Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Updated
Udupi, Jan 4: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, who would be ascending Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time on January 18, was accorded a rousing welcome in the Temple Town as part of 'Pura Pravesha', and later, after a grand procession, was felicitated in a public programme along with his junior Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji.
Pejawar Swamiji and his junior were felicitated by the Udupi city municipal council (CMC), minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MP Shobha Karandlaje, MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary, CMC president P Yuvaraj and chairman of Alva's Education Foundation Dr Mohan Alva and disciples.
A special felicitation for Pejawar Swamiji was also offered by bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, diocese PRO Fr Denis D'Silva and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church Fr Fred Mascarenhas, on behalf of the Christian community.
A postal stamp on Pejawar Swamiji was also released on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Pejawar Swamiji said, "We should not differentiate people as minority and majority. At the time of Independence the minority population was poor and needed special benefits to come up in life, but now everyone should be treated equally. I strongly condemn violence and intolerance in society. I am not against minorities. There should be harmony between people of all religions and that is what I strive for. In the next two years of my term, I will strive against violence and work towards ensuring that farmers do not face problems. I have never been communal. I am a promoter of love and peace."
Urging Vinay Kumar Sorake to ensure chief minister Siddarmaiah's participation in the Paryaya celebration on January 18, Pejawar Swamiji said, "When I ascended the Paryaya Peetha for the third and fourth times, the then chief ministers had come to Udupi to witness the events. Now Siddaramaiah should also come and I urge Vinay Kumar Sorake to try and bring him. Siddaramaiah has come to Udupi before but never visited Sri Krishna Math even once. He should visit the Math. If he comes and prays here, problems in the state like drought and farmer suicides will be solved.
"During my term, I will give priority to Anna Brahma (food distribution), Jnana Brahma (seeking knowledge) and Nada Brahma (bhajans, etc). I am proud that all heads of Paryaya so far have continued these traditions. Muslims and Christians have also contributed towards and felicitated me," he added.
Addressing the gathering, bishop Dr Gerald Lobo said, "By serving the world through service of God, we can build a healthy society. May the Almighty bless Pejawar Swamiji and give him more strength to serve the society even more. Christian community will also be supportive of him.
"This is a historic occasion where Pejawar Swamiji is ascending the Paryaya for the fifth time. I convey the heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him on behalf of the Christian community," he added.
"Udupi is famous as Temple Town and people from all over the world visit this place especially during Paryaya. I pray that there is peace and prosperity. Pejawar Swamiji's disciplined life is liked by all. His three resolutions are Bhakti Seve, Jnana Seve and Loka Seve. The one who sees god in others is the true devotee. When we engage in the service of the world along with our devotion to God, we can build a healthy society," he said.
Vinay Kumar Sorake and Shobha Karandlaje also spoke on the occasion and conveyed their wishes.
Sri Vidyavallabhateertha Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math presided over the programme while Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math delivered the congratulatory message.
Procession
A grand procession through the Temple Town marked the 'Pura Pravesha' of Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math and his junior Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji here on Monday January 4. The 'Pura Pravesha' is part of the Paryaya celebrations on January 18, when Pejawar Swamiji would be ascending the Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time.
Pejawar Swamiji and his junior were brought in the procession that began from Jodukatte and passed through Court Road, KM Marg, Kanakadasa road and culminated at Car Street. A stage programme is set to begin shortly.
Under the leadership of Alva's Educational Foundation chairman Dr Mohan Alva, as many as 3,000 students and 2,000 artistes participated in the colourful procession that depicted the rich culture and heritage of the region as well as of the Ashta Maths.
Folk groups from across Karnataka and other states also were part of the procession. There were folk and cultural groups from Kerala, Veerabhadra Kunita, Dollu Kunita, skating by students, Yakshagana depiction by 30 students, Koragara dhol, Aati Kalanja, Gorava Kunita, Chitradurga band sets, Thattiraya doll, Huli Vesha, Kalladka dolls and much more. Portraits of five swamijis along with Sri Krishna's idol were placed on a chariot.
Among those present were minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MP Shobha Karandlaje, MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, Pradeeep Kalkura, Harikrishna Punaroor and others.