February 28, 2018
The following statement was issued by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
VHPA Mourns Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya Swamigal’s Siddhi
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is anguished to know that Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya Swamigal attained Siddhi on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Kanchi Shankaracharya Mutt is one of the oldest religious institutions in the world, established by Adi Shankaracharya in 482 BCE. Paramacharya Pujyashiri Chandrasekhara Sarwaswati Swamigal, the 68th pontiff of the Mutt, with divine guidance from Goddess Kamakshi designated Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya Swamigal as the 69th pontiff of the mutt on 22nd March 1954. He came to be affectionately called Puduperiaval by his devotees.
Regarded as one of the most influential Hindu saints of 20th Century, Puduperiaval’s ascendancy was one of the most important events in the history of religious freedom in India. As Southern Indian states reorganized with new constitution starting in the early 1950s, Hindu temples and other religious institutions were taken over and controlled by the state governments, who started infringing on the religious liberties of Hindus and interfering with the religious practices in the Hindu temples. Puduperiaval’s knowledge of Hindu Dharma and the nobility of his actions saved thousands of Hindu temples in Southern India from destruction by the unscrupulous political parties. He undertook religious tours covering entire India more than dozen times by visiting thousands of cities, towns, and villages meeting millions of Hindu devotees giving spiritual and moral direction. Without his reassuring guidance routed in Hindu Dharma, Hindus would have lost a lot more civil rights in India. His dedicated service to the nation and Hindu Dharma has reignited a sense of dignity and empowerment.
He helped renovate thousands of Hindu temples throughout India and inspired to construct new places of worship for the expanding population. He was instrumental in constructing many primary and secondary educational institutions, universities, medical schools and hospitals to serve the common people.
Puduperiaval had long association with VHPA and its sister organizations. Commenting on the samadhi of Puduperiaval, Dr. Abhaya Asthana, commented, that, “Puduperiaval’s samadhi has evoked a profound sense of grief among Hindus in America. Puduperiaval was an ardent support of Hindu causes. He has set an example of spiritual leadership with a sense of service and message of equality that will guide the Hindus for generations to come. WIth his passing, Hindus in America have lost an inspirational leader.”
Puduperiaval’s Brindavana Pravesha Karyakarmam (final religious service as He reaches the abode of the Lord) will be performed on Thursday, March 1st starting at 8:00 AM at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. VHPA appeals to Hindu devotees to either participate the karyam in Kanchipuram or organize prayer meetings in their cities, towns, and villages. VHPA resolves to work with 70th pontiff of Kanchi Mutt, Pujyashri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal to continue the divine work of Puduperival for the benefit of world peace by upholding the Hindu Dharma.
About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA. Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country. For more information, please contact:
Ajay Shah
VP, Awareness, Media, PR
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821
http://www.vhpamerica.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark
Twitter: @VHPANews
[email protected]
Phone: (858) 866-9661
Utsav Chakrabarti
Public Relations Coordinator
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821
http://www.vhpamerica.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark
Twitter: @VHPANews