Mahamaheshwara Acharya Abhinavagupta Jayanti Celebrated with Grandeur at Kumbakonam
27/06/2026
Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu),June 27(KIP)-Mahamaheshwara Acharya Abhinavagupta Jayanti was celebrated with remarkable devotion, scholarship, and cultural splendour at Kumbakonam, reaffirming the timeless spiritual and civilizational bond between Kashmir and Tamil Nadu. The event was jointly organised by the Abhinavagupta Chair of the Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and Atrocities Studies (JIGAS), Jammu, Srivathsam, Kumbakonam, Kakni Foundation, New Delhi, and Swami Ram Shiv Ashram.
The programme was eloquently anchored by eminent scholar Shri Sunil Raina Rajanaka, Chief Editor of NAAD and Head of Abhinavgupt Chair of Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and atrocities studies, who also delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the unparalleled philosophical, aesthetic, and spiritual contributions of Mahamaheshwara Acharya Abhinavagupta to the Sanatana intellectual tradition.
The highlight of the celebration was the conferment of the Abhinavagupta Award 2026 upon Padma Shri Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Indian classical arts and culture. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Subrahmanyam spoke extensively on Acharya Abhinavagupta’s enduring legacy, emphasising the profound influence of his philosophy on the Vedic and Sanatana traditions of Tamil Nadu and underscoring the cultural continuum that has historically connected Kashmir with the southern regions of India.
Representing the Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and Atrocities Studies, Ravinder Gurtoo reflected on the long-term consequences of genocide and forced displacement. He described exile as a form of “social death”, arguing that the destruction of collective memory, identity, and civilizational continuity often inflicts wounds that endure far beyond physical displacement.
Anchal Mishra of the Kakni Foundation presented a documentary showcasing the Foundation’s initiatives to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. Shri Seetharaman of Srivathsam highlighted the deep spiritual, philosophical, and cultural linkages that have historically united Kashmir and Tamil Nadu.
The celebration also witnessed the release of several significant publications, including Trika Shaivism and Thirumandiram and Architectural Features of Pandiya Temples by Seetharaman; Hanuman Bahuk for Critical Illness by Rajiv Raina; Dicivilisation and Displacement: Indic Reflections on Social Death and the Pavak Anniversary Edition by Ravinder Gurtoo; and Kashmir: The Land of Kashyapa by C. K. Gariyali.
Among the distinguished personalities present were Smt. C. K. Gariyali, IAS, Major General R. K. Raina, DGP Himachal Pradesh Sanjay Kundu, Col. Rajiv Raina, Shri I. K. Pandita, President of KP Sabha Hyderabad, besides a large gathering of scholars, intellectuals, artists, and devotees from across Tamil Nadu.
The event also featured captivating cultural performances, including traditional Kashmiri folk dances and Bharatanatyam recitals, symbolising the enduring cultural dialogue between Kashmir and Tamil Nadu and celebrating the unity of India’s civilizational heritage.
As a mark of respect and appreciation, commemorative mementoes were presented to the distinguished scholars, guests, and eminent personalities who graced the occasion. The gesture symbolised the organisers’ gratitude for their invaluable contributions towards the preservation and promotion of India’s rich spiritual, philosophical, and cultural heritage, and for strengthening the enduring civilizational bond between Kashmir and Tamil Nadu.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Dr. C. K. Gariyali, bringing to a close a memorable celebration that combined scholarship, spirituality, literature, and cultural expression in homage to one of India’s greatest philosopher-sages.