sharadapeetham's video: Ardrotsava at Sri Malahanikareshwara Sannidhi in Sringeri Shobhakrit Dec 27 2023

Ardrotsava was celebrated in the early hours of December 27, 2023 at Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri. Special Abhishekas to Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami and Utsava Murthy Sri Nataraja Swamy were performed amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras (Ekadasha rudra and Upanishads) by Vidaayrthis of Sri Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala, Sringeri. Sri Malahanikareshwara Swamy was the Aaraadhya Devata of Maharshi Vibhandaka (father of Maharshi Rishyashringa, after whom Shringagiri or Sringeri derives its name) Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam graced the temple of Sri Malahanikareshwara Swami at around 5:30 AM. The Mahamangalarati to Lord Malahanikareshwara and Goddess Bhavani being performed early morning in the divine presence of Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam. After the Maha-mangala-arati at the Malahanikareshwara temple, Ashtavadhana Seva took place. A large number of devotees were present for the Mahamangalaarti. Sri Sannidhanam then led the grand procession of the Utsava Murtis of Lord Malahanikareshwara (as Nataraja) and Goddess Bhavani (as Shivakami). The procession commenced with 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 newly renovated Municipality building, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Sabha Bhavana. The municipality officials received Sri Sannidhanam with Poornakumbha. Sri Sannidhanam garlanded the marble statue of His Parameshti Guru inside the Bhavana. Puja to the Utsava Murtis was then performed. After Mahamangalarati and Ashtavadhana Seva, the Utsava murtis were taken back to the Malahanikareshwara temple amidst the chantings of Sri Shivanandalahari. The earlier evening, Andhakasura Vadha, marking the vanquishing of the demon “Andhaka” by the Lord, was celebrated in the divine presence of Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam in the precincts of the Sri Math near the Raja Gopuram.