Deepotsavas in Kartika Masa
The Jagadguru Mahaswamiji witnessing the Jwaalaa Thorana during the occasion of Kartika Deepotsava
Kartika Deepotsava, celebrated as Laksha Deepotsava took place on the Poornima of Kartika month on 6th November 2014. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji arrived at Lord Malahanikareshwara Temple by around 9:30PM and had the Darshan of the Arati performed to Lord Stambha Ganapati, Lord Malahanikareshwara and Bhavani Amba. Following that, Chaturveda Seva was performed. The Utsava murti of Lord Malahanikareshwara was then taken around the Praakaara in a procession led by the Jagadguru. The procession after circumambulating the temple stood in front of the temple for the worship of Deepas. Following the Jwaalaa Thorana (ritualistically burning a fresh cloth dipped in oil) the Laksha Deepotsava began with the Jagadguru lighting a lamp and devotees following suit along the streets of Sringeri. A golden chariot Utsava of Goddess Sharada and Teppotsava took place immediately afterwards.
The Teppotsava contained five Utsava Murtis. the Utsava Murti of Goddess Sharadamba, Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Goddess Bhavani, Sri Malahanikareshwara and Sri Vidyashankara. Over the subsequent days, the Jagadguru graced Deepotsavas held in the temples of Durgamba (November 7), Sri Anjaneya (November 8) and Kalikamba (November 11).