Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 7: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, who will be ascending the Paryaya Peetha on January 18, on Thursday January 7 said that everyone, including Dalits will be invited to witness the Paryaya and participate in the 'sahapankti bhojana' (inter-caste fellowship meal).

He was replying to a question during his interaction with media persons in the city on Thursday. He was in the city to participate in 'Tulabhara' programme held at the residence of Pradeep Kumar Kalkura of Kalkura Foundation.

"Sahapankti bhojana has already started at Sri Krishna Math and all people belonging to all classes, castes and creed are having lunch together. It is a wrong notion that there is discrimination in the Math. Food is served to all without any discrimination.

"Dalits will be invited to the Math and for the Paryaya. In sahapankti bhojana not only Dalits but everyone can take part," he said, adding, "We have built two hostels for dalits and backward clases in Udupi and Mysuru. We are also providing facilities like electricity and water to naxal-affected region."

He further said, "Bhakti Deeksha will be given to those who wish for it. There are two types - Nama Deeksha and Mantra Deeksha. Anyone can take Nama Deeksha, but Mantra Deeksha is only for those who stay away from alcohol and follow a strict vegetarian diet. Even in Basava sect Linga Deeksha is given to everyone."

To a question on whether Dalits can offer puja in temples, he said, "Every temple has its own customs. Though I am a sanyasi, I cannot offer puja in any temple I want. Even the Chennai high court has issued an order that every temple should follow its own customs."

On whether the controversial Made Snana will take place in Sri Krishna Math, he said, "We will stop Made Snana and only Yade Snana will be done."

On the upcoming Paryaya, he said, "For the fifth time I am getting the opportunity to ascend the Paryaya Peetha. I urge everyone to wish me and support me in this."

Asked what programmes he had planned during his upcoming term, he said, "We have not taken any decision yet. We will take the opinions of devotees and organizations and then plan. Pajaka is the birthplace of Madhwacharya. Work has started on a residential school in Pajaka on 40 acres of land. Anandateertha Mahavidyalaya will be established where, along with academic education we will also give importance to religious education.

"We will also be publishing many books of great personalities, cultures, puranas and religious matters in various languages. There will be lectures on puranas and facilities given to pilgrims who visit Udupi. Mid-day meals will be provided to schoolchildren and various social activiites will be undertaken. When you have religious discipline, conversion will stop. " he added.

Asked if he would meet union minister for water resources Uma Bharti to urge the centre to stop the
controversial Yettinahole project, he said, "Uma Bharti alone cannot stop this project. I will also speak to PM Narendra Modi. There should also be a meeting between parties that are supporting the project as well as those opposing it. Any revolution needs people's support and here too, people should join hands. I alone cannot do anything."

To a question on building the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, he said, "Ram Mandir can be built only in three ways - if there is a legislation passed in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha; second, if the court issues such an order; or three, through dialogue outside the court."

Asked to comment on the intolerance debate in the country, he said, "There should not be intolerance in any community, be it Hindu or Muslim. Both communities should live in harmony.