Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru/Udupi (EP)

Bengaluru/Udupi, Jan 8: The Karnataka High Court dismissed on Monday, Januray 8, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the Paryaya festival of eight maths (Ashta Matha) in Udupi.

Gururaj Jeevan Rao, in the PIL, had requested that Paryaya should not be handed over to Puthige Shree, as he allegedly violated traditional customs by traveling abroad.

The bench, consisting of Chief Justices Prasanna B Varale and Krishna Dikshit, questioned the PIL, asking what is wrong if knowledge is spread abroad. Quoting a poem by the national poet Kuvempu, the bench stated, "Oh Nanna Chetana, Agu Nee Aniketana," suggesting that it is better to explore beyond the confines of one's home. The court declared that it would not interfere in religious practices and beliefs, ultimately dismissing the case.

This is not the first time that opposition has arisen against the Paryaya festival of Puthige Shree; similar sentiments were expressed in 2008. At that time, six seers out of eight maths had abstained from Paryaya, but Shirur Shree had supported Puthige Shree's Paryaya.

Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji reacts on dismissal of PIL petition

“Everything will be fine by the blessings of Krishna Mukhyaprana deity,” said Puthige Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji in his reaction to the dismissal of PIL petition against Puthige Math Paryaya by the court.

He said that the judge has issued a fair statement. “We are not bound by worldly matters. Religious beliefs should not be restricted by them. There should be no barricades. Noble matters should be spread everywhere across the world. It was good that the court stated that they will not interfere in religious matters,” he said.

"Religious matters are related to spiritual people. It is unfair for courts to get involved in them. Religion is present across the nation. There are Hindus all over the world,” he said.