Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Beltangady, Apr 24: 'Sahyadri', a 500-room guest house built for the benefit of devotees who come to Dharmasthala, was inaugurated by Sri Bharatiteertha Swamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetha in Dharamasthala here on Sunday April 24 in the presence of housing minister Ambareesh and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Bharatiteertha Swamiji said, "Protecting our religion and practising it should be our chief aim in life. God Himself descends and now and then to curb the evil and protect the good. One who causes harm to good people is a devil.
"Remembering God's name is the highest form of religion. Spreading happiness among people through gentle speech, altruism, non-violence, etc is religion. Everyone should follow religion in its true spirit and earn blessings," he advised.
Sri Vidhushekhar Bharati Swamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetha said, "Our life will be purified if we abide by the pure Sanatana Dharma. God who is omniscient and omnipotent constantly favours His devotees. If we worship the Lord with faith and devotion, we will be showered with His grace and blessings," he said.
Housing minister Ambareesh in his address said, "Truth and faith always triumph. Dharmasthala is a sacred place where devotees come in large numbers to seek solutions to their problems. The practice of 'Annadana' in Dharmasthala is renowned worldwide."
Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dr D Veerendra Heggade in his presidential address said, "Devotees should help in retaining the purity of this Kshetra by maintaining cleanliness. With the help of locals, we are trying to maintain cleanliness in the surroundings of Netravati river. Devotees should come to this Kshetra with a high sense of respect together with fear of God.
The 'Sahyadri' guest house has been built in an eco-friendly manner without any use of wood. Instead of wood, fibre has been used for windows, doors and furniture. Hot water is provided using solar power.
Dr Heggade also announced that under Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), a special scheme worth Rs one crore has been prepared to tackle problems faced during summer. Rs 50 lac has been set aside to provide water through tankers to places that are facing drought, and another Rs 50 lac will be disbursed for protection of cows, he said.
Beltangady MLA Vasant Bangera also spoke on the occasion and conveyed his wishes.
D Harshendra Kumar welcomed the gathering. Dharmasthala temple manager Laxminarayana Rao proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Shridhar Bhat compered.
Sumalata Ambareesh D Surendra Kumar and others were present.