Under a vast night sky, amidst the shimmering glow of countless lamps, a sea of devotees gathered for the sacred Koti Deepotsavam. The atmosphere was thick with devotion, but it was the profound wisdom shared from the stage that truly illuminated the evening. A revered seer from the illustrious Sringeri Sharada Peetham delivered a discourse that transformed the beautiful ritual into a deep spiritual lesson, guiding every soul present from outer light to inner awakening.
Here are the key insights from his enlightening address.
The True Meaning of the Lamp
The seer began by reminding everyone of the special significance of the holy Karthika month, a time dedicated to spiritual practices. He explained that the act of lighting a lamp, or Deepam, is far more than a mere tradition. It is a powerful symbol.
“The lamp’s flame,” he elaborated, “dispels the physical darkness around us. In the very same way, the light of knowledge (Jnana) dispels the inner darkness of ignorance (Ajnana).” This timeless practice, a cornerstone of Sanatana Dharma, serves as a constant reminder of our life’s purpose: to journey from the shadows of confusion to the brilliant light of self-realization.
The Two Lights: The Lamp in Your Hand and the Light Within You
The discourse beautifully distinguished between the external lamp (Bahya Deepam) and the internal one (Antara Deepam). While we celebrate by lighting countless lamps in the physical world, the ultimate goal is to kindle the lamp of wisdom within our own hearts.
This inner light is the knowledge of our true nature. It is the flame that burns away doubt, fear, and ego, revealing the eternal truth that lies within. The Koti Deepotsavam, therefore, is an annual inspiration for us to begin this inner journey and make our human birth meaningful.
The Unquenchable Flame of Adi Shankaracharya
A significant portion of the discourse was dedicated to the enduring legacy of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, whom the seer described as an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. Over 1200 years ago, Shankaracharya traveled the length and breadth of India, reviving Sanatana Dharma and establishing four great centers of learning, the Amnaya Peethams, to ensure its eternal protection.
The seer explained that the vibrant traditions we witness today, from the grand Kumbh Mela to the very Koti Deepotsavam event, thrive on the strong spiritual and philosophical foundation laid by Shankaracharya. He was the one who lit an unquenchable lamp of knowledge that continues to guide humanity.
“Who Are You?” A Simple Path to a Profound Truth
Perhaps the most captivating part of the speech was a simple yet profound explanation of Advaita (non-dualism) philosophy, drawn from Adi Shankaracharya’s “Eka Sloki Prakaranam” (A Treatise in a Single Verse). The seer narrated the enlightening dialogue between a Guru and his disciple:
- Guru: “What is the light by which you see?”
- Disciple: “The sun during the day, and a lamp at night.”
- Guru: “What is the light that allows you to see even the sun and the lamp?”
- Disciple: “My eyes.”
- Guru: “And when your eyes are closed, what is your light?”
- Disciple: “My intellect, which allows me to think and perceive.”
- Guru: “But what is the light that knows your intellect and its thoughts?”
- Disciple: (After a moment of deep introspection) “I am.“
This “I am” is the Atman, the Self—the ultimate, self-luminous consciousness that is the witness to everything, including our own mind. The seer explained that this is the final destination of all spiritual seeking, the ultimate light that needs no other light to be seen.
A Mantra for a Blessed Life
To help the devotees carry this wisdom in their hearts, the seer concluded with a powerful blessing and a simple mantra:
“Namah Shankaraya”
(Salutations to Shankara)
He explained that “Shankara” means “the one who bestows auspiciousness and well-being.” By chanting this mantra 108 times daily, he said, one can invoke the grace of both the divine and the great Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, clearing the path to spiritual progress and worldly peace.
The Koti Deepotsavam is a breathtaking spectacle, but as the seer so eloquently reminded us, its true beauty lies not just in the lights we see, but in the light it inspires us to find within ourselves. It is a call to honor our tradition, seek true knowledge, and realize the divine flame that is our eternal essence.
References
1. శృంగేరి శారదా పీఠం జగద్గురు శ్రీశ్రీశ్రీ విధుశేఖర భారతి స్వామి వారి అనుగ్రహ భాషణం..! #bhakthitv