Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jun 25: Head of Subramanya Math Sri Vidyaprasannateertha Swamiji has clarified that there are no irregularities over religious programme or rituals performed at Kukke Subramanya Math.
Swamiji spoke in an exclusive interview to editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld TV 24x7’s 'Public challenge' programme.
Sri Vidyaprasanna Swamiji said, "Kukke Subramanya Math has a vast history behind it. There are no irregularities taking place in any religious programme or rituals performed here. Right from its initial days, these rituals are being performed as part of tradition. But unfortunately, false rumours are being spread against the religious programmes performed here. There is a personal agenda behind spreading these false rumours. There is an attempt to defame the name and fame of this Math. It is not right to spread false rumours on the rituals and traditions of the Math which are being performed right from the beginning.
"Religious rituals are performed as per devotees' needs. Most of the devotees come to find remedies from ‘Naga Dosha’. Separate receipt is given to the devotees for services offered. We do not encourage any brokers in the Math. We do not charge in excess for any rituals performed here. The overall income is spent for social welfare and not personal benefits," he said.
"Such false rumours will create a wrong impression about the Math. It will lead to confusion and hurt the devotees’ sentiments. It is wrong to connect administration and religious rituals and politicise rumours in the name of the Math.
"People arrive in large numbers to the Math hoping that their problems will be resolved. We have not invited any devotees forcibly to the Math. It would be definitely wrong if we had told the devotees that receipt would not be given for the rituals performed here. It is not right to defame the Math by spreading false rumours.
"I am just a normal Swamiji and I do not have any intention of earning name and fame. Devotees are free to perform their service if the muzrai department provides them at a low cost. Devotees should perform rituals with belief. We have not forced any devotee to offer rituals at our Math. There were allegations on the Math that if the muzrai department performs poojas separately, there will not be any success and vice-versa. Spreading such false rumors is not right.
"We did not name the Math as 'Subramanya Math’, our ancestors did. This Math is not here to fool people and devotees.
"It is an uphill task to make an organisation grow. Some people out of their personal agenda are trying to defame the Math. I urge them not to do such things," he said.
Asked about his stand on politics, Swamiji said, "I am not interested in politics. Good politicians are not recognised for their good work, but end up being recognised for all the wrong reasons. I will not step into politics."
Watch full interview