Dikshitar’s Varanasi connection

Sri Chidambaranatha Yogi, preceptor of Muthuswami Dikshitar, attained samadhi at Varanasi (Kasi). The Kasi connection of Dikshitar remains alive at Sri Chakra Lingesvarar shrine, not one of the popular pilgrim spots. Krishnamurti Ghanapadigal, an eminent vidwan from Swamimalai settled in Kasi, close to Harischandra Ghat, spoke about the shrine. “The lanes are a maze. You’ll get lost. Take someone with you,” he advised. And so accompanied by Vasudeva Sastrigal, I set out.  jeeva samadhi of Chidambaranatha Yogi, where Dikshitar had performed Sri Vidya worship for several years, and listen to enlightening information. daily Sri Vidya puja krama for the Linga. Sri Vidya worship conducted here as per vaidika rituals. this Linga known as Sri Chakra Lingesvara was in a sanctum sanctorum long ago, managed by a Maharashtrian couple. The family of Kedar lives in a small space in the same building, dedicating themselves totally to Sri Chakra Lingesvara.

Unique features The unique features of the Linga include the Sri Vidya Chakra embedded on its top; the upper part of the Avudayar is covered with a silver kavacha, which is removed during daily ablutions. Special pujas are held during Navaratri and Sivaratri. The upper part of the Avudayar faces east due to the presence of the chakra. The sanctum sanctorum is a circular structure, allowing devotees to go around it and there are two entrances. The small hall adjoining the Garbhagriha has an exquisite bronze Ardhanareesvara, placed in a separate enclosure in the wall. 29-6-17