Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 24: "The charges made by the deceased Shiroor Swamiji in an audio released by the people close to him recently about me are false. I will step down the moment these charges are proved to be true," said Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

In a statement released to the media on Monday July 23, Pejawar Swamiji noted that the audio claims that he was involved in an affair with a lady named Padma who is claimed to be in Tamil Nadu. "In a letter that was sent during December last, which possibly was sent by the same people, the said person was claimed to be a male, duly including his family name. These differences go to prove that these are cooked up things," he stated.

Sri Vishweshateertha goes on to say that he is sure that no one believes in these allegations. He offered himself to any kind of tests or investigation in this connection as the accusations made are outright false. He stated that these things are impossible to be proved, and that if they are proved to be true, he will step down from his position forthwith.

At the same time, the Swamiji clarified that he had no role in the giving up of asceticism by Sri Raghuvallabha Theertha of Palimar Math, Manojna Theertha of Shiroor Math, and Vidyabhushan of Subramanya Math. "I tried to retain them in their positions but all of them left on their own. Therefore, projecting me as a villain in these cases is grossly incorrect," he stated. He also dismissed the allegation that he had paid five lac rupees to Raghuvallabha Theertha, duly insisting that he had not given a single penny to him.

The Swamiji noted that some people had deemed the statement made by him about Shiroor Swamiji's unjustified conduct as wrong after his death, and had questioned him about non-return of idols of the presiding deity of Shiroor Math and his not attending the last rites of Shiroor Swamiji. He said because of these allegations and objections, he was compelled to come out with the clarification that Shiroor Swamiji had grossly violated the principles of asceticism.

Adding further, Pejawar Swamiji said that he was not behind Vishwavijaya's departure. "I tried to retain him by telling him that various problems would arise if he left. But he went on his own. He left without informing me, although I had said I would make arrangements after I came back. I never sought money from Shiroor Swamiji as alleged. I deny all the other allegations for which I am ready to expose myself for open investigation anytime," he added in his statement.