Mahashivaratri was observed at Sringeri by the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji on the 20th and 21st of February 2012. In the afternoon, the Jagadguru arrived at the ancient shrine of Sri Malahanikareshwara at around 11:30 AM and commenced special puja to Sri Malahanikareshwara at around 12:30 PM after worshipping Stambha Ganapati at the Temple. Lord Malahanikareshwara was worshipped with Phala-Panchamrita Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka and Deeparadhana accompanied by the sonorous chanting of Vedic mantras by the Pundits of the Math and students of Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala. The special puja concluded with Puja and Maha-mangalarati to Goddess Bhavani at around 3:00 PM.

In the evening the Jagadguru commenced special worship of Lord Chandramouleeshwara at around 7:30 PM. The Jagadguru performed puja to Lord Chandramouleeshwara during the four yamas till 7:00 AM next day.

At approximately 10:30 on the 21st of February 2012, Malahanikareshwara Rathotsava was conducted in the benign presence of the Jagadguru.

Below are exclusive photographs taken during the event.