Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhanai – A Divine Celebration of Guru Bhakti

Sri Maha Periyava, also lovingly known as Kanchi Mahaswami or Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal, is worshipped by millions as a walking God, a true embodiment of compassion as well as wisdom. Every year, devotees celebrate Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhanai with deep devotion, humility & spiritual gratitude. This sacred observance is not just a ritual, but a beautiful remembrance of his divine life, teachings and blessings that continue to protect and guide devotees even today.

Sri Maha Periyava lived for 100 years, and throughout his life he never deviated from the path of dharma. He travelled on foot across villages and towns, spreading spiritual awareness, encouraging people to follow Vedas, promoting simplicity and showing unconditional love to every living being. It is believed that just his darshan could remove mental pain, karmic obstacles and bring peace to the heart.

What is Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhanai?

Aaradhanai is basically a day to honor the Guru. It is performed on the Mahaswami’s Aradhana day – the day he attained Siddhi. Devotees gather to remember his teachings, chant his name, perform pujas and engage in anna-danam (food offering). Even today many people strongly believe that Maha Periyava is still guiding from subtle worlds, helping whoever prays sincerely.

During Aaradhanai, Periyava devotees usually offer:

• Milk, fruits, flowers, vilvam leave

• Chanting of Rudram, Chamakam, Vishnu Sahasranamam

• Reading Deivathin Kural

• Offering simple satvik food, because Periyava always encouraged purity in food and lifestyle.

Why Aaradhanai is so special?

The greatness of Maha Periyava is not in miracles, but in his simplicity. He never looked at anyone with difference – for him, a villager and a king were same. Even today, thousands share stories of how Periyava cured their problems, saved them from dangers, blessed them in dreams and gave spiritual direction. Aaradhanai day acts like a spiritual recharge, reminding us of his life dedicated entirely to dharma.

What makes this day special is also the feeling of Guru-Bhakti. In Sanatana Dharma, Guru is equal to God. And Maha Periyava is considered one of the rarest souls who lived like an avatar. Doing simple prayers on this day brings a sense of peace, protection and strong inner strength. Many people say that whenever they feel stressed or confused, just looking at Periyava photo or chanting his name gives instant calmness.

How to Observe Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhanai at Home

You don't need a big setup. Periyava always insisted on simplicity. Even a small prayer with pure heart is enough.

• Wake up early, take a bath, and keep Periyava’s photo clean.

• Light a ghee lamp or camphor.

• Offer flowers or even one flower is enough.

• Chant “Om Sri Maha Periyava Thunai” or “Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara”.

• Read a small passage from Deivathin Kural or listen to his upanyasams.

• Cook a simple vegetarian food and offer it mentally to Periyava.

• Do a small act of kindness like feeding a cow, bird or helping someone.

• Periyava always believed compassion is the highest form of worship.

Aaradhanai – Carrying Forward His Teachings

The true essence of Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhanai is not only puja, but also following the path he showed:

• Speak truth

• Live simple

• Respect elders

• Support temples and Vedic scholars

• Protect cows

• Eat satvik food

• Keep mind pure

Even today, his presence is felt in every corner of India and abroad, wherever devotees chant his name with love.