Here stands the Sharadambal Temple a serene haven amidst Mumbai’s vibrant life. The Sharadambal Temple is a place of devotion and learning. It embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Let’s delve into the story of this temple. It is dedicated to Sri Sharadamba the Hindu goddess of knowledge.
The Sharadambal Temple’s story is entwined with the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. This is one of the four Advaita Vedanta monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya. Sri Sharadamba holds a special place as the presiding deity of knowledge and arts. Her worship is central to the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
The consecration of the Sharada Vidya Kendra was on May 8, 1992. The auspicious muhurta wishaba lagnam was between 7.30 am and 8.30 am. The deities Mahaganapathi AdiShankara and Sri Sharadhamba are made of panchaloha. They were consecrated according to Vedic rites. This included abhisheka with the water of many sacred tirthas. The installation was preceded by rites like jaladhivas and dhanyadhivasa.
Jagadguru performed Abhisheka and Puja to the golden Kalash. After the kumbabhisheka the Jagadguru did Abhisheka and Puja. This was for the golden kalasha atop the white marble roof of each shrine. These shrines are for Ganesha Sharadha and Adishankara in that order. A helicopter dipped low to shower rose petals on the kalashas. This happened as the kumbabhisheka was in progress.
The consecration was preceded by Shankara Jayanthi mahostava. It took place from May 3 to May 7 in 1992. Ati Rudra Mahayagana occurred from May 10 to May 16. Sahasrachandi Mahayagnam was from May 18 to May 22. His Holiness observed the Chaturmasaya vrata in Mumbai in 1992. It concluded with a grand vidwatsadas.
Several deities grace the Sharadambal Temple. These include Sri Maha Ganapati Sri Sharadamba and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Devotees can participate in various sevas. For Sri Maha Ganapati you can do Ashtottara Archana for Rs.10. Atharvasheersha Abhishekha costs Rs.75. Sankatahara Chaturti Pooja is on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi for Rs. 125.
Sri Sharadamba offers Ashtottara Archana for Rs.10. Trishati Archana costs Rs.25. Saharasranama Archana is Rs.50. Panchamruta ABhishekha costs Rs.125. Udayaastamana Pooja is a one-day pooja for Rs.750. Udayaastamana Pooja with Pancha bhaksha neivedya costs Rs.1500. Swarna pushpa Sri Chakra Pooja is Rs.750. Saraswati Pooja costs Rs.125. Pancha bhaksha neivedya is Rs.1000. Aksharabhyasa is Rs.250. Evening Prasada is Rs.250. Swayamvara Parvathi Pooja costs Rs.125. Bhagya Sookta Japa is Rs.250. Chandi Parayana Japa is Rs.250. Aikya Madhya Sookta Japa costs Rs.250.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya offers Ashtottara Archana for Rs.10. Rudra Trishati Archana costs Rs.50. Ekavara Rudrabhishekha is Rs.125. Ekadesavara Rudrabhishekha costs Rs. 1500. Pradosha Pooja is on Triodashi tithi for Rs.125. Surya Namaskara is every Sunday for Rs.50.
Homas are also performed. Ganapati Homa is on Fridays for Rs.125. Ganapati Homa on other days costs Rs.600. Ayushya Homa is Rs.600. The temple celebrates annual functions. These include Vardhanthi of Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha mahaswamigal and Rathotsavam. Sri Sankara Jayabthi is celebrated with Rathotsavam for 5 days. Prathishata Day includes Mahaabhishekam to all 3 deities and Rathotsavam of Goddess Saradambal. Vyasa Pooja is also celebrated. Ganesh Chathurthi lasts 5 days. Aradhana of Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal is observed. Sharannavarathri spans 10 days. Mahaabhishekam to Goddess Saradambal is performed. There are daily different Silver Vahana Alankaras. Saraswathi Pooja Durgashtami Chandi Homam and Vijaya Dasami are celebrated. Rathotsavam of Goddess Saradambal takes place. Deepavali includes Deepa Alankaram of the whole temple for 2 days. Karthigai Deepam is 2 days of deepa alankaram. Ratha Sapthami and Maha Shivarathri are observed. Deepa Poojan and Shravana Somavara Pooja are also held.
The Sringeri Shankara Math runs Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Veda-Samskruta Pathashala. It imparts Vedic and Sanskrit education. Sri Bharati Tirtha Veda-Shastra Granthayala is a library. It houses many Sanskrit books. Dharma Pracharam is conducted by Sri A. S. Gopalakrishnan. He teaches Indian scriptures. Music classes in Carnatic Classical Music are also conducted. The Sharadambal Temple stands as a beacon of knowledge spirituality and cultural richness in the heart of Mumbai. It invites everyone to experience its divine ambiance.