Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 6: One of the most serious problems faced by Udupi Sri Krishna Math is water shortage. This phenomenon is not limited to the peak summer months but persists throughout the year. To come out of this situation, Adamar Math has implemented rainwater harvesting system inside the Math and purchased or leased property at Bailakere for constructing a storage system.

For Adamar Math spiritual head, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji, this happens to be the third Paryaya period, while for his disciple, Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji, this is the first. The Swamijis will ascend the Paryaya Peetha on January 15, 2020. As a junior Swamiji is from engineering background, he explores all the possible ways to connect with nature and be environment-friendly. The Swamijis want to set an example first, before advising the same to the devotees.

Raghavendra Bhat, manager of Adamar Math, said that Krishna mutt faces major water crisis as it is involved with lot of activities throughout. However, the Math lacks an efficient water storage system or the available water resources cannot be used due to drainage connectivity in it. "Hence we have plans to improve the availability of water. Its first initiative is ‘rainwater harvesting’ at three points. One is at the temple ‘Adamar Chathurbhuja Kalinga Mardana Krishna’ who is the God of Adamaru Math (pattada devaru) at its surroundings. Second is inside the mutt which is typically a rectangular structure where many rooms are joined together with a central courtyard open to the sky and the third one is implemented at the newly constructed toilet complex in the Adamar mutt premises. The toilets of the math are designed traditionally, and will be used by devotees and visitors of the Math.”

"For the effective rain harvest, we used white lime powder as the base coat, on top filled with sand. Further a layer with crushed stone, sand layer again and finally covered with hollow bricks with a three special holes in them," he added.

The second project is getting a pipe connection directly from the Swarna river and discussions for the same are going on with Raghupathi Bhat, MLA and city municipal council officials (though now a day’s private connection are not given). As a permanent solution to it, the Swamijis plan to purchase or lease land at Bailakere around one kilometer away from Krishna Math and build a huge tank (Storage) here. Another attractive thing is the wall, which is made of lime, jaggery and mud. The combination of three items will give a natural colour to the wall. This wall keeps inside the math cool in all seasons. The renovation and painting work for the Math is almost over. There are wooden pillars installed in toilets. When you see inside of the math, one finds that both the Swamijis have given importance wooden architecture, and antique items.

Banana plants and fruits are ready to serve during the Paryaya period, which were planted at the backyard of the math. As many as 100 banana plants have started to yield fruit bunches. These were planted during the 'Bale muhoortha' held at December 14, 2018. Banana plants are also planted in 10 acres of land in Chara village. Banana leaves will be used for the work of Math. Conducting eco-friendly and encouraging green, clean is the main motive of this year's Paryaya period.