Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 21: Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math, who ascended the Sarvajna Paryaya Peetha on January 18, unveiled the model of his dream 'Suvarna Gopura' at Rajangana, Sri Krishna Math here on Saturday, January 20.
In his address, Palimar Swamiji said, "Vadirajacharya lit the lamp of knowledge during his era in Sri Krishna Math. The model of Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum) of Sri Krishna Temple here is another sanctum sanctorum of knowledge. From here the devotees may take replica of Krishna into their hearts. The design of sanctum sanctorum carved out outside is to get the attention of many hearts.
"Listening, understanding and meditation are the three steps towards closeness to God. Let the sanctum sanctorum create the permanent impression of god in us. Let the newly designed stage open Vedic lessons, pravachanas and knowledge oriented programmes," he said.
Eshapriyateertha Swamiji, junior swamiji of Admar Math was present.
Pradyumna Acharya Joshi held 'pravachana' after the formal stage function.
The 'Suvarna Gopura' is a dream project of Palimar Swamiji. The Rajangana is designed as the Gopura by Arun Kumar Ambalpady under the guidance of K M Sheshagiri. Siddaraju designed the polyfibers. Prakash Acharya and Gajendra Acharya carved the wooden design. Arun Gundibailu helped to carve copper materials.
Arun from Ambalpady and his team took one-and-a-half month to complete this model, working 18 hours a day to complete the project. At one press of the switch, the Gopura gets illuminated with lights.
The spiritual preceptor and great ascetic Sri Vidyamaanya had offered golden cradle, golden chariot and diamond crown to Sri Krishna who bestowed him with the opportunity to worship him and receive his blessings during the tenure of his two paryayas. His wish to present a diamond armour to the Lord was fulfilled during the Paryaya of his disciple and he received blessings as an indweller of his student.
The edifice, tower and sanctum sanctorum of the temple are akin to the Lord’s body and protecting them from calamity is the duty of every devotee. The lineage of those who erect these structures as prescribed by the shastras will elevate to attain Vishnuloka. It is believed that a tower made of wood is four times more meritorious than an earthen tower. A brick tower is ten times more meritorious. While a stone tower is a hundred times more meritorious, a copper-silver tower awards merit that is a thousand fold. Shastra opines that a gold tower is a lac times more meritorious than the former.
During his second paryaya, the pontiff of Palimaru Matha, Sri Vidyadheesha teertha is wishful of replicating the opulence of Dwaraka by adorning the tower of the sanctum sanctorum with gold, invoking the stream of grace of Shri Krishna, who came from Dwaraka accepting the call of Madhva and filling the hearts of devotees with joy and blessings.
With every square foot requiring 40 grams of gold, around 100 kgs of gold is required to cover 2500 square feet. The estimated cost is around Rs 32 crore. This grand endeavor can be accomplished solely with the collaboration and contribution of crores of devotees.
A seva counter is opened at Kediyur hotel to fulfill the wishes of the Swamiji.
Managing director of hotel Kediyur Bhuvanendra Kediyur and artists who helped to complete the replica of Golden tower were felicitated on the occasion by Vidyadeesha Theertha Swamiji for their dedication.