Hundreds thronged the banks of the Periyar river to participate in the Sree Sankara Jayanthi celebrations that began at the Sri Adi Sankara Janmabhoomi temple at Kalady near here on Friday.
Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, chief of the Sringeri Math, led the celebrations attended by devotees from various parts of the country.
The day's events began with the Mahanyasa Purvaka Shatarudrabhishekam to the idol of Sri Adi Sankaracharya and Sahasranama Archana.
More than 100 people participated in the recital of the four Vedas. Six shakhas of the Vedas were recited on the occasion. Prasthanatraya Bhashya and Sri Madhaveeya Shankara Digvijaya Mahamangala Arti were also held, as part of the customary rituals. Hundreds lined up for getting darshan of Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji in the morning. The darshan was held between 9.30 a.m. and 12 noon. Special poojas were held at the venue.
Subramanya Iyer, manager of Sringeri Math, told The Hindu on Friday that senior Vedic pundits participated in the viva voce for students representing various Vedic schools across the country. The knowledge of the students in the Vedas was tested on the occasion.
Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji presided over the Vidwat Sabha held in the evening. Detailed discussions on Vedanta, Nyaya, and Vyakarana were held, as part of the sabha. Prof. Iyer said that Mangala Arati to Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada and Ashtavadhana Seva were held.
The Swamiji will conduct a special pooja at the shrine of Sri Adi Sankaracharya on Tuesday. Recital of the four Vedas and Prasthanatraya Bhashya will also be held on the occasion. The Swamiji will also address the devotees in the evening.
Scholars will be honoured during the programme. Distribution of certificates to successful candidates in the Vedic examination and procession of Utsava moorti of Sri Adi Shankaracharya will also be held on Tuesday.
