Festival Celebrations In Sringeri

Sharada Sharan Navarathri
The most important festival is the Sharada Sharan Navarathri. During the nine days of Navarathri, the entire Temple complex is decorated. Every day there is an Alankar for the Goddess. Homas (yagna) & Laksh archanas are performed. His Holiness gives dharshan in his Durbar costumes only during these days. During the Durbar, His Holiness will be seated in a special Simhasana (King Seat). It is a divine peetam where His Holiness sits and represents goddess Sri Sharadambha.

Sri Sharadambha is an embodiment of Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning and knowledge. The main Mission of Sringeri is to spread True Knowledge with values and virtues. So Navarathri and Saraswathi Puja are celebrated with grandeur with the participation of thousands of devotees.

Shivarathri
Sri Adi Sankara is an Avatar of Shiva himself and hence the Peetam founded by him is governed by the powers of Shiva. The Acharyas also worship everyday the spatika lingam of Sri Chandra Mouleeswara. Shivarathri day is dedicated to the prayer of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in Sringeri with special Abhishekam to Sri Chandra Mouliswara and Puja throughout the Night.

Rathothsavam
Rathothsavam during festivals is a significant feature in Sringeri. Recently while celebrating the 25th year of Sannyasa of His Holiness, a Golden Chariot was made, with excellent and architectural beauty. Goddess Sharadambha is taken in procession in this golden chariot when devotees undertake the Seva on Friday. It is also taken out in procession along the temple prahara on special festival days. It is a glorious sight to see the decorated and illuminated chariot, glittering with gold with the dazzling power of the deity of Sri Sharadambha seated in the Chariot.

Ganesha Chaturthi
Sri Sachidananda Sihvabhinava Narashimha Bharathi established the practice of holding Vidvat Sadas during Ganesha Chaturthi festival which continued every year. On the occasion pandits and scholars debate on various branch of shastras. The Acharya presides every day during the 10th day discussion and reconciles conflicts points of view to the satisfaction of the audience. The discussion takes place in Sanskrit.