Sankara Jayanthi - 13 May 2005

Two thousand fourteen years ago on this day - Vaisaka Sudha Panchami, the fifth day after the New Moon day of the month of Vaisaka( April-May) - a star was born- a star who enlightened the world with the unique Advaita Philosophy. On this day, Sankara was born to Siva Guru - Aryamba couple at Kalady in Kerala. Every year, this day is celebrated with reverence throughout India and in other parts of the world.

This year's Sankara Jayanthi was celebrated on 13th May at the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, now camping at Kalavai, and its various centres.

At Kalavai, The day started with chanting of Veda Mantras by young Brahmacharis from Maharashtra. The chapter of Avatara(Birth) of Sri Adi Sankara was read and special poojas to Sri Adi Sankara was performed by His Holiness Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamiji in the divine presence of His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji. Vedic scholars were honoured and each one was given a measure of paddy and Dakshina.

In the evening, the portraits of Adi Sankara and Kamakshi Devi were taken out in a procession on a floral decorated cart. His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji led the procession along with Sri Sachithananda Swamigal of Kalavai. Nadaswaram music was played throughout the procession. School children and local artists followed them, performing Kolattam and other local dances. Bhajan groups from nearby villages went round along with the procession, singing the name of the Lord.

The procession went round the important streets of Kalavai and Devotees paid their respects to Adi Sankara and the Acharyas. It took nearly three hours for the procession to complete and return to the Mutt. The participating artists were blessed by Their Holiness.

In connection with the Jayanthi celebration, a Gnanadeepa religious summer class was conducted and forty teachers from various schools participated. Lectures on various subjects pertaining to spiritualism were delivered by eminent scholars.

A literary debate on the greatness of the two epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata was also conducted. Eminent speakers, the women outnumbering the men, participated in the debate and provided food for thought to the listeners. The speakers were honoured and blessed by Their Holiness and certificates of participation were given to all the participants of the summer class.

The Jayanthi celebration was really a treat both to eyes and ears. Devotees came to Kalavai to participate in these divine celebrations and have darshan and blessings of Their Holiness.