Adi Sankara evolved the philosophy of Advaita, a concept rooted in the Vedas that asserts Nonduality - there is no individual self or jivas and everything is Brahman.
When Adi Shankara travelled in South India he came to Thiruvidaimarudur. He taught the philosophy of Advaita which is the ultimate truth. However, the people questioned his concepts stating they would only believe if lord Mahalinha swamy, the temple's main deity, endorsed them. To their astonishment, Sri Mahalinga Swamy raised his arm from the lingam and affirmed Adi Sankara’s Advaita philosophy. Miracles do happen to profess the truth.
In memory of this great event, a special archanai with 108 shawls, offering a shawl for each Namavali of the Ashtothram is held every year by Kanchi Mutt to celebrate this miraculous event.
This year it was held on 21st November. Nerur Sri Ramana Sharma, Sri Mani Dravid principal of Sanskrit College, and many other Vedic stalwarts attended and offered prayers. Sri Mani Dravid delivered a speech on Advaihtam.
Advaita sabha, Kumbakonam which was started 148 years ago also partakes in this unique function. Sri Deepak Ramesh, Vice President of Advaita Sabha participated in the event.
A few glimpses of this year's Pujai
Article courtesy- Smt Sudha Ramesh, Kumbakonam
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