Sringeri Sankaracharya Anoints Successor

23jantrkns3-Sri_24_2288210eCHENNAI, INDIA, January 24, 2015 (The Hindu): Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati, earlier known as Kuppa Venkateshwara Prasada Sharma, was formally anointed as successor to Sri Bharati Tirtha, Sankaracharya of the Sringeri Math, in Sringeri on Friday.

According to a release from the Math, the elaborate ceremony of Shishya Sweekara began on Thursday. The successor-designate performed several rituals, fasted all day and stayed awake throughout the night. He began Friday by paying homage at the samadhi shrines of the previous Sankaracharyas.

Later, he went to the banks of the Tunga and performed Preshochaarana and Sarva-bhoota-abhaya Pradhana, signifying a vow of non-violence towards all beings. On completion of the ceremony, the junior pontiff entered the Sharada temple. The event was witnessed by over 40,000 persons, the release said.

Source: Hinduism Today