Linda: The Jagadguru

The Jagadguru

Today was the day arranged for us to meet the 70th Jagadguru of Kanchipuram. The Jagadguru is the direct successor to the great sage and exponent of Hinduism, Shankaracharya. Shankara was responsible for giving Hinduism much of its intellectual aspect and its devotees are very serious seekers of truth and of piety. We were to meet the Jagadgura between 7:00-7:30 am, bearing gifts of fruit which we were to procure at the fruit stand across the street. Unfortunately, the fruit stand was closed and we were told we could bring it back later. We entered the temple and were told to sit and wait. There was a ceremony going on behind closed curtains. We could hear the chanting, the bells, and drums from behind the curtain, while devotees in the hall were singing and chanting the verses from the Vedas as well. Three times the curtains were opened so the gatherers could see the Jadadguru giving the offerings to Shiva, that their petitions and prayers would be answered. The bearing of the Jagadguru was quite impressive and it was good to be quiet and still. Afterwards, we were taken behind the shrine where the rest of the Mutt, or school, was. Here, there were priests gathered around a fire in two places, chanting Vedas with flowers, food, and offerings. As we rounded the corner, the Jagadguru was standing, giving his blessing to the few people gathered there at that moment. We weren’t sure what to do, and suspect, in hindsight, that we should have gone up to him right away and introduced ourselves. We’d been expecting an
interview, so had assumed we’d be called, but the person with whom we had been in contact was out of town, and, a person to lead us in was not forthcoming. The Jagadguru seemed like he was waiting to meet us, we were waiting to meet him, but somehow, the way of introduction to the interview did not happen. Still, it was wonderful to be in the presence of someone whose life is dedicated to prayer and to helping others. As we sat and waited, we were surrounded by families and couples coming for a blessing as well as the students who studied the Vedas here. The children were all in white sarongs, their hair in a knot on their heads with the sacred thread across their chest. They sat in little groups in the other hallway, reciting and chanting, learning their prayers and their rites. We also saw many beautiful faces, men of great comportment, with a serious, but gentle, and generous countenance. One in particular, Narayana, took us under wing. We thought he was our guide to the interview, but he was just being helpful. He asked us what our plans were, and upon learning that we’d just arrived in Kanchipuram, arranged for a guide and driver to take us to see the temples of Kanchi. He was a simple, good man, very elderly, with a radiant smile. Another priest arranged for us to come back to eat, and when the driver came, we realized our visit had come to an end. Man proposes, God disposes.