His Holiness, Pujyashri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal visited Sri Ramanathaswami Devasthanam at Rameshwaram this morning (17 July 2024) at 10:30 AM and performed Gangabhishekam Shodashopachara Pujas to Sri Parvatavardhini Ambal Sametha Sri Ramanathaswami with the holy waters of Ganga brought during the Yatra to Prayagraj and Varanasi in June 2023 signalling completion of age old custom of Kashi- Rameswaram Yatra. His Holiness Pujya Sri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, the 68th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, 69th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam had performed the Kashi- Rameswaram Yatra by foot from 1921-1943 & 1963-1977. His Holiness was received at Kanchi Math in Agniteertham by Peishkar and taken to temple. At the entrance the Executive Office Sri Sivaramkumar & Thakkar Sri Palani Kumar of Ramanathaswamy Temple received His Holiness.

Commencement of Kashi Rameswaram Yatra of 2021 & Saikata Linga Puja at Prayagraj in 2023

Pujyashri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal fulfilled the age-old tradition of Pratishtha of Saikata Parameshwara Linga carried from Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram into Ganga at Dashashvamedha Ghat on 29/6/2023. After nearly 28 months since visit to Dhanushkodi, the holy Sikata was immersed in Ganga river as per the above mentioned practice and Ganga Jalam was again taken. The holy Sikata was taken at Dhanushkodi on the auspicious Ratha Saptami followed by Bhishmashtami -19/2/2021 during Rameswaram Yatra of His Holiness.

Incidentally, today was Ashadha Ekadashi, the same day on which the Saikata Linga Pratishtha was performed and Gangajal taken from Shudda Ganga in Prayagraj for Abhishekam to Ramanatha Swamy.

Speaking to the waiting press, His Holiness commended our country’s ancient heritage, recollected the Yatras of Purvacharyas, appealed to one and all to follow tenets of Dharma, to serve society and to lead a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious life. His Holiness also said that the activities of Kanchi Math in Rameswaram in the field of education will be expanded.

Earlier in the day, Sri Acharyal performed Sri Chandramouleeshwara Puja at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Shankara Matam at Agniteertham in Rameshwaram. Ekadasha Rudram & Havan was performed with Gangajal at Saraswathi Sannidhi in Kanchi Math.