sharadapeetham's video: Anugraha Bhashan pertaining to Makara Sankranti Sri Rama Pratishtha at Ayodhya

Special Makara Sankaranti Anugraha Sandesh of Sringeri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji (English Translation in brief) Today marks the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti. Since time immemorial, we have been observing the Makara Sankranti Punya-Kaala (auspicious period). On this occasion, we take a holy bath and engage in special worship of Bhagavan, etc. The Shastras say that by engaging in worship of Bhagavan during this specific period, we will beget very special results. Here, when Bhagavan Suryanarayana transits into the Makara Rashi, the period starting from this transit until the next six months is referred to as Uttarayana. On the Pushya-Shukla-Dwadashi of this month, i.e. January 22nd, in the most sacred land of Ayodhya, in the region where Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra incarnated, in the new and beautiful temple, the occasion of the great consecration ceremony is about to commence and everyone’s mind is now oriented towards that. Thus, the second implication of the word ‘gaman’ can be employed here. Some people are travelling (to Ayodhya) all the way from Southern India to participate in the festivities. This is one type of ‘gaman’. The second kind of ‘gaman’ is that everyone’s minds are now contemplating about the consecration that is to happen at Ayodhya a few days from now. Everyone is thinking about this occasion with a lot of joy, and deriving a lot of happiness from it, because, after considerable struggle spanning around 500 years, this auspicious moment has finally come to be. Who will not be gladdened by this? Indeed every person will be gladdened. Every Astika will indeed be very happy with such an occasion. On the occasion of consecration in the sacred region of Ayodhya, we must become recipients of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra’s grace. This is the period when Bhagavan Suryanarayana transits from the southern to the northern direction. Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra has incarnated in the lineage of Bhagavan Suryanarayan i.e. the Surya-vamsh, and this is a great fortune for the entire Surya-vamsh. We therefore feel that this is also why Bhagavan Suryanarayana has commenced His transit from the south to the north. We feel that Bhagavan Suryanarayana also wishes to travel from the south to the north and witness this sacred occasion. Therefore, all Asktikas must derive immense joy from this occasion, engage in worship of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra, and remember Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra’s Holy Name. On January 22nd, when the consecration has been scheduled, on Pushya-Shukla-Dwadashi, (and this can be commenced even today). The rejuvenator of our Sanatana Dharma, the incarnation of Sri Parameshwara, Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, has authored several stotras in praise of different deities. Amongst them, the Rama Bhujanga Prayata Storam is a special one, which begins with: Viśuddhaṃ paraṃ sac-cid-ānanda-rūpam Everyone is awaiting this sacred consecration whilst engaging in japa of this mantra. And this sacred occasion is almost here. On this occasion, alongside the japa of this mantra, everyone must also chant the Rama Bhujanga Prayata Stotra. In the Srimad Ramayana, specifically the context where Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra incarnated, King Dasaratha requested Maharshi Rishyashringa (to perform the Putrakameshti Yaga). Sringeri is the region where the Maharshi performed Tapas, which is why the region is called “Shringa-giri” which has now become “Sringeri” in everyday dealings. It was Maharshi Rishyashringa who helped King Darsartha perform the Putrakameshti Yaga (scriptural fire-sacrifice). Sri Ramachandra incarnated after this Yaga was performed. This is the special association between this sacred Sringeri region and sacred Ayodhya. On this occasion of the sacred consecration, to become a recipient of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra’s grace, may the japa of His Holy Name be done, and observing special austerities, may the Rama Bhujanga, etc. also be chanted. On this sacred occasion, everyone must contemplate on Sri Ramachandra and become blessed. No matter where people are located, their minds must be focussed on Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra. There must be unity amongst all Astikas. We must not attribute any weightage to all the false propaganda that is happening. Everyone must necessarily understand this. On this occasion, by the grace of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra, and the complete grace of our revered Guru, the present and 36th Shankaracharya of the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peeth (which is one amongst the four Amnaya Peeths established by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, established in the southern direction), Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, may all Astikas beget all welfare. Praying thus at the most Holy Lotus Feet of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra and our revered Guru, I bless you all and conclude this discourse.