The 15-day Dussera Celebrations and Spiritual programmes will draw curtains tonight after conducting the famous Teppotsavam (Boat Ride) of Goddess on Tunga River. Unlike other places the festivities begin on day before Navaratri and conclude on Poornami day.
On the Mahalaya Amavasya day, Mahabhishekam was performed to Goddess Sharada. After the Mahabhishekam, Goddess Sharadamba gave Darshan as Jagat Prasutika signifying her role as the Divine Mother of the Universe. The Alankara is unique in that the Universe is represented symbolically as a baby in the arms of the Divine Mother Sharada. The Jagat Prasutika Alankara also portrays the Goddess as the one who nurtures with love the world and all beings in it. Goddess Sharada sported a number of Alankaras such as Hamsavahini, Mayuravahini, Rishabhavahini, Gajalakshmi, Simhavahini, Veena Sharada, Indrani, and Rajarajeshwari. Each aspect, inimitable and radiating bliss to all can only be ascertained by the Darshanam of the Goddess.
The Panchami day also marked the commencement of the Shata Chandi Yaga which extended for five days. During this Yaga, 10 Ritwiks chanted the Durga Sapta Shati (Devi Mahatmyam) once on the first day, twice on the second day, thrice on the third day and four times on the fourth day. The chanting of the Sapta Shati for 100 times was followed by the Purnahuti of the Yaga on Mahanavami. On Mahanavami, the Purnahuti of the Shatachandi Yaga, conducted for the welfare of all beings, was completed in the presence of Mahaswamiji. The Gaja Puja, Ashwa Puja, Ayudha Puja, Vahana Puja were all performed in the presence of His Holiness. The form of Chamunda (Simha Vahana Alankara) which Goddess Sharada adorned, thrilled the hearts of all devotees gathered.
On every day of Navaratri, the Utsava Moorti of Goddess Sharada was taken in a Dindi Utsava every evening along the main street of Sringeri. The Utsava Moorti was also decorated exquisitely in a number of Alankaras. The various forms of the Goddess were also depicted in the Vigraha of Goddess Sharada worshipped as part of the daily Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja performed by the Jagadguru.
During the Navaratri festival, Parayana of the four Vedas, the commentaries on Vedanta (Prasthana-traya Bhashya of Sri Adi Shankaracharya), Sri Devi Bhagavatam, Sri Devi Mahatmyam, Ramayanam, Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Harivamsha Puranam, Sri and Madhaviya Shankara Vijayam took place in the Goddess Sharada temple. During Navaratri, the Jagadguru performed the Sharada Chandramoulishwara Puja in the “Sharada Prasada” building, adjacent to the main Annadana complex of the Peetham. The Jagadguru also gave Darshan in the evenings here.
On Ekadashi, the Sharadamba Maharathotsava was held at Sringeri. An unprecedented number of devotees thronged the holy town. The Jagadguru was reverentially carried in the Golden Adda pallaki (palanquin) facing the front of the Chariot carrying the Utsava Moorti of Goddess Sharada.
The Celebrations will end today with Mahabhisheka of Goddess Sharada on the Poornima day followed by Teppotsavam of Goddess Sharada in the night.
Sharan-Navaratri in Sringeri
The Navaratri Utsava is the most celebrated one among all the festivals at Sringeri. Navaratri means the nine nights. During these auspicious nine nights the Jaganmaata is worshipped, who killed the cruel demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Mahishasura and so on. The following verse is quoted from Devi Mahatmyam occuring in the Markandeya Puranam –
शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी ।
तस्यां ममैतान्महात्म्यं श्रुत्वा भक्ति समन्वितः ॥
This explains that by special worship of Jaganmaata and by chanting Devi Mahatmya during Sharatkaala (Sharadritu), Devi becomes happy and gives all sorts of prosperity to her devotees.
Navaratri is our national festival and is celebrated all-over the country. Still the festival celebrated at Sringeri is a distinct one. Many programmes are conducted in a grand manner during that time at Sringeri. Sharadamba will be adorned with precious and attractive ornaments and beautiful jewellery made of pearls, jade, diamonds, etc.
Mahabhishekam
A Mahabhisheka to Sharadamba will be performed on the day-before-Navaratri (i.e. on No-moon-day of the month of Bhaadrapada). Various types of Phala-Panchaamrita Abhisheka is followed by Shata Rudraabhisheka with Mahaanyasa and 108 Abhisheka while chanting Sri Sukta. The mother will be offered with Jagatprasutika Alankaara on that day. Hamsavahana Alankarara on day two; Vrishabhavahana Alankara on third day; Mayuravahana Alankara on fourth day; Garudavahana Alankara on fifth day; Indrani Alankara on day six; Veena Sharada Alankara on seventh day; Mohini Alankara on day eight; Rajarajeshwari Alankara on ninth day; Simhavahana Alankara on day nine; and Gajalakshmi Alankara on the tenth day.
Parayanas (Chantings) during Navaratri
Many Parayanas will be done at Sringeri Math during Navaratri festival viz. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvanaveda Parayanas, Valmiki Ramayana, Devi Bhagavata, Shrimad Bhagavatam, Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya, Suta Samhite, Lalitopakhyana, Prasthanatraya Bhashya Parayanas, Mahavidya, Lakshminarayana Hridaya, Durga Saptashati and other Parayanas. Surya Namaskara, Srisukta Japa, Bhuvaneshvari Japa, Durga Japa and other Japas will be performed. Shata Rudraabhisheka to Sri Chandramoulishwara Swamy, Navaavarana Pooja to Sri Chakra which is called as the abode of Jaganmaata as per the Shastras, Suvaasini Pooja and Kumari Pooja at 12 Noon everyday are also performed. Also the devotees will receive Prasada. Around 15 – 20 thousand people will have Meals daily during Navaratri festival.
Rathotsava to Sharadamba will be held at 6.30 pm daily on the main street. Mangalaarati will be performed in the presence of Parama Poojya Acharyah. Then starts the Rathotsava. Many Alankaras will be done to this Utsava Murthy too.
Cultural programmes during Navaratri
Not only religious activities, but cultural programmes like music concerts by famous artists in the fields of Vocal, Veenavaadana, Flute, Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, etc., are also arranged during Navaratri festival. This period will be a fest for the lovers of music.
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