Sharannavaratri Mahotsava

The Navaratri Utsava is the most celebrated one among all the festivals at Sringeri. Navaratri means the nine nights. During these auspicious nine nights the Jaganmaata is worshipped, who killed the cruel demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Mahishasura and so on. The following verse is quoted from Devi Mahatmyam occuring in the Markandeya Puranam :

शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी । तस्यां ममैतान्महात्म्यं श्रुत्वा भक्ति समन्वितः ॥

This explains that by special worship of Jaganmaata and by chanting Devi Mahatmya during Sharatkaala (Sharadritu), Devi becomes happy and gives all sorts of prosperity to her devotees.

Navaratri is our national festival and is celebrated all-over the country. Still the festival celebrated at Sringeri is a distinct one. Many programmes are conducted in a grand manner during that time at Sringeri. Sharadamba will be adorned with precious and attractive ornaments and beautiful jewellery made of pearls, jade, diamonds, etc.

Mahabhishekam

A Mahabhisheka to Sharadamba will be performed on the day-before-Navaratri (i.e. on No-moon-day of the month of Bhaadrapada). Various types of Phala-Panchaamrita Abhisheka is followed by Shata Rudraabhisheka with Mahaanyasa and 108 Abhisheka while chanting Sri Sukta. The mother will be offered with Jagatprasutika Alankaara on that day.

Darbar

Darbar is a special programme during Navaratri. This special function is being celebrated since the time of Sri Vidyaranya. Sri Vidyaranya Mahaswaminah played a main role in the establishment of Vijayanagara Empire and blessed Harihara Raya and Bukka Raya in every aspect. They in-turn, as a token of gratitude and devotion, offered the whole kingdom, golden throne, crown made of ruby, gold palkin, chatra-chamaras and all the royal symbols at the Lotus-feet of Sri Vidyaranya.

They honoured Parama Poojya Sri Guru Vidyaranya with great titles like “Karnataka Simhasana Pratishthapanaacharya” “Srimadrajadhirajaguru” “Bhumandalaacharya” and so on. Because of the humble request and devotion of these desciples, Sri Guru Mahaswaminah had to accept these royal symbols.

Sri Jagadguru Mahaswaminah wearing crown and ornaments as per the tradition of Sri Math, enters the Darbar at Sharada Temple in a procession through Chandramoulishwara Hall. After this the idol of Sharadamba which is kept at Vyakhyana Simhasana will be brought into the golden chariot. Rathotsava will be done in the corridor of the temple three times, alongwith Veda Ghosha, Vadya Ghosha and Chatra-Chamara. Acharya facing towards the Mother walks infront of the Ratha. After the Rathotsava, Acharya will take his seat on the golden throne which is kept facing towards Sharadamba. Then the chanting of one or two chapters of Saptashati will be done.

A Sacred Observance at Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

The Sanctity of Navaratri at Sringeri

During the sacred observance of Sri Sharada Sharannavaratri Mahotsava, the precincts of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham resonate with the Parayana of the Chaturvedas, the Prasthana-traya Bhashyas of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the recitation of revered texts, including the Srimad Valmiki Ramayana and the Sri Devi Bhagavatam.

The festival is further sanctified by grand rituals such as the Shatachandi Yaga, Laksharchana, and Suvasini Puja. Throughout these auspicious days, Jaganmata Sri Sharadamba graces devotees with her divine presence, manifesting in a succession of resplendent alankaras as Jagatprasutika, Brahmi (Hamsavahana), Maheshwari (Vrishabhavahana), Kaumari (Mayuravahana), Vaishnavi (Garudavahana), Veena Sharada, Indrani, Mohini, Rajarajeshwari, Chamunda (Simhavahana) and Gajalakshmi.

Significance of Alankaras

A quote cited by Devi in Sri Devi Mahatmyam says “एकैवाहं जगत्यत्र द्वितीया का ममापरा” (I am the only eternal power in the world and none else the second). Therefore all these different Alankaras and Avataras are of Jaganmaata only. That Jaganmaata takes the form of Saraswati and bestows education and knowledge, takes the form of Mahalakshmi and gives wealth, food, etc., and takes the form of Mahakaali (Chamundi) during the time of destruction of evil minded people, takes the form of Durga Parameshwari to make her devotees to get rid of all the fear. She safeguards her devotees through different names and forms. Though the forms and names of Jagadamba are numerous, the spirit is the same. Such a great philosophical truth is there in the process of making different Alankaras to Devi.

Jagatprasutika Alankaram : With a smile on her face Mother Sharada fondles a cute baby on her lap as if she is telling her devotee that “I am the mother of the whole creation and you are my child. You will ever be taken care as this baby on my lap, if you seek me”. This Alankara will be very nice. Navaratri festival starts from the next day. Every day new Alankara will be made to Sri Sharadamba throughout Navaratri. It will not be an exaggeration to tell that even two eyes are not enough to see this splendor.

Hamsavahana Alankarara – BRAHMI : Mother Sharada who is the queen of Brahma Deva, sitting on Hamsavaahana bless her devotees beholding in her hands the Kamandalu, Aksha Maala, Pustaka, Pasha and Chinmudra.

Vrishabhavahana Alankara – MAAHESHWARI : Adi Shakti, the consort of Maheshwara, sitting on Vrishabhavaahana, wearing Crest-Moon, beholding Trishula bless her devotees.

Mayuravahana Alankara – KOUMARI : Mother Sharada sitting on a Peacock, beholding Shakti Ayudha, in the form of the Power of Kumaraswamy, protect the world with her grace.

Garudavahana Alankara – VAISHNAVI : Devi as the Power of Sri Mahavishnu, sitting on Garuda, beholding Conch, Disc, and Gadaa, bless the group of her devotees.

Indrani Alankara : Devi beholding Vajrayudha, sitting on Airavata, as the concert of Devendra and as the destroyer of demons like Vritrasura, takes care of devotees.

Veena Sharada Alankara : Mother Sharada beholding Veena in her hands, gives knowledge also to a dull-headed devotee. This Alankara is very beautiful to see.

Mohini Alankara : It is a life-time-opportunity for the devotees to see this Alankara of Jaganmaata carrying Amrita Kalasha in her hand, who deluded the bad, cruel demons by her charm and beauty for the sake of distributing the Amrita to the angels.

Rajarajeshwari Alankara : Mother Rajarajeshwari who is the concert of Kameshwara, beholding Pasha, Ankusha, Pushpabaana and Chapa, with her merciful-eyes, adorned with all the ornaments, fulfills all the desires of her devotees through her divine grace.

Simhavahana Alankara – CHAMUNDA : Jaganmaata has taken this form of Chamunda to protect the good people and to destroy the cruel demons Chanda, Munda, etc. She sits on Simhavaahana holding Trishula in her hand.

Gajalakshmi Alankara : Sri Gajalakshmi sitting on the lotus and being saluted by the elephants on both sides, with a smiling face, gracefully gives wealth, food, happiness and prosperity to her devotees.

Daily Schedule & Festival Highlights

● Mornings: The day begins with sacred Ganga Puja and the worship of Sri Sharadamba by the Ubhaya Jagadguru Mahaswamijis.

● Evenings: Festivities feature Dolotsava and vibrant Rajabeedi Utsava, accompanied by beautiful cultural programs and Sri Sharadamba Mahadeepotsava.

● Nights: Following the sacred Sri Chandramoulishwara Puja, the time-honored Golden Dindi Utsava takes place, followed by the majestic Navaratri Darbar held by the Jagadguru in royal splendor, complete with Mahamangalarati and Ashtavadhana Seva.

● Mahanavami: Observed with the sacred Poornahuti of the Shatachandi Yaga, alongside traditional Gaja, Ashwa, Ayudha, and Vahana Pujas, followed by Shami Puja.

● Vijayadashami: Highlighted by the early morning Rama Pattabhisheka Sarga Parayana.

● Ekadashi: The grand celebrations continue with the Sri Sharadamba Maharathotsava and the revered Sri Jagadguru Mahaswamiji's Adda Pallakki Utsava.

● Poornima / Conclusion: The Sharannavaratri Mahotsava culminates with the Mahabhisheka and Teppotsava, invoking the boundless grace of Jaganmata Sri Sharadamba for universal welfare.

The One-Day Navaratri Seva

For earnest Aastikas, the One-Day Navaratri Seva offers a blessed opportunity to immerse oneself in the sacred observances of Sharannavaratri at Sringeri and receive the profound Guru-Devata Anugraha.

Seva Contribution: ₹20,000 for one day.

Divine Sannidhi & Ritual Participation

A sublime distinction of the Navaratri Seva is the devotee's direct association with the sovereign worship offered to Jaganmata Sri Sharadamba by the Ubhaya Jagadgurus during this holy festival.

● 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Maha Puja Kanike Sankalpa is performed within the divine Sannidhi of Sri Sharadamba.

● 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Suvasini Puja is conducted at the Yaga Shaala. The worship of Suvasinis holds a position of supreme importance in traditional Navaratri observances dedicated to the Divine Mother. All necessary arrangements are meticulously overseen by the Sri Math, with procedural rites executed by the resident Pandits.

● Following the Suvasini Puja and Sri Sharadamba Maha Puja performed by Sri Sannidhanam, Seva Kartas are blessed to receive sacred Prasada directly from Jagadguru Sri Sannidhanam around noon.

● Devotee Offerings: Seva Kartas receive a curated Prasada bag containing Sri Matha Prasada, a traditional Saree, Kumkuma, and sacred sweets.

Participation in the Sacred Dindi Utsava

Before the commencement of the renowned Navaratri Darbar, Seva Kartas are granted the privilege of participating in the Dindi Utsava. Held every night throughout Navaratri with Jagadguru Sri Sannidhanam leading the sacred procession, this event is steeped in traditional splendor, profound devotion, and an uplifting atmosphere that remains a cherished memory for every attending Aastika.

Accommodation for Seva Kartas

For the convenience of Seva Kartas, one complimentary room is provided for accommodation. This is valid from the evening preceding the day of the Seva until the night of the Seva day, or for any continuous 24-hour period connected with the Seva.