Visankirtali Trust recently hosted the 28th Lakshmi Nrusimha Jayanti Utsavam to great acclaim at the Kanchi Mahaswamy Mandapam in Adyar. This annual event saw the participation of illustrious bhagavatas and revered pravachana exponents who were honored for their dedicated contributions to the propagation of Sanatana Dharma. The utsavam was an embodiment of spiritual heritage, filled with soul-stirring sampradaya namasankirtanam, continuing a cherished tradition.
For over a quarter of a century, the Visankirtali Trust had celebrated the Lakshmi Nrusimha Jayanti in Delhi, only moving to Chennai three years ago. The trust was founded by V.P. Shastrigal in 1969, and his son, Delhi Shankar Bhagavatar, now serves as the managing trustee. Known for his profound ability to convey the depth and emotion within devotional verses, Shankar Bhagavatar has continued to lead the trust with unwavering dedication.
The event was significantly elevated by the presence of Ramananda Saraswati Swamigal of Raja Rajeshwari Peetam, Madurai, and Pudukottai Narasimhan Bhagavatar. They were joined by a host of other distinguished bhagavatas such as Mumbai Sundararaman, Thanjavur Thiagarajan, Seerkazhi Sattanathan, Govindapuram Gnaneshwar, Mohanur Srikanth Koundinyan, Melarcode Ravi, and Erode Rajamani. Each of these spiritual leaders played an integral role in making the event a grand success.
The celebration culminated in the mesmerizing Sita kalyanam and Lakshmi Nrusimha kalyanam, both performed with exceptional grace by Shankar Bhagavatar. These performances were the highlight of the utsavam and left a lasting impression on all attendees, reinforcing the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of the festival.
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Among the notable moments of the event was a pravachanam by Dushyant Sridhar, who eloquently described the vaibhavam of Nrusimha and the unwavering bhakti of Prahlada. His insightful discourse earned him the prestigious Dharma Samrakshana Kainkarya Ratnam title, recognizing his efforts to protect and promote the principles of Sanatana Dharma. Additionally, the Bhagavata Brothers Vijaykrishna and Balaji were honored with the Namasankirtana Kainkarya Ratnam award for their dedication to devotional music. The felicitation ceremony was presided over by Rajasri Babaji Raje, the titular Head of Thanjavur Samasthanam, adding a regal touch to the proceedings.
In addition to organizing these spiritual gatherings, the Visankirtali Trust is committed to the preservation and dissemination of ancient literature. The trust has published an impressive array of books such as Bhajanmrutam, Seetha Kalyanam, Radha Kalyanam, Rukmini Kalyanam, Siddhi Buddhi Kalyanam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, and Valli Devasena Kalyanam. These publications not only feature compositions in Tamil but also include verses in Samskrutam, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi. The trust plans to further extend its reach by releasing these books in Devanagari lipi, ensuring that the profound wisdom encapsulated in these texts is accessible to a broader audience. Meticulous care is taken to maintain the authenticity of the lyrics and ensure accurate pronunciation, underscoring the trust’s dedication to preserving linguistic and cultural integrity.
The Visankirtali Trust’s 28th Lakshmi Nrusimha Jayanti Utsavam was a resounding success, reflecting the enduring spirit of Sanatana Dharma and the timeless appeal of devotional practices. As the trust continues its noble endeavor to conserve and celebrate ancient traditions, it stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and spiritual enrichment. The annual utsavam remains a testament to the profound impact of collective devotion and the unwavering commitment of the trust to perpetuate the values and practices of ancestral wisdom for future generations. The event was not merely a celebration but a reaffirmation of faith, unity, and the continuity of a rich spiritual legacy.
