Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

"Forget the past, respect Paryaya for Hindu unity"

Udupi, Jan 16: Puthige Math will confer the title 'Abhinava Sri Sudheendrateertha' on Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math during the Darbar at the Paryaya celebrations on January 18. He will be also offered 'Kanakabhisheka' and 'Rajata Ratha' (silver chariot) as a mark of honour.

This was announced by Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji, head of Puthige Math in a press meet here on Friday January 16.

"It is a historic Paryaya that will set a record in Udupi. Hence it is our duty to express our gratiitude and honour Pejawar Swamiji. We are bestowing this title on behalf of the Puthige Math and the disciples," he said.

"When Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji, who was head of Puthige Math, turned 100 years, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji had bestowed him the title of 'Yadukala Chakravarti'. Hence we are now honouring Pejawar Swamiji now. Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji ascended the Paryaya Peetha four times and twice he bestowed it on his disciples, so altogether he was witness to six Paryayas. Pejawar Swamiji was among his favourite disciples," he added.

Asked about the controversy over his foreign travels when he ascended the Paryaya Peetha back in 2008, Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji said, "Pejawar Swamiji has much respect and affection for me. He is a scholar not only for Pejawar Math but also for me. He personally went to Puthige Math branch in Teerthahalli to extend invitation to Paryaya 15 days ago. I wish all success to him.

"Pejawar Swamiji had appreciated my last trip to the US. Let us forget everything and wish for the success of the Paryaya for the sake of Hindu unity. I did not do anything wrong. During my Paryaya term from 1992 to 1994, all the Swamijis of Ashta Maths had attended my ascension ceremony and also participated in Lakshadeepotsava. Thereafter there were some differences of opinion. However, no matter who attends the Paryaya this time or not, I will be there. I am doing it for the sake of the unity of Ashta Maths. If I do not participate, people will question me. Also, as a religious figure, it is my duty to participate in the celebrations," he said.

Asked if there was any chance of controversy arising this time akin to the one in 2008, he said, "Sri Vishweshateertha is a senior Swamiji and honouring him is our duty. I am confident that no one will raise any objection."

To a question on whether Pejawar Swamiji's permission had been sought for the honour, he said, "There is no need to seek permission for bestowing a title. We are doing it out of our own wish. Pejawar Swamiji has special affection for me and he has also called me 'Manasa Putra'. I will participate in the procession from Jodukatte to Sri Krishna Math and also in the Darbar."

Asked to respond to a statement by Pejawar Swamiji to a newspaper that 'special arrangement' had been done for Puthige Swamiji, he said, "It is left to the Paryaya welcome committee. I ready for talks with anyone whenever needed. During Ekadashi I go to all the Ashta Maths and talk to everyone whenever it is required. For the sake of unity of the Hindu society, it is important to respect the Paryaya."