The third anniversary celebrations of the Statue of Equality and the 108 Divyadesams commenced on February 9, 2025, with a ceremonial abhishekam – divine shower to the Golden Ramanuja, performed under the auspices of His Holiness Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
The 11-day Samatha Kumbh festivities, held annually, begin on the Ardra star, the birth star of Sri Ramanujacharya Swamy, during the month of Magha. This year’s celebrations were marked by a grand procession, the Samatha Yathra, which stretched from Necklace Road, Tankbund to the Statue of Equality in Muchintal. Over 100 buses participated in this sacred procession, symbolizing unity and a shared purpose.
Prior to the procession, a powerful walk was organized with the participation of 5,000 men, women, and youth from all walks of life. The march began from the Statue of Dr. Ambedkar and concluded at People’s Plaza. HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji offered a garland to Dr. Ambedkar’s statue and emphasized the message of equality championed by Sri Ramanujacharya Swamy over a thousand years ago and how his teachings inspired Dr. Ambedkar’s own struggle for social justice a century ago.
In his speech, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji highlighted the relevance of Ramanujacharya’s teachings, which are still vital in today’s world. “When society faces a need, it is our duty to offer our services, share knowledge, and contribute physically. This truth, imparted to us a thousand years ago, remains as relevant today. The festival we celebrate honors Sri Ramanujacharya, who embodied this principle of social unity,” Swamiji stated.
Sri Ramanujacharya (1017–1137 CE) is widely regarded for his efforts to eliminate social inequalities and promote equality before God. Traveling across India, he advocated for a society where all individuals, regardless of caste, religion, or background, were treated equally. His progressive vision resonated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who, in his 1927 publication “Vaikrith Bharath,” praised Ramanujacharya’s reforms and credited him for laying the foundation for a society where equality prevails
The Samatha Yathra, marking the third annual celebration of the Statue of Equality, began at the statue of Dr. Ambedkar and will conclude at the Statue of Equality in Muchintal. The procession is expected to reach the Statue of Equality by 4:30-5 PM.
In the coming days, from February 10-13, educational sessions focusing on knowledge and social equality will be held every afternoon with students from nearby colleges. These sessions aim to inspire and empower the next generation to continue the work of promoting social equality and justice.
The Samatha Kumbh 2025 Mahotsav, running from February 9 to February 19, invites everyone to be a part of these meaningful celebrations. The event is an opportunity to reflect on the values of equality and social justice that were championed by Sri Ramanujacharya and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and to carry these ideals forward for the betterment of society.
The event was graced by HH Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji, HH Devanatha Jeeyar Swamiji, Dr. Addanki Dayakar, Congress spokesperson and former leader of All India Mala Mahanadu and Dr. Kalyan, BJP state president, ST Morcha, Telangana.
Dr. Dayakar expressed that when one approaches Swamiji, a deep sense of warmth and belonging is felt, fostering a spirit of equality. He highlighted the significance of beginning the Samatha Yathra from the modern-day social reformer, Dr. Ambedkar, describing it as an important gesture. He also praised Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji for initiating the yathra with a revolutionary spiritual vision. Dr. Dayakar acknowledged Swamiji’s remarkable contributions, particularly his dedicated service to women and downtrodden. Emphasizing the importance of leadership, he stated that political leaders should not only focus on politics but also work with a spiritual mindset to bring about meaningful change in society.
Dr. Kalyan expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, stating, “I bow to Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, who established the Samatha Murthi Inspiration Center for Dharma and the nation, promoting the timeless principle of equality as proposed by Ramanujacharya. Despite the passage of a thousand years, Swamiji continues to inspire and actively implement this vision in our society.”
He further emphasized, “Today, it is important that we all participate in the Samatha Kumbh celebrations. I have personally witnessed Swamiji’s tireless efforts over the past 20-30 years in providing education to underprivileged students in tribal areas such as Adilabad, Utnoor, Shamshabad, and surrounding tribal settlements. From this stage, I offer my heartfelt salutations to Swamiji for his relentless dedication. His work in uplifting the economically and socially disadvantaged ‘children of the earth’, girijans is truly commendable.”
Dr. Kalyan concluded, “I pledge to carry the principles of Ramanujacharya to every village and tribal settlement, and I will wholeheartedly support this noble endeavor.”
