mutt.  

TTD EO A K Singhal accompanied by his wife Jaya Singhal took the sankalpam for the Maha Yagam as ‘Sarvopadrastha’.  Varuna Japam, another Vedic ritual, was also observed by Ritwiks (Veda pundits who conducts such rituals) in holy temple tank (Pushkarini) located at Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple. 

The Vedic scholars chanted the Rishyasringa Mantram three times in the holy waters of the temple tank, following the age-old Vedic ritual to appease Rain Lord Varuna.  Speaking to media persons on the occasion, the EO said this five-day ritual would conclude on June 2.
“Apart from the Vedic scholars rendering related mantras, Amrita Varshini Raagam, which is prominently recited seeking good rains, will be rendered by renowned artistes on Naada Neerajana platform this time. We also arranged ‘Virataparva Parayanam’ in Asthana Mandapam another age-old practice seeking rains,” he added. 

TTD has been performing kareeristhi Yagaam for the past one decade seeking good rains. The significance of the yagam is that since Vedic age, the sages and Ritwiks used to perform this ritual with devotion for blessing from Lord Varuna (Rain God). 

The uniqueness of this ritual is that the every item used in this yagam is in Krishna Varna (black colour), including the dresses of Ritwiks who are performing the yagam. In this ritual, the rice cooked in bamboo bowl, the horse and ram and every object will be black in colour as the Homa  invokes praying for black clouds to shower good rains.

Source: thehansindia.com and Kamakoti.org

Sama Vedam chant by Melattur Veda Patashala students!

Thanks to Shri Halasya Sundaram Iyer for this precious Sama Veda chant by the Veda Patashala Students in Melattur.

Adi Shankaracharya’s statue work to commence from August 26, 2017 in Madhya Pradesh!

Metal collection campaign for the massive statue of Adiguru Shankaracharya will begin from August 26 on Rishi Panchami. Collection yatras will begin from Adiguru Smriti Sthals of Madhya Pradesh. All the yatras will culminate at Omkareshwar. This unanimous decision was taken on Thursday at a Vimarsh Sabha of seers in the presence of Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The ‘Vimarsh Sabha’ was organised at the Tribal Museum’s community hall. Swami Prabodhanand Saraswati, Swami Vishnudutt Bourasi, Swami Raghavendradutt Maharaj of Chinmayanand Mission, Public Works Minister Rampal Singh and Minister of State for Culture Surendra Patwa were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that State Government is making efforts to reach out Adiguru Shankaracharya darshan to the masses and to inspire people to follow his path by setting up his huge statue. Adiguru Shankaracharya has done the work of uniting India culturally. Adiguru connected the country from all four directions in such a manner that the country cannot break up or scatter. He said that the country is indebted to Adiguru for its form today. He said that Adiguru Shankarachaya’s darshan will give a feeling of peace to the humanity soaked in the fire of materialism. Adiguru gave human beings a feeling of perfection. If everyone accepts that there is the same chetna in all, all enmity, hatred will end. All conflict and upheavals will end. The whole world will become one family.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Acharya Sabha for acceptance of the responsibility of the campaign by the seers. He said that the campaign will be such an amazing event in the hands of the seers community that it will fill the entire state with creativity and spirituality. He informed the seers about the programme in which 6 crore saplings will be planted on coming July 2 and invited them in it.

He told them that development, construction works and environment protection is government’s responsibility. State Government is working with this feeling. Rivers in the state will not be exploited for sand anymore. After adequate discussion, arrangement for scientific mining will be made. 
The mining model will be changed after bidding. Mining will be done by women and youth self-help groups through human labour. Government will control sale of sand. The profit from sand trade which untill now was going to a few coffers will now reach the poor man’s hut. He said that state is leading in the implementation of Prime Minister’s programmes. First two clean cities of the country are from the state. Out of total 100 clean cities of the country, 22 are from Madhya Pradesh. The state is moving ahead of Punjab, Haryana in filling up food storages in the country.

Good work is being done in rural development. Mahamandeleshwar Jagadguru Swami Avdheshanand Giri said that Adiguru has spoken about Atma not Dehdharma. It is the soil of Madhya Pradesh that has turned boy Shankar into Adiguru Shankaracharya. He said that Omkareshwar should become the centre of Vedic education. Workshops and Lecture series should be organized here. Arrangements to teach Mathanamayaha and Vyavasthayen should be made. He said that Neer se hi Narayan hai (Where there is Water, there is God). No campaign or venture like Narmada Seva Yatra has been initiated for the last 100 years for river conservation. He said that other states should also follow the initiative of the state government. The state’s spiritual vibes, energy and vigour should be for the welfare of the whole country.

Acharya Sabha co-ordinator Swami Parmanand Saraswati said that Adi Guru has done the work of bringing religious culture and spiritualism to the fore. In accordance with this Omkareshwar should be accorded a new identity. It should become a centre of research based knowledge which can remove the myths of Hinduism. Save religion. Acharya Sabha is eveready to develop organized Hindu Chetna. Swami Hariharanand said that he is overwhelmed with the efforts of the state government to revive Indian culture. Narmada Seva Yatra is an exemplary effort of the fulfillment of satya-kartavya. Swami Akhileshwaranand stressed on the need to co-ordinate the organisational structure at the district, division and state level for implementation of the campaign. He said that a guidance team be formed at the state level. Principal Secretary Culture Manoj Shrivastava informed about the project.

The campaign is a public movement of cultural unity. He said that the construction of Adiguru Shankaracharya’s statue with public participation is a unique work of its kind in the world. No such statue of any philosopher has ever been constructed with public support in the world. He said that memories of Adiguru Shankaracharya is associated to the state. Public awareness yatras will be started at these places under the campaign. Chief Minister Chouhan and the guests dedicated the CD of the campaign song and Chaturmath game during the Vimarsh. Dr. Sanjay Dwivedi sang Adiguru’s creation Gurupadashtam. There was a group performance of the campaign song written by Mahesh Shrivastava.

Making of Sri Sankara Vibhuthi (Holy Ash)!

Vibuthi being made at a Karaikal unit. 

Cow is seen as a goddess of wealth. So ‘goshalas’ are set up in temples but the ‘goshala’ at Sri Kasi Viswanathaswamy Devasthanam at Melavanjur, established in 1892 by the Sri Sankara Mutt in Kancheepuram, has taken up a series of activities.

Production of ‘vibuthi’ Holy Ash using cow dung, got at Goshala, has been a major activity. The gosala has about 50 animals - 10 calves, 10 bulls and 30 cows. About 10 kg of dung is got from each animal every day and it is converted into two kg of ‘vibuthi’, says its administrator, B. Ganapathy Subramanian, who is an auditor.

The cow dung, rolled into balls, is collected and dried up. The balls get heated up when the purest form of ‘vibuthi’ is got. It is filtered before being packed as ‘Sri Sankara Vibuthi.’ There has been a growing demand for this quality vibuthi and the returns have been so encouraging that the Sri Sankara Mutt does not receive any donation for maintenance of this gosala, says Mr. Ganapathy Subramanian.

On an average, he could market 800 kg of ‘vibuthi’ to its customers - mostly religious institutions and temples such as Sri Gnaananda Ashramam at Thapovanam near Tirukoilur and other temples in Hyderabad and Kasi.

He says that value-addition in cow dung would fetch attractive returns and he has been imparting training on making ‘vibuthi’ to a number of unemployed youth in the nearby area. The product is free from any adulteration and is in its purest form. It is sold through the Sri Sankara Mutt’s branches all over the country.

His wife, Bharathi, who has been coordinating the programme, says that there has been a growing demand for the quality ‘vibuthi’ and the cow dung should be utilised optimally.

The returns from the sale of ‘vibuthi’ has been quite adequate to meet the expenditure for maintenance of the gosala, wages for workers and other overheads, he said, indicating that the cows could be best utilised as a means for promoting rural economy.

The Devasthanam, in its another service, has been exchanging old cows from farmers in the vicinity and gives them healthy and lactating ones. “Under this programme, we ensure that the farmer gets an assured income. The farmer should give calves of his new cow to the Devasthanam,” he adds.

There has been a strong case for raising fodders.

*****

Source: The Hindu

Mahaswamigal Jayanthi in Boston, US on June 3rd, 2017!

Mahaperiyava's Jayanthi will be celebrated on June 3rd, 2017 in Sri Kalikambal temple in Boston, US at this address:15 N Main St, Bellingham, MA 02019-1551 Phone: (508) 966-8332

Please see above flyer for more details.

Those nearby, please do attend and be blessed.

Poems composed on Mahaswamigal by a devotee in 1939 and 1961!

1) First screenshot --- மஹா பெரியவர் மீது தாத்தா இயற்றிய சித்திரக்கவி இது. Arvind Swaminathan's grandfather Shri Swaminatha Sharma had composed this poem on Kanchi Mahaperiyava sometime in the 1950s or 1960s.

2) Second one from the top --- Song composed by Shri Swaminatha Sharma on Mahaperiyava on the the occasion of Vyasa pooja in the year 1961, August 6th.

3) Last one --- Another poem composed by Shri Swaminatha Sharma on Swamigal on June 6th, 1939.

Shankara. How precious these are! And how beautiful they are to even look at!

So sorry that I am unable to translate them to English, for those of you who cannot read Tamil. Please bear with me on the poor quality of the pictures too.

Thanks a ton to Shri Mohan Ramiah for running this by me.

Russians chanting Sri Rudram!

Thanks to Sriram Kovvali for this precious video.

Sringeri Shankaracharyas visit Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram!

His Holiness Sri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal, the 36th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, and HH Shankaracharya Vidhushekhara Bharati Swamigal the 37th Sringeri Shankaracharya arrived in Ramanathapuram on Tuesday May 16th, 2017 evening.

His Holiness Sri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal, the 36th Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Sringeri Sarada Peetham, concluded His three-day visit to Rameswaram on Thursday May 18th, 2017. The Peetham has ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram.

The Shankaracharya, who is on a ‘Vijaya Yatra’ of the State of Tamil Nadu since May 2, arrived on the island on Tuesday to a warm welcome.

He was accompanied by the 37th Sringeri Shankaracharya HH Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Swamigal. Priests and temple authorities, led by Raja N Kumaran Sethupathy, temple thakkar, S. Selvaraj, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, and K. Mayilvahanan, assistant divisional engineer of the temple, received the pontiffs with poornakumbham as They entered the island at Kaattupillayarkoil.

The Senior Jagadguru performed abishekam to Sri Ramanathaswamy at the sanctum sanctorum and aradhana to Ambal Paravathavardhini on Wednesday May 17th, 2017.

On Thursday morning, the HH Vidushekara Bharati Swamigal performed special puja at Dhanushkodi and took a holy dip in the sea. In the evening, They offered darshan to devotees in Ramanathapuram before proceeding to Aruppukottai.

The Jagadguru is visiting the temple after six years. He last visited the temple during His previous ‘Vijaya Yatra’ in 2011, Mr. L. Narayanan, manager of Sringeri Mutt, said.

The Shankaracharya, who had graced the kumbabhishekams of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in 1975 and 2001, did not attend the Maha Kumbabhishekam performed on January 20, 2016, after a disagreement with temple authorities over the date of the ceremony, Mr. Narayanan said.

The Karnataka-based Sringeri Peetham built two rajagopurams at the southern and northern entrances of Ramanathaswamy temple, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of devotees.

The Peetham had also built a granite Mangala Gopuram in front of Amman sannadhi.

Source: The Hindu.

A Devotee who always chants 'Shankara' and Mahaperiyava's grace for him!

Such a rare picture of Kanchi Mahaperiyava being garlanded or the garland being removed by Bala Mama!

My father-in-law, late Sri M Adhinarayanan was an ardent devotee of Kanchi Mahaperiyava since the 1960s. Because of his Bhakti for Mahaperiyava, he always used to say ‘Sankara’ while sitting down or standing up or while doing any simple thing as well. He had such Bhakti , automatically he would say ‘Sankara’ at any moment of time.

Once he was at Sri Kanchi Mutt late at night. Mahaperiyava had not retired yet for resting. Mahaperiyava was surrounded by V.I.Ps, like IAS/IPS officers, Government Officials, Diwan and Others.

Mahaperiyava’s neck was adorned by a beautiful garland of flowers. While retiring, Mahaperiyava would remove the garland of flowers. Every one was eagerly and anxiously waiting to receive it for himself/herself.

Mahaperiyava removed the garland and all of a sudden dropped it on the neck of my father-in-law!

Shankara! (this is my Shankara :))))

My father-in-law started weeping uncontrollably by the grace and kindness of the Great Sage. As was his usual practice my father-in-law was constantly chanting “Sankara” which the Almighty in Sage’s Rupa recognized and Blessed him.

That was Mahaperiyava’s Blessing for our entire family, we believe.

‘Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara’

*****

Shankara. What a beautiful incident narrated by Smt Lalitha Vijayakumar. How blessed her family is. Thanks to Periyava Puranam for this beautiful picture.

When Gothram and Suthram are not known... --- Mahaperiyava's solution!

The man worked at Tiruchi Railway Station, had two sons and one daughter. Had utmost devotion towards Kanchi Mahaswamigal. Where ever He camped, he used to visit Him atleast 4 or five times in a year with his family. Not for an instant darshan but would stay with the Mahan for two days soaking in His blessings.

“This boy is 9 years old, need to perform Upanayanam”, he told Swamigal.

“Do it”, replied Swamigal.

“I do not know his gothram or soothram”, said the person.

Mahaswamigal looked at him.

“He is your son right?”, asked Mahaperiyava.

“No, when the boy was in his mother's womb his father passed away. His mother passed away when he was two months old. There was no one in the village to take care of the boy. We took the baby and came home; do not know his relatives or any other information regarding the boy. Just heard this much that he belongs to some Agraharam in Tirunelveli”, replied the man.

Mahaswamigal had an unusual smile on His face. Looked at Kannan ( the person who did kaingaryam to Him) who was near Him: “Look, he has adopted an orphan, has taken care of the boy for so many years and is now planning to conduct Poonal Upanayanam ceremony… how noble of him!”

Kannan said, “So long even we thought that the boy was their own son!”

Mahaswamigal was immersed in joy and said “I have heard that for those who do not know the gothram, it is Kashyapa gothram, if the soothram is not known then it is Bodhyana soothram. Do like that and conduct the poonal ceremony. But never ever think that he is a stranger; he belongs to you and is your son!”

The man took prasadam and left with contentment.

கட்டுரையாளர்-ஸ்ரீமடம் பாலு-182
தட்டச்சு-வரகூரான் நாராயணன்
புத்தகம்-காஞ்சி மகான் தரிசனம்

திருச்சி ரயில்வே அலுவலத்தில் பணி, இரண்டு பையன்கள், ஒரு பெண்.
மகா சுவாமிகளிடம் அபார பக்தி. பெரியவாள் எங்கே முகாமிட்டிருந்தாலும் வருடத்துக்கு
நாலைந்து முறை,குடும்பத்தோடு தரிசனத்துக்கு வருவார். மின்னல் வேக தரிசனம் இல்லை. ஒரிரு நாள்கள் தங்கி,பெரியவாளின் நெருக்கத்தை நிதானமாக அனுபவித்துவிட்டுத்தான் போவார்.

"இந்தப் பையனுக்கு ஒன்பது வயசாயிடுத்து. உபநயனம் நடத்தணும்" என்று பெரியவாளிடம்
விக்ஞாபித்துக் கொண்டார், ஒரு முறை.

"செய்யேன்..."-பெரியவா

"பையனின் கோத்திரம் - சூத்திரம் தெரியல்லே..."

பெரியவாள் நிமிர்ந்து பார்த்தார்கள்.

"உன்னோட பையன்தானே?"

"இல்லை! பையனின் கர்ப்பவாச காலத்திலேயே

தகப்பனார் சிவலோகம் போய்ச் சேர்ந்தார். இரண்டு மாதக் குழந்தையை விட்டுவிட்டுத் தாயாரும் போய்ச்சேர்ந்து விட்டாள்.கிராமத்தில் குழந்தையை ப்பராமரிக்கும் பொறுப்பை யார் ஏற்பார்கள்? நாங்கள்கு ழந்தையை எடுத்துண்டு வந்தோம். ஊர், பெயர், பந்து ஜனங்கள் ரியலை. திருநெல்வேலி பக்கம் ஏதோ அக்ரஹாரம் என்று மட்டும் கேள்வி..."

பெரியவாள் முகத்தில் அசாதாரணமான புன்னகை.

அருகிலிருந்த தொண்டர் கண்ணனிடம்,

"பாரு..ஓர் அநாதைக் குழந்தையை எடுத்துண்டு வந்து, வளர்த்து,பூணல் போடப் போறார்! என்ன மனஸ் இவருக்கு."

கண்ணன் சொன்னார்; "அவரோட சொந்தப்பிள்ளைனுதான்நா ங்களும் நினைத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கோம்.

பெரியவாள் மனசுக்குள்ளே ஆனந்தப்பட்டுக்கொண்டு சொன்னார்கள்;

"கோத்திரம் தெரியாதவர்களுக்கு, காசியப கோத்திரம்; ஸூத்திரம் தெரியாதவர்களுக்கு,போதாயன ஸூத்திரம் என்று கேள்விப்பட்டிருக்கேன். அது மாதிரி சொல்லிப்பூணூல் போடு. ஆனா குழந்தையை அந்நியமா நினைச்ச்டாதே. உன் பையன்தான்."

பிரசாதம் பெற்றுக் கொண்டு மன நிறைவுடன் நகர்ந்தார்கள்.

Adi Shankara's teachings to be actively spread in Madhya Pradesh --- Chief Minister SS Chouhan!

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today on May 1, 2017 said that lessons based on the life and contributions by Adi Shankaracharya will be included in the educational curricula for schools in the BJP-ruled state.

"Jeewani (life history) of Adi Shankaracharya and his contribution will be taught in the state schools. They will be included in syllabus for schools in the state," Mr Chouhan said while addressing a function organised here to mark the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya - philosopher known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.

The function was attended by Kanchi Peeth Shankaracharya HH Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, and Seers including Subodhanand Maharaj, Govind Giri and Swami Parmanand Giri. 

However, the Chief Minister did not specify the exact academic session when these lessons will be made part of the syllabi for schools.

On the occasion, Mr Chouhan announced setting up of 'Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust', which, he said will encourage learning of the Vedanta philosophy.

"Adi Shankaracharya was a great saint, philosopher and theologian who came out with the unique doctrine of Vedanta and established four seats of learning in India for its cultural integrity," he said.

The Chief Minister said a series of functions will be organized across the state to disseminate the contributions made by Adi Shankaracharya for "uniting the society".

Mr Chouhan said that apart from carrying out the development work, the state government "is duty bound to promote and preserve culture, and to protect the environment".

Referring to the 'Narmada Seva Yatra' in the state, he said the ongoing campaign was aimed at "reviving the holy river".

Promoter of Advaita Vedanta Philosophy, Reviver of Sanatan Dharam and Ambassador of Cultural Unity Adi Shankracharya’s Prakatotsav was celebrated in the entire state today. A series of cultural programmes focussing life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya was held in all the districts.

Holy reminisces of Adi Shakaracharya were recalled in the presence of Jagtguru Shankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamkoti Peeth in Mansarovar Auditorium of Assembly at Bhopal. Expressing views on contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, Jagatguru Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswati said that welfare is possible keeping calm attitude according to Adi Shankarcharya.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that curriculum based on biography of Adi Shankaracharya and his contribution towards the upliftment of Sanatan Dharam will be included in school education. Making announcement towards establishment of Acharya Shankar Sanskratik Ekta Nyas, Chouhan said that activities to expand Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophy and Vedanta Shiksha will be conducted through this nyas.

Sant community will provide guidance whereas the government will play a role of its aide. He further mentioned that beside development, the government has responsibility to educate new generation about cultural, religious and spiritual values under the guidance of sants. Moreover, Chouhan stated that Adi Shankaracharya’s holy cave in Omkareshwar will be restored where he penanced under the guidance of his guru.

Chouhan said that Adi Shankaracharya has taught us that all living beings have same consciousness. He mentioned that Vedanta philosophy is capable to eradicate all kind of enmity and conflicts of the world. Chouhan informed that a metal collection campaign for construction of grand statue of Adi Shankarcharya in Omkareshwar will be conducted from June 1 to 30.

He said that current structure of cultural unity of Bharat was not possible without Adi Shankaracharya. Chouhan said that Vedas were composed in Bharat earlier when world community was in process of being civilised and developed. He said that Vedanta philosophy has concept of entire universe welfare. Bharat is an amazing country which has remarkable philosophical traditions.

Adi Shankaracharya has eliminated all the obstacles obstructing cultural unity of the country. He has united Bharat in one unit establishing four peeths. He has strengthen the foundation of cultural unity. No one can divide Bharat now. Adi Shankaracharya has made Bharat stronger culturally and spiritually.

Recollecting the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, decision has been take to celebrate Prakatotsav in the entire state, he added. Swami Subodhanand of Chinmaya Mission mentioned that Adi Shankaracharya Prakatotsav will be celebrated in the form of public festival. Swami Govind Dev Giri said that today is a historical day for Madhya Pradesh.

He further mentioned that Madhya Pradesh has enlightened Adi Shankaracharya. Lord Krishna had also received teachings at Sandipni Ashram of this land. The same land has inspired CM Chouhan for Narmada Seva Yatra. He said that Chouhan will be remembered till several generations for shouldering responsibilities successfully as head of the state.

Swami Subhodanand further stated that Madhya Pradesh is going through cultural upstart. Besides visiting four dhams in Bharat, spiritual person will also pay a visit surely to Madhya Pradesh in future. He informed that Adi Shankaracharya has eliminated all doubts and confusions through Vedanta philosophy. He clarified that everyone has right to engross Vedanta knowledge.

He said that statements written by Adi Shankaracharya consisting philosophy of life are amazing verses of the world. Every efforts should be made to introduce youth with this philosophical heritage. Swami Parmanand Giri of Haridwar said that there is a need to lead life according to the philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya.

He mentioned that if life exists there is Brahma and if Brahma exists there is life. Vedanta teachings of Adi Shankaracharya’s should be expanded in the society. We will obtain solutions for all kinds struggles from this, he added.

Writer on Spiritual subjects, Scholar Vitthal C. Nadkarni said that the Chief Minister has re-established the cultural identity conducting Narmada Seva Yatra and celebrating Prakatotsav of Adi Shankaracharya. National General Secretary of B.J.P. Ram Madhav mentioned that Adi Shankaracharya has declared that all human beings are equal.

Person belonging to any caste or creed can gain mastery and obtain Vedanta knowledge. He further said that Adi Shankaracharya was a unequalled philosopher and a social reformer. Praising CM Chouhan for establishment of Adi Shankaracharya Sanskratik Ekta Nyas, he said that this is a real tribute towards the Adi Shankaracharya. National Organising Secretary B.J.P. Ramlal said that celebrating Adi Shankaracharya’s Prakatotsav is a praiseworthy work in itself.

Appreciating CM Chouhan, he mentioned that he is making effort for cultural upliftment of Madhya Pradesh in the same manner he is making effort for its development. He further stated that there is a need to make Bharat strong culturally because only Bharat has to establish Vedanta philosophy in the world in future.

A documentary focussing philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya was exhibited on the occasion. CM Chouhan dedicated website www.statueofculturalunity.in prepared by CRISP. Also book focussing life of Adi Shankaracharya was released. The function was started with song of Dhrupad Singer Abhijeet Sukhdane and his team based on compositions of Adi Shankaracharya.

Minister of State for Culture Surendra Patwa, National Vice President B.J.P. Vinay Sahastrabuddhe and eminent citizens in large number were present on the occasion. Principal Secretary Culture Manoj Shrivastva gave a vote of thanks.

Source: The Central Chronicle and NDTV

The CM and his wife are seen in the above picture. For more pictures click the below link:
https://vandeguruparamparaam.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/madhya-pradesh-cm-with-pudhu-periyava-shankara-matam-pictures-in-bhopal/

Harathi to Kanchi Mahaperiyava at His Adhishtanam in Kanchi!

What a Glorious Harathi to Kanchi Mahaperiyava! All our Sins will be washed away just by a mere Sight of the Harathi. 


Thanks to Sandhya Subramanian for sharing this video. This was taken on May 1, 2017 at Kanchi!

Kanchi Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal offering Harathi to Adi Shankara in Kalady!

Kanchi Pudhu Periyava showing Harathi to Adi Shankara at Kalady in Kerala on the eve of Shankara Jayanthi on April 28th, 2017! A big picture of Kanchi Mahaperiyava is seen in the background.

Thanks a ton to Shri Vasant Raj for this beautiful video.

Pudhu Periyava's Guruvayur/Kalady/Kolhapur Yatra from 27 April to 2 May 2017!

HH Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal will reach Cochin on Apr 27, 2017 and proceed to Guruvayur.

Programme on Apr 28.- Samarpanam of Golden Flute and Golden Peacock feather bunch to Lord Guruvayurappan.
Apr 29. - Ramanathpuram veda patashala, Palakkad.
Apr 30. Kumbhabhishekam at Kalpati, Kerala. 
Noon - inauguration of procession from Kaladi Stupi on the occassion of Sankara Jayanthi.
Apr 30. - 5pm depart to Bhopal
May 01. - 11am - His Holiness will bless the Adi Shankara Jayanti Samaroh being organized by the Government of Madhya Pradesh 
May 01 - evening - Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
17.00hrs. Golden Palanquin to be donated with HH's blessings by the Kolhapur devotees to Goddess Mahalaxmi.
May 02. Morning abhishekam at Temple.
Evening - His Holiness will return to Shrimatam camp at Thoraipakkam, Madras.

HH Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal visited Sri Adi Shankara Janma Kshetra in Kalady, Kerala on April 28th, 2017. His Holiness visited the Adi Shankara Keerti Sthamba Mandapam and performed pujas to the Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

About the Keerthi Sthamba at Kalady!

With the benign blessings of Their Holinesses Pujyasri Shankaracharya Swamiji, a Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam has been consecrated at Kalady, the birth place of Sri Adi Sankara. The Keerthi Sthambam is an imposing 8-storey structure. A pair of elephant statues stand at the entrance. Inside the Sthambam is the Paduka Mandapam, where the Padukas of Sri Adi Sankara have been consecrated and regular worship is offered. One can climb the spiral staircase inside the mandapam and see the paintings and statues on the walls, depicting important episodes from the life of Sri Adi Sankara.

Sankara Jayanthi is celebrated every year on the Vaisaka Shukla Panchami day. In May 2003, special celebrations were held here to mark the 2510th birth anniversary of Adi Sankara, the golden jubilee of Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji's Peetarohanam and the silver jubilee celebrations of Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam. As part of the celebrations, a procession led by Their Holinesses Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji was taken out from Angamally to Kalady.

Thanks to Shri Vanjari Shankar and Kamakoti.org for the lovely pictures.

Pudhu Periyava Chithirai Avittam pooja at the home of Srividhya Krishna!

Avittam is the birthstar of HH Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, also referred to fondly as Pudhu Periyava. Srividhya Krishna says this Photo was given by HH Himself to her husband on his recent visit to Kanchi! What a beautiful picture and alankaram from the pooja done at her home in Portland in the US on April 21, 2017!

While so many people in the world celebrate the monthly Anusham birthstar of Kanchi Mahaperiyava, they are just a handful of people who celebrate the Avittam birthstar of Pudhu Periyava. May many people join the likes of Srividhya Krishna!

A blessed Guruvaram Day to Everyone!

Shankara.

Kanchi Mahaperiyava had identified Muthuswami Dikshitar's house in Thiruvarur!

If it wasn’t for these three prolific composers/singers, Carnatic music today would not have been so popular.  Aiming to restore the original identity of Thiruvarur – the birthplace of the Trinity of Carnatic music and 18th century composers  – Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri -  and putting it on the global tourism map, popular Carnatic singer Geetha Rajashekar and S. Swaminathan, president of Shri Kanchi Kamakotipeeta Karnataka Sangeetha Mumoorthigal Seva Samithi. have embarked on an ambitious task of refurbishing the houses where Thyagraja and Syama Sastri had lived and also promote a musical trail - the first and unique one in the country. The Kanchi Paramacharya HH Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal (also referred to as Mahaperiyava) who identified the spot, had reconstructed Muthuswami Dikshitar’s house but as this is in a dilapidated condition, the house will be rebuilt.

Perhaps, when the project materialises by next year 2018, it could rival the places that became famous due to Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. “We may require about Rs. 40 to 45 lakh for the entire project and we will convert them into tourist spot. Carnatic music singers and lovers could visit the houses or sing at the samadhi of the outstanding trio,” says Ms Geetha, who is also convener of the festival committee. Realising the potential of Thiruvarur,  the administrative headquarters of Thiruvarur district about 319 km from here, Ms Geetha Rajashekar, who is vice president of BJP Art & Culture Cell, informed that Union urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu responded positively to her request to take steps to develop Thiruvarur as a heritage town under Prasad or Hriday schemes. She also urged him to initiate measures to release a commemorative postal stamp on the 250th birth anniversary of Sri Thyagaraja.

According to Mr Swaminathan, not many are aware that Thiruvarur had produced the Trinity of Carnatic music. The present efforts would go a long way in popularising their rich contribution. “They had composed several thousands of songs in Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil and had performed at several places. These would also be highlighted,” he said and added that to the Carnatic music world Thiruvarur is as sacred as Ramjanma Bhoomi in Ayodhya for Hindus. All the three houses are under the control of the Kanchi mutt.

 “We have also planned a theme park for the 250th birth anniversary of the Sadguru and it shall have a state-of-art auditorium, a Trinity museum, a big library housing both the books and video collection of the immortal composers besides a Trinity Arch. We also want to start a school of music. We need atleast three to five acres land to raise the infrastructure and build roads. Once this is done, the entire place will develop,” adds Ms Geetha Rajashekar. Besides her, Deccan Moorthy is also involved in refurbishing the houses.Kanchi acharyas

In the picture Kanchi Shankaracharyas, HH Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal and HH Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal grace the inaugural of Saint Thyagaraja’s 250th Jayanthi celebration in Madras on April 24th, 2017.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Sringeri Acharya Vidushekara Bharati's Coimbatore Pattinapravesham!

Tanjore Subramanian says he was blessed to be part of a team that rendered Namasankeerthanam during Pattinapravesam 'Entering the City' of His Holiness Sringeri Shankaracharya Vidushekara Bharati in Coimbatore on April 24th, 2017 during Their Vijaya Yatra of Tamil Nadu. Thanks a ton to him and to Kicha Kasi for the second picture.

What beautiful pictures.

Shankara.

Bala Periyava pictures at Thiruppugazh Meet in Madras on April 22nd 2017!

HH Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal at Thiruppugazh Guru Samarppana Isai vazhipadu, today April 22nd, 2017 at Hema Malini Kalyana Mandapam in Madras.

Thanks a ton to Kalamalini Sundararajan and to Thiruppugazh Anbargal facebook group for these lovely pictures!