Talakadu is not an ordinary town. Not everyone understands it at first sight. But if you stand there quietly for a while, the silence rising from the banks of the River Kaveri seems to say,“You did not come here by accident.”
In the middle of that silence stands Sri Balakrishnananda Maha Samsthanam, on the banks of the Kaveri, near Mysore. It is a mutt that has stood for centuries. Its history runs very deep.
This lineage began nearly 2,700 years ago, started by Sri Sukacharya, the son of Sage Vyasa. Later, it was revived by Sri Padmapadar, a direct disciple of Adi Shankaracharya.This is not just a mutt. It is the home of Advaita.
When Adi Shankaracharya came to Talakadu, it is said that he immediately sensed the power of the place. At that time, due to the fierce form of the Devi, people found it difficult to live there. To restore balance, he performed the Sri Chakra Pratishta embedded with Beejaksharas.
Adi Shankara also observed Chaturmasya here. During that period, there was no yathi to guide the mutt. Through Sri Padmapadar, a yathi was initiated, and from that day, the Shankara tradition has continued on this sacred land.
But even places of grace go through trials. Over time, support from devotees reduced. The yathis faced hunger. Some quietly gave up their bodies.
Later came Sri Gopalananda Saraswati, well past eighty years of age. His body was weak, but his resolve was firm.“This mutt must not disappear.”
In March 2009, he initiated Sri Govindananda Saraswati into sanyasa—now known as Talakadu Periyava. From that day, the mutt slowly began to breathe again.
The silent support of the Kanchi Mutt followed. In 2025, Talakadu Periva visited the Kanchi mutt and inputs were provided by Shri HH Balaperiva—clear signs that this sacred place had not been forgotten.
As part of that continuation, on 21 December 2025, Talakadu Periyava decided to conduct a Sahasra Suvasini Pooja— or rather, Sri Aadhya Lakshmi decided.
The morning began in a calm glow with Ganapathi, Go, Ashwa, Gaja, Vatu, Kanya, and Dampathi Poojas.
Then, in each batch, 108 Suvasinis were seated. Volunteers performed Soda Upasara Pooja, Ashtothram, and Naivedyam. This was followed by the chanting of Lalitha Sahasranamam for each batch. The spiritual event continued for six hours.
When Talakadu Periyava spoke, he said: “Service is not only about money. Physical effort is also seva.”
His statement— “Sri Aadhya Lakshmi will fulfill your wishes”— reminded me of Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s words: “My Father will take care.”
That day, one truth became clear: Some places do not call us. They remind us.
Not of who we are—but why we came.
Sri Balakrishnananda Maha Samsthanam still stands that way. Not to ask for grace—but to connect people through grace. And the River Kaveri flows quietly, watching it all.
No comments:
Post a Comment