Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana is a significant religious event observed by devotees of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy, a revered 16th-century saint and proponent of the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya. The Aradhana in 2024 marks the 353rd Aradhana Mahotsava, commemorating the day Guru Raghavendra Swamy entered Brindavan, a revered site of his Samadhi, at Mantralayam.
Date and Schedule
The Raghavendra Aradhana will be observed over three days:
Tuesday, August 20: Poorva Aradhane
Wednesday, August 21: Madhya Aradhane
Thursday, August 22: Uttara Aradhane
The Aradhana is held annually on Shravan Krishna Paksha Dwitiya, the second day of the waning moon in the Shravan month, according to the traditional Hindu lunar calendar observed in Karnataka.
Significance
The term "Aradhana" holds special meaning for devotees of Raghavendra Swamy. It is not seen as a death anniversary but rather as the day when Raghavendra Swamy entered Brindavan alive, where he continues to reside spiritually. Devotees believe that Sri Raghavendra Swamy, who merged with the Supreme Truth in 1671, is still present to safeguard their welfare.
Raghavendra Swamy is widely believed to be an incarnation of Prahlada, a devout follower of Vishnu. During his lifetime, he performed numerous miracles, composed devotional bhajans, and provided extensive commentary on the teachings of Madhvacharya. His influence and teachings continue to resonate with devotees across India and abroad.
History and Rituals
The Brindavan, located at Mantralayam, is where Raghavendra Swamy attained Samadhi. This site, constructed under his own supervision, remains a place of worship and pilgrimage. On the final day before entering Brindavan, Raghavendra Swamy conducted his daily rituals and delivered his last discourse, reassuring his followers that he would continue to protect them spiritually.
The Aradhana festival is the most important event observed at the Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt in Mantralayam and other associated mutts. The festival, also known as Maha Aradhana, features elaborate religious rituals, including the Maha Panchamrutha Abhisheka on the Madhya Aradhane day and the Swarna Rathotsava on the Uttara Aradhane day.
The celebration begins at 4:00 AM on the first day with Nirmalya Visarjana, followed by various rituals such as Sri Raghavendra Swamy Utsava Murthy Pada Puja and Panchamrutha Abhisheka. These rituals continue throughout the morning, followed by further pujas and cultural programs in the afternoon and evening. The Maha Aradhana also features a grand car festival, in which the utsava murti of Sri Raghavendra is taken around the temple.
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