Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)
Udupi, Jan 18: "The richness of Udupi with regards to culture and religion is a model for the whole world. Puttige Sree had established branches of Maths in overseas countries and done the work of creating awareness among the westerners about Indian culture," said district in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
Hebbalkar spoke at the Durbar meeting held on Thursday at Rajangana of Sri Krishna Math on account of Paryaya of Puttige Swamiji Sri Sugunendra Theertha.
Laxmi further said, “I was awestruck by the Paryaya programme of Udupi. The culture is very rich. The procession and programmes reminded me of Mysuru Dasara celebration. India is culturally a rich country. India is marching towards becoming Vishwaguru culturally. Karnataka government and Udupi district administration have provided complete support to this Paryaya. I am also participating along with the family so that I will not miss this unique opportunity. Udupi is one of the renowned pilgrimage places in the country. It is my good fortune that I have been serving here as the in-charge minister.
Speaking on the occasion, legislative assembly speaker U T Khader said, “This programme is extremely holy. God has given me the opportunity to participate in this programme. This is a programme of religious and cultural thinking. This programme also involves creating awareness and handing over our culture to the next generation. Let this Kshetra be our Shakti Kendra. Let the Swamiji correct the wrong things in society and realize the building of a strong India. Let Puttige Seer be the guiding light for this purpose.”
Union minister Shobha Karandlaje said, “For the first time devotees from overseas have come to Udupi to participate in Puttige Paryaya. Puttige Sree has crossed the borders of tradition and is spreading our culture in foreign countries. Udupi and north India have an emotional bond. When Balarama is being installed at Ayodhya, Paryaya is held for Bala Krishna at Udupi.”
Former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, who was the chief guest of the function, said, “I have got the opportunity to take part in the Paryaya after many years. This is the blessings of my previous birth. In Ayodhya Lord Rama is being installed. In Udupi Lord Krishna’s pooja will be held by Puttige seer. I am happy that both religious programmes are happening simultaneously.”
Reverend Kosho Nivano, president Rishyo Kosi Kyaya Japan, who has arrived from Japan to take part in the Paryaya said, “In the first visit to Udupi itself, I have experienced the divine touch. I have seen the religious values of Paryaya personally. Puttige Swamiji is doing several programmes at the international level for the peace of religion. Hindutva is the precious gift of humanity. Hindutva and Buddhism are like sisters. Both have arrived from the Indian roots.”
Puttige Swamiji Sri Sugunendra Theertha was honoured with the title ‘Vishwageetha Parivrajakaha’ by Central Sanskrit University. The Durbar felicitation ceremony on behalf of Puttige Math was also held simultaneously.
Senior scholar Vidwan Sagri Raghavendra Upadhyaya, Vidwan Keshava Rao Tadapatri, Vidwan Dr N Venkateshacharya, senior researchers Shataaudhani Vidwan Ramanatha Acharya, renowned astrologer Vidwan Bela Padmanabha Sharma, Iscon president Madhu Panditdas, Iscon International president Rematiraman Das, Chairman of Manipal group of Hospitals Dr Ranjan Pai, senior lawyers Ashok Harnahalli, Kokila Vemuri, and Mahantesh Sannanavar were felicitated on behalf of the math.
In his blessing discourse, Puttige seer Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada said, “Only those who have a definite commitment can take part in Paryaya. We have called this Paryaya Vishwa Geetha Paryaya. Accordingly, today Vishwapriya Theertha Sripada has handed over the reign to me. This is also a good fortune. Serving Lord Krishna is the golden opportunity that I have got in my life. I will not miss the service of Lord Krishna for any reason. This is always of prime importance. So keeping aside all works of this world, I have stood in the service of Krishna.
“In my daily activities also after Pooja and Anustana, I will do other works in the remaining time. If one knows God, there is no need to regret things. If we confirm our relationship with God in life, that relation remains permanently. I am completing 50 years after attaining Monkhood. I have decided to offer a golden chariot to Lord Sri Krishna for the remembrance of this occasion. There is a plan for Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna also.
Puttige junior seer Sri Sushindratheertha Sripada, honorary president of Paryaya welcome committee Dr D Veerendra Heggade, MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA of New Bouncic state Canada Benwa Borki, MLCs Manjunatha Bhandary and Bhoje Gowda, Udupi deputy commissioner Dr Vidaykumari, former minister Pramod Madhwaraj, entrepreneur Pasad Raj Kanchan, president of welcome committee Dr H S Ballal, executive president Raghupati Bhat, secretary Belapu Deviprasad Shetty, Rajan Kalukura and thousands of devotees of Lord Sri Krishna were present.