Andhakusura Vadha & Ardrotsava 2018
On December 22, 2018, Andhakasura Vadha was performed near the Rajagopuram at around 10 pm in the divine presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Sri Mahasannidhanam after the Chandramoulishwara Puja.
Ardrotsava took place early the following morning on December 23, 2018 with the event commencing with Mahamangalarati to Lord Malahanikareshwara and Goddess Bhavani being performed in the divine presence of Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam. After the Maha-mangala-arati at the Malahanikareshwara temple, Ashtavadhana Seva comprising of Chaturveda Seva, took place. A large number of devotees were present for the Mahamangalaarti and the grand procession of the Utsava Murtis of Lord Malahanikareshwara (as Nataraja) and Goddess Bhavani. The procession included three circumambulations around the sanctum sanctorum, with each Pradakshina getting longer and descending down the hillock. The procession continued along the main streets of Sringeri and arrived at the Sri Chandramoulishwara Thotti, located adjacent to the Rajagopuram, inside the Math Complex. A Puja was performed at the Thotti and after Mahamangalarati and Ashtavadhana Seva, the Utsava murtis were taken back to the Malahanikareshwara temple amidst the chantings of Sri Shivanandalahari and Sri Soundaryalahari (composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya).