Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



logo www.sringeri.net
Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

Jagadguru at Pandharpur

 

November 28, 2007

Photo
Jagadguru at Panduranga Vitthal shrine, Pandharpur

In the evening of November 2007, the Jagadguru arrived at the famous Pandharpur Kshetra where He was devotedly welcomed by Sri Amalnekar Maharaj of Sakharam Math. The Jagadguru in His Anugraha Bhashanam stated many quotations from Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s commentaries that shed light on the aspect of devotion to the Supreme. The Jagadguru recounted Narasimha Avatara from Srimad Bhagavatam and quoted Sri Shankara – “Syaat Parameshwarasyaapi icchaavashaan maayaamayam roopam saadhaka-anugrahahaartham” (The Supreme Lord adorns a form out of His own volition to grace the devotee). The Jagadguru also posed the questions – Is it possible to see God? Is it possible to converse with God? and answered through Sri Shankara’s words “VyaasaadayaH devaadibhiH pratyaksham vyavajahruH” (Exalted ones such as Veda Vyasa had direct associations with the gods).

The Jagadguru also recalled the Lord’s statement in the Gita mentioning the four types of devotees and the Lord’s own declaration of the exalted nature of the Jnani’s devotion. Thus even Jnanis who revel in the Self have complete devotion to the Lord. The Jagadguru recalled the great devotees and Jnanis such as Jnanadev, Tukaram, Tulsidas, Kabirdas, Surdas and said that every one should cultivate steadfast devotion to God. The Jagadguru blessed the gathering while stating that it is but Divine will that He entered Maharashtra at Kolhapur with Goddess Mahalalshmi’s worship, and shall leave the state after worshipping Lord Pandurang. On the morning of 15th the Jagadguru went in a procession amidst Vedic chants to the temple of Pandurang Vitthal. The Jagadguru offered a gold necklace and gold bilva-dalam to the Lord of Pandhari, and performed a special Puja. Many devotees beheld this divine sight and felt blessed.

 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names