Sri Sharadamba (The Goddess of Grace)

Preface

A book on the glory of Sri Sharadamba and the great endeavour of Sri Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada in establishing a shrine for the Goddess at the picturesque spot of Sringeri in the Western Ghats has been a long felt need of the devotees.

This need was met with the publication in Tamil of Sri Sharadambal Divya Charitam (The Divine History of Devi Sharadamba) in 2003 by Bharati Kavalar Dr. K Ramamurthi, a prolific writer in the vernacular language.

With a fund of information from the Vedas, the Puranas and the Itihasas, he has presented a narrative of absorbing interest, starting with an incident in Brahmaloka necessitating the avatar of Goddess Sarsvati in Bhuloka, going on to the advent of great scholars such as Kumania Bhatta, Visvarupa and Adi Sankara and culminating in the establishment by Adi Sankara of a shrine for her in the form of Sharadamba at Sringeri. The book reflects the versatility and devotion of the author, who has delved deep into the subject.

Tattvaloka felt that the benefit of this publication must have a wider range and reach people not familiar with the Tamil language. The result is a free translation of Dr. Ramamurthi's book into English. This interesting task was undertaken by Smt. Rukmani Ramani, a retired bank official in Mumbai assisted by Smt. Kesi Sundaram.

Smt. Rukmani Ramani, who has widely travelled in India and abroad, has a flair for narration and a keen interest in Hindu scriptures, through study, reflection and teaching.

Smt. Kesi Sundaram, with the benefit of residing in Chennai in the 1950s when the city was flourishing in cultural activities and a teaching career in a college, is also now settled in Mumbai.

This book, Sri Sharadamba, besides inculcating a sense of devotion towards the Goddess of Learning, throws light on life in ancient India. With the blessings of His Holiness Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji it is being released early in 2008. It is hoped it will inspire more and more people to visit Sringeri and strive to attain the grace of the Goddess.

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