Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, July 17: “Neither the idol of Lord Krishna nor that of Lord Ram of Palimar Math belongs to me. Only I have claim on the idol of Lord Vittal, the presiding deity of Shiroor Math. Therefore, I am even prepared to go to the extent of lodging a criminal case against the concerned if necessary, to get back the idol of my Math back,” said Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji, spiritual head of Shiroor math here.
Speaking to media persons at Shiroor Math on Monday July 16, the Swamiji stated that it is but natural for the people to safe-keep their valuables with trusted people when they have to go to distant places. “The responsibility of returning such valuables when their true owners come back rests with such persons. If it is refused, it amounts to robbery. Therefore, refusing to give the idol left behind with certain Swamijis for the purposes of maintaining unbroken pooja ritual is equal to robbery. What else is the purpose of deploying additional gunmen at the temple? All the Swamijis have become one now. The heads of the Maths are saying now that they will do as their leader tells them,”
“It is the customary to offer poojas to different deities in all the eight Maths here. Poojas should be performed to all the deities every day without fail. When the head of a particular Math falls sick or goes away, the box that contains the idol of his Math is kept in Sri Krishna Math. As per tradition, only the Swamijis have the authority to open the box. Some of the Swamijis might be compelled to travel by flights. During such journeys, the security personnel handle the boxes and touch the idols. Is it in order and in pursuance with the traditions?” he wanted to know.
“Seven Swamijis, from eight Maths, had held a separate meeting. One of them has been chosen as the leader of this group. Everybody knows who the leader is," he said, indirectly attacking Pejawar Swamiji.
“Under which authority are they saying that the idol belonging to my Math will not be returned without me adopting a disciple as my successor? There are number of Maths requiring adoption of disciples. Let them see that these Maths get the disciples first. I will not attend any meeting if I am called on this issue. They have taken away the idol of my deity by force. I have immense faith in Lord Srikrishna and Lord Mukhyaprana, who I am sure, will make sure that the idol rightfully belonging to my Math would be returned to me. The treat these deities as my parents,” he said.