Arrival at Prayagraj & completion of Saikata Linga Parameshwara Puja at Dashashvamedha Ghat
His Holiness Pujya Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal fulfilled age-old tradition of Pratishtha of Saikata Parameshwara Linga carried from Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram into Ganga at Dashashvamedha Ghat on 29/6/2023. Earlier, His Holiness arrived at Prayagraj late in the night receiving Swagatham at several places enroute to Prayagraj from Rewa. His Holiness was taken in procession up to Siddheshwar Mahadev Mandir where His Holiness performed Pujas & Harathi. Later His Holiness arrived at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam in the Triveni Sangam area.
The Vyasachaliya Shankara Vijayam says,
सस्नौ प्रयागे सह शिष्यसंघैः स्वयं कृतार्थो जनसंग्रहार्थी।
अस्मारि मातापि च या पुपोष दयारसा दु:खमसोढ भूरि॥
Shankarabhagavatpada, with fulfilment, performed Snana in Prayaga along with Shishyas and also remembered the mother, a manifestation of compassion and as the one who nourished, in spite of facing several difficulties.
It was in the same Dashashvamedha Ghat in Prayaga Kshetra, where Pujya Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal had done these Pujas during Kashi Yatra in 1934 and by Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal in 1974 during Kashi Yatra done entirely by foot.
To understand this great tradition, we must recall the Kashi- Rameshwara Yatra tradition observed by the devout since centuries. The Sikata- holy sand taken from Dhanushkodi is carefully preserved during Yatra. On reaching the banks of Ganga, after taking a dip in the sacred river, the holy Sikata is made into the shape of Shivalingam and special Pujas are performed. It is followed with Puja to Ma Ganga and then the holy Saikata Parameshwara Lingam is consecrated into Ganga, which is called Saikata Linga Pratishtha. After that, Snanam is performed again in the river, signalling completion of a significant part of the Yatra. Then afresh, Ganga Jalam is taken with the performance of Puja for ensuing Abhishekam at Rameswaram.
The Puja Paddhati which is in consonance with this unique tradition was conducted by the local Panda. While observing the Pujas, one could realise the greatness of Sethu Kshetra, Prayaga Kshetra and Ganga. The feeling of oneness in our Bharata Varsha, though spirituality & culture, transcending diverse regions, languages & local practices can be immensely experienced every moment during such observances.
After nearly 28 months since visit to Dhanushkodi, on 29/6/2023, the holy Sikatha was immersed in Ganga river as per the above mentioned practice and Ganga Jalam was again taken. His Holiness has been on Yatra since 16/3/2022 in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and enroute to Prayagraj visited Nagpur & Ramtek in Maharashtra, Jabalpur & Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and arrived at Prayagraj on 28/6/2023.
His Holiness observed the rituals related to the Yatra. It was a great joy for devotees when they witnessed His Holiness performing Saikata Parameshwara Linga Puja and culminating in its Pratishtha, amidst a gentle drizzle just during the immersion. Garuda birds could be spotted flying above in the sky.
In the Rudra Prashna we see the manifestation of Rudra in different forms. Interestingly, His Holiness chanted सिकत्याय च प्रवाह्याय च (meaning one who is manifested in the form of sand and one who is manifested as flow), just when the holy Saikata Parameshwara Linga was being immersed in Ganges- the two names of Parameshwara exactly related to this event. Later Ganga Jalam was taken in three copper cans. His Holiness later returned to Adi Shankara Vimana Mandapam for Sri Chandramouleeshwara Puja.
Rameswaram Yatra of His Holiness in 2021
The holy Sikata was taken at Dhanushkodi on the auspicious Ratha Saptami followed by Bhishmashtami -19/2/2021 during Rameswaram Yatra of His Holiness. Pujas were performed at Sethu Madhava Sannidhi for the sacred Sikata. As per tradition and customs followed every time His Holiness visits Rameswaram, His Holiness had performed Gangabhishekam on 22/2/2021 at the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Ramanathaswamy and performed Shodashopachara Pujas for Loka Kshema. The Ganga Jalam had been kept in 11 Silver Kalashams and after a three-day Maharudram Japam at Rameswaram Shankar Math, the Kalashams were taken to the Moolasthanam and Abhishekam performed by His Holiness to Sri Ramanathaswamy.