Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam to induct its 71st Acharya on Akshaya Trithiya
Sri Ganesan, a young Vedic scholar from Andhra Pradesh, has been chosen for this sacred role, with the details about him kept under wraps
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is preparing to induct its 71st Shankaracharya on the auspicious day of Akshaya Trithiya, April 30, at 6 am in Kanchipuram.
Sri Ganesan, a young Vedic scholar from Andhra Pradesh, has been chosen for this sacred role, with the details about him kept closely guarded until the ceremony.
The new Kanchi mutt head with his parents.
On Thursday (April 24), Shankaracharya Vijayendra Saraswati told close devotees of the mutt that sanyasa deeksha (initiation to renunciation) would be given to the newly chosen Shankaracharya, who will be the next Peetadhipathi (mutt head).
Also Read: Shankaracharya praises PM Modi in Varanasi
Tradition continues
In line with the Peetam’s long-standing customs, the age of the new Acharya is expected to be less than 25 years.
This move continues the ancient tradition of the mutt inducting youthful scholars as future Acharyas.
Notably, both Jayendra Saraswathi and Vijayendra Saraswathi were initiated into the mutt during their teens.
On May 29, 1983, forty-two years ago, 14-year-old Sankaranarayanan was inducted into the mutt in Kurnool as Vijayendra Saraswathi, becoming its 70th peethadhipathi.
In 2018, he succeeded Jayendra Saraswathi and looked after of the affairs of the mutt.
The newly selected Acharya will come from the Rig Veda sampradaya, in line with the traditions of the mutt.
Also Read: Jyotirmath Shankaracharya blasts RSS chief for 'politically convenient' view on restoring temples
Preparations begin
Preparations for the grand event will start on April 27, as devotees and scholars gather in Kanchipuram to witness the historic occasion.
An emotional devotee reminisced about attending Vijayendra Saraswathi’s induction in 1983 and called this second opportunity a “lifetime blessing.”
The Acharyas of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam perform daily pujas for the deities, Chandramouleshwara and Tirupurasundari, and oversee the mutt’s administration.
Devotees note that since the Peetam’s inception these sacred rituals have been uninterrupted.
