Shakatapuram

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name=Shakatapuram
locator_position=right
latd = 13.52|longd=75.3
state_name=Karnataka
district=Chikkamagaluru
population_total=
vehicle_code_range= KA-14
footnotes = |

Shakatapuram is a religious place for Hindus located in the Koppa taluk of the state of Karnataka, India.cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2002/01/11/stories/2002011101280900.htm|work=Online Edition of The Hindu, dated 2002-01-11|title= Celebration at Sakatapuram|accessdate=2007-11-26] It is located near Sringeri and is situated on the banks of river Tunga. It is famous for a Hindu Math called "Shri Vidya Peetam" which is present at this place. Shakatapuram is also known by the name "Bandigadi". The Kumbhabhishekam event held at this place attracts a number of devotees.

History

The history of the "Shri Vidya Peetam" can be traced to a sadhu named "Thotakacharya", who was a disciple of Adi Shankara and the first pontiff of the "Uttaramnaya Jyotish Peetam", a Hindu institution, located in Badrinath. A sadhu named "Sri Satya Theertha" who was of the same lineage as Thotakacharya, came to Shakatapuram about six centuries ago and established the "Shri Vidya Peetam". An idol of the Hindu God, Lakshmi Narayana was brought by "Sri Satya Teertha" from Badarinath and installed at Shakatapuram. This is the presiding deity of this place. The Hindu Gods, Krishna, Raja Rajeshwari and Dattatreya are also worshipped here. The Math preaches the Advaita form of Hindu philosophy.

Current scenario

The current pontiff of the Math is "Sri Krishananda Theertha" who is the 33rd person to head this institution. He is a scholar in Sanskrit and Vedanta and he became the head of this institution at the age of 13.cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990118/01851715.html|work=Online Edition of The Indian Express, dated 1999-01-18|title= Spreading the message of goodwill|accessdate=2007-11-26] He started touring India in 1994, to spread his message of goodwill and spirituality amongst the people.

In 1962, "Sri Sri Ramachandrananda Theertha", the then pontiff of the Math etablished a branch at Chennai.

Kumbhabhishekam

Kumbhabhishekham was celebrated in the Math in 2001 and 2007.cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/02/13/stories/0413210l.htm|work=Online Edition of The Hindu, dated 2001-02-13|title=Devotees witness Brahma Kumbhabhishekam|author=Pramod Mellegatti|accessdate=2007-11-26] cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/31/stories/2007033104840500.htm|work=Online Edition of The Hindu, dated 2007-03-31|title= Joshi blames Centre for court order on quota|accessdate=2007-11-26] In 2001, the event were held to celebrate the installation of a temple to worship the Hindu Lord, Ganesha and the completion of 20 years of the pontificate of "Sri Krishananda Theertha". In 2007, the event attracted thousands of devotees from other states of India as well. This event was attended by the BJP leader, Murali Manohar Joshi. "Horekanike" (offerings of food articles) were made during this event.cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr42007/district231734200743.asp|work=Online Edition of The Deccan Herald, dated 2007-04-04|title=Devotees offer horekanike to mutt|accessdate=2007-11-26]

External links

* [http://www.shrividyapeetam.com/FrameController.html Shakatapuram Website]

References