Srirangam, June 30, 2025 – The sacred precincts of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam were today illuminated with devotion and grandeur as thousands of devotees gathered for the 70th Thirunakshatra Mahotsavam (birthday celebration) of His Holiness the 46th Jeeyar, Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Mahadesikan Swamigal, the revered pontiff of the Ahobila Matha.
The day-long celebration, named Sapthathi Mahotsavam, commenced at dawn with the ceremonial awakening (Dolai) of the Acharya at around 6 AM, followed by a potent Abhishekam and alankarams at the Sri Dasavathara Sannidhi within the temple complex. The serene chants of the Vedas echoed throughout the ancient halls, setting a tone of timeless reverence and spiritual uplift (livechennai.com).
The event was not only attended by local dignitaries and senior scholars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, but also streamed live on Sri Sankara TV, allowing thousands of devotees across the globe to partake in the celebrations virtually (livechennai.com). The live telecast enabled attendees worldwide to witness the dignified procession, rigorous Vedic recitations, and heartfelt kirtans dedicated to the Acharya’s spiritual journey spanning over seven decades.
His Holiness, known for his humility and scholarship, presided over the Utsava Darshanam, blessing the countless devotees who had assembled early in the morning. He extolled the virtues of devotion, humility, and service, drawing inspiration from the lineage of Vedanta Desika and the traditions of Ahobila Matha (ahobilamutt.org, en.wikipedia.org).
A special homage was paid to past luminaries, including the 44th Mukkur Azhagiyasingar, credited with contributing to the construction of the majestic Raja Gopuram of Srirangam, highlighting the deep architectural and cultural bond between the Matha and the temple (livechennai.com).
The celebrations concluded in the late afternoon with the distribution of prasadam and offering of divine darshan to devotees. The convergence of rituals, Vedic discourse, and community attendance made today’s milestone a profound affirmation of the spiritual legacy and ongoing mission of the Ahobila Matha.
For the devout, the event was more than a birthday celebration—it was a reaffirmation of the Jeeyar’s role as a living embodiment of tradition, scholarship, and devotional leadership in the Sri Vaishnava world.
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