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!

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.

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

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/

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.

HH Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal in a rare picture from 1996!

Thanks a bunch to Shri Vasant Raj for this rare picture from November 21 in 1996 from The Hindu newspaper. Then President Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma and the then previous President Shri R Venkataraman are seen with HH Pudhu Periyava, the Shankaracharya of Kanchi!

Kanchi Acharyas release Hevilambi 2017 Tamil New Year Calendar!

Their Holinesses, the Shankaracharyas of Kanchi, released Sri Kamakshi Seva Samithi's 'Hevilambi' "ஹேவிளம்பி" Calendar!!

First and foremost, please find attached, the blessings of our Perivaas in the Srimukham. Very glad to inform that at Kanchipuram on 17th March 2017 on an Auspicious Friday, Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal and Pujya Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal released the Hevilambi Calendar!

During various conversations with H.H. Pujya Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal on the making of Hevilambi Calendar, the theme got evolved, which is "Shanmatha" and "Guru Bhakti".

The attached write-up is part of the Calendar (as shared by Kamakshi Seva Samithi KSS Trustee):

Pujya Sri Bala Periyava: "Can you make a one-page table indicating Shanmatha days in each month and also Sukhla Panchami day for Adi Sankara, Anusham day for Maha Periyava and Avittam day for Our Periyava?" "Also, the Aradhanai days of all our Parampara Gurus - each month?"

KSS Trustee: "If Periyava says, it should be possible".

The attached one-pager was created! This last page of the Calendar contains Aradhana dates of each Guru in each month. There is a page listing our Guru lineage in the sequence of the Guru-peetam to refer to (it was there last year too). The shanmatha dates are given monthwise.

On his next trip, Bala Periyava asked: "Can you add just one more page in the Calendar?" Only one page".

KSS trustee said, "Periyava knows how to add a page!".

H.H. said : "Two things to be added - 1. Writeup about Cauvery Pushkaram, which will happen in September ; and 2. Jayaghosha. A set of shlokas, recited when Sankaracharys embarks on Yatra, arrives at a venue, ascends Simhasana, during temple honours and Puja & Annadana."

KSS Trustee said reluctantly "will try". Then H.H. said, " Otherwise print this in a separate sheet and distribute along with the calendar!"

Now, JAYAGHOSHA is part of the calendar. And a brief writeup on Cauvery Pushkaram as well.
Blessed are the ones, to get a copy of this Holy Calendar, cherish & preserve this calendar forever!

Happy Tamil New Year "ஹேவிளம்பி"

Jaya Jaya Sankara! Hara Hara Sankara!!

Thanks to Shri Rangarajan of Kamakshi Seva Samithi and Shri Krishnamurthy Guruvayurappan of KKSF for sharing this with us.

Those interested to get this calendar, please send an email to Shri Rangarajan at kamakshi.seva.samithi@gmail.com, mentioning your name and home address.

How MGR chose Two Leaves symbol!

Kanchi Pudhu Periyava reminisces: It was in Kalavai where Kanchi Mahaperiyava was staying that time in the early 1970s. MGR had come there to get Swamigal's blessings for his new political party AIADMK. I was standing a few feet away from Periyava and MGR. There was a Mango tree near us and from it fell a cluster of leaves.

It had Two Leaves in it. MGR saw it and took it to be Swamigal's blessings and immediately decided that Two Leaves will be his party's symbol!

2017 is the Centenary year for MGR. He would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year.

Video of Kanchi Pudhu Periyava at Badrinath in 2007!

Thanks to Shri Vasant Raj for the above video. Sorry that there is lot of shaking in the video. But any opportunity to have a Darshan of our Acharyas is precious, is it not!

Rare pictures of Kanchi Periyavas from North India!

Thanks to Shri Vasant Raj for these lovely pictures of Pudhu Periyava in Arunachal Pradesh in 2002, with Saligrama Mala in Hardwar, having Ganga Snanam in Manikarnika Ghat in Benares etc.

A blessed Guruvaram Day February 9th, 2017 to Everyone.

Shankara.

Kanchi Matam events for February 2017!

1 Feb	Vasanta Panchami
3 Feb	Ratha Saptami
8 Feb	Pradosha Puja
9 Feb	Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Kamakshi Ambal Temple, Kanchipuram
10 Feb	Pournami Puja
18 Feb	HH Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal (Kalavai Parameshti Guru) Aradhanai
19 Feb	Anusham pooja. Time is from 7:10 PM on February 18 to 10:06 PM on February 19
23 Feb	HH Pujyashri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal Jayanti Mahotsavam
24 Feb	Pradosha Puja
24 Feb	Mahashivaratri
27 Feb	HH Sri Mahadevendra Saraswathi Swamigal (Kalavai Paramaguru) Aradhanai

Source: Kamakoti.org

The magnificent Guruvaara Alankarams in the first picture have been done by Shri Suresh, the husband of Viji Suresh! The beautiful second photo is from last month Anusham pooja in New Delhi, thanks to Satya Narayanan for this.

The penultimate picture is the 65th Kanchi Shakaracharaya HH Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal Whose Aradhana function is on Feb 27th. He is the Parameshti Guru of Kanchi Mahaperiyava. That is a rare picture of Kanchi Bala Periyava Whose Jayanthi celebrations is on February 23rd. Thanks to Shri Vasant Raj for this lovely picture.

And words simply fail me to describe the Guruvaara Alankarams shown in the last picture done by Shweta Srinivasan!