May 31, 2008
Karnataka is famous for its diversity in temples and the legacies that they hold. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is one of the most famous temples of the state. This temple is located on the banks of the river Dhara, which according to mythology, has a sacred past.
Every temple of Karnataka sings the legacy of god and articulates the history of Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Kumaraswamy after killing the ruler Tarakasura and Shoorapadmasura in a battle came down to this place. He washed his Shakti Ayudha (an axe used in battle) in the water of the Dhara river that flows from the Kumara mountain. From this incident the river came to be known as Kumaradhara.
The Kukke Subramanya Temple is situated in the village of Sullia taluk in South Kanara, and is about 100 km far from Mangalore city. In the past Subramanya used to be recognized as Kukke Pattana.
The head of the Subramanya Math is widely popular and a man of respect Sri Sri Vidyaprasannateertha Swamiji.
His lifestyle is not only impressive and inspiring to a common man but also a role model to all spiritual leaders. His place of stay reflects the true meaning of 'Math' where there are hardly any lights or fans. No A/C , no furniture, no modern luxury items. A humble, simple and highly spiritual Swamiji shared his achievements and views with Daijiworld editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike at his Math.
Early Life:
The most non-controversial, spotless 40-year-old Sri Vidyaprasannateertha Swamiji is the 40th Mathadeesha (head of Math) of Kukke Subramanya. Hailing from Madhwacharya background, he is a Shivalli Brahmin. He is heading the Math for the 11th consecutive year.
Born near Ellare village of Karkala to the late Subraya Joise and Mahalaxmi Joise, Swamiji's actual name is Shridhar Joise. He completed his early education from Government Higher Primary School, Ellare. He later studied Vedanatha, Vyakarana, and Nyayashatra for 12 years at Samskritha Gurukula Vidya Peeta, Bangalore while also completing his SSLC, PUC, BA and MA by attending evening classes simultaneously.
After completing Nyaya Shastra (law) he served as professor in Vidya Peeta Sanskrata College.
Social Commitments:
On February 24, 1997 Sridhara Joise became Sri Sri Vidyatheerthaprasanna Swami and took charge of the ashram and became Matadeesha for Subramanya Math.
Swamiji is one of the rare personalities among Math leaders who is popular among all communities irrespective of religion, language, caste or creed. He leads a simple life and loves serving the poor.
He has brought religious revolution within and outside the community, and laid special stress on maintaining and spreading Indian culture.
His social work has been appreciated by many. Among his gifts to the society is the Sadananda hospital in Subramanya established to serve the poor with free medical facilities. Nitte Vinay Hegde and Dharmasthala Veerendra Hegde are supporting this project.
Also in Bilinele, Subramanya, he is running a high school where more than 475 children are getting education for FREE.
The above two causes are an eye-opener for many religious leaders and institutions to follow similar causes for the poor.
Swamiji has also taken the initiative of promoting the plantation around Kukke Subramanya area. A Gurukula to learn Sanskrit language is his dream and he is confident that support from like-minded people will turn his dream in to reality.
His immense concern towards the poor and the orphans makes him stand above other religious leaders, as he truly touches the souls of the underprivileged.
Daily Life:
Swamiji's day starts at 4 am with a 20-minute Yogasana and then about four hours of non-stop puja (prayers).
After 8.30 am he attends general programmes in the Temple, and whenever gets time he teaches Sanskrit to the students in the Temple.
At 12 noon he performs Maha Puja, followed by lunch.
He does not take siesta after lunch and instead spends his time attending Temple programmes and meeting people.
At 7 pm it is again time for prayers followed by dinner around 9 pm.
He reads for a while before calling it a day at 11 pm.
He has never travelled overseas, and does not want to associate himself with any controversy over travelling abroad like other Swamijis. But he says that he has had many offers from USA and other western countries to visit, all of which he has politely rejected.
His views on communal harmony in South Canara:
Swamiji believes that South kanara is one of the most peaceful places in the country, and compared to other places, communal misunderstanding is lesser here. But sometimes, due to misunderstandings things go wrong. It is not the common people who are responsible for such communal disharmony, but the political leaders who create unrest for selfish reasons, he opines.
His views on modern technology:
Though Swamiji leads a simple life without much modern technological facilities, he is not against to the same. He says, one should use modern technology for personal as well as social development but without adversely affecting culture.
His message to Daijiworld readers:
'The young generation must keep Indian culture alive forever. I advise and request everyone not to forget our own Indian culture, live peacefully, and do not get lured to tread the wrong path for momentary happiness. I specially request the youth of our nation and our community in particular not to embrace western culture. Always respect your elders and obey your parents - that is the best blessing one would get in his or her life. All religions must follow the path of tolerance and peace. Without peace, human life is incomplete. All religions must teach people to live without causing problems to others. Every human being must see his fellow being with great respect.'
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