ABOUT
THE VIJAYA YATRA
Purpose and History
The DigVijaya Yatra (or Vijaya Yatra) is the great journey of spiritual victory in all directions, both external and internal. It symbolizes the magnificent pilgrimage across India by Adi Shankara, the great philosopher-saint who founded the unbroken lineage of the Jagadgurus of Sringeri.
Twelve hundred years ago, Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada undertook the first DigVijaya Yatra throughout India. His purpose was to dispel doubts, restore faith, and propagate the Upanishadic principles of Advaita (non-dualism). His great victory was to restore Sanatana Dharma throughout the length and breadth of this ancient land and establish it deeply in the hearts and minds of the people.
In their role as Paramahamsa Parivraajaka-acharyas, the Sringeri Jagadgurus have followed in the footsteps of Adi Shankara to propagate Sanatana Dharma among the people. While Paramahamsa refers to the highest order among sannyasis, Parivraajaka implies that the sannyasi moves frequently from place to place. Acharya refers to one who knows the import of the Shastras, is established in rightful conduct (achara), and causes others to be established in it.
The current Shankaracharya, Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam, has undertaken many Vijaya Yatras since His Sannyasa in 1974. Some of the notable Yatras include the ones in 1975, 1977, 1979-80, 1981, 1984, with His Guru (the 35th Jagadguru of Sringeri), and in 1985-86, 1987-88, 1992, 1994-95, 2007, 2010, 2012-2013 as the 36th Jagadguru.
Post the historic Shishya Sweekara in January 2015, Sri Mahasannidhanam along with His Uttaradhikari Shishya, Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam has undertaken a few short Yatras, the most notable being the 3-fortnight long Yatra in June-July 2015, gracing the city of Bengaluru and a few other towns in Karnataka. This was followed by a 4 month long Vijaya Yatra in the southern parts of the country in 2017.
On the 17th of October 2024, with the blessings of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam embarked on a Vijaya Yatra to grace the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from October 17, 2024 to November 27, 2024.
During this Yatra, the Jagadguru will grace various places with His presence and strengthen the eternal Dharma in the hearts and minds of the people. The Jagadguru will guide gatherings of devotees in the study of Vedas and the Shastras, and will also deliver several discourses to reinforce the teachings of Sanatana Dharma.
The Vijaya Yatra is a special occasion for all devotees and supporters to participate in a great tradition that stretches back over the centuries. It enables everyone to reconnect with Sanatana Dharma in order to obtain lasting happiness and peace.
The DigVijaya Yatra enables everyone to see a living saint who embodies Sanatana Dharma and be graced by His presence and blessings.