SRINGERI: Dhakshinamnaya Sharadapeeta Jagadguru Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami has named Kuppuru Venkateshwara Prasada Sharma as his successor.
The Swamiji announced his successor at a felicitation programme held after the Addapallakki Utsava of the Jagadguru on Sunday night.
He said Goddess Sharadamba inspired him to do so. The Shishya Parigraha Samarambha will be held on January 22.
Venkateshwara Prasada Sharma (24), hailing from Andhra Pradesh. came to Sringeri at the age of 14. He studied Vedanta at the Mutt’s Sadvidya Sanjeevini Patashala.
He has been taught Vedanta by the Jagadguru for the past four years.
Prasada Sharma’s parents were present when this announcement was made. “To appoint a successor is a big challenge and with the blessings of Sharadamba, we are confident that we have made the right decision,” the Swami said. Prasada Sharma will renounce all worldly affairs on January 22 and will be blessed with the Kashaya Vastra on January 23.
Prasada Sharma and Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami will bless the people on the occasion.
The silver jubilee celebrations of the Peetarohana of Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami, Addapallakki Utsava, was held from Kalikamba Temple to Sharadamba Temple.
Devotees in large numbers participated in the programme. Lakshamodaka Ganapathy Homa was performed in the morning and the Swami was present for the Poornahuthi programme.