Pic: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Jul 20: Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math explained here on Friday, July 20, why he could attend the funeral of Shiroor seer who passed away on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons, Swamiji said, “When I heard about the death news, I was in Hubballi. No ways I could travel and reach here as it would have taken me minimum seven hours. I had a predetermined programme in Sirsi in the evening which I attended and then proceeded to Udupi,”

“I am aware that my absence raised many eyebrows. But I could not come because of the travelling duration involved. There is no other reason,” he added.

He also praised late Shiroor seer for his people- friendly attitude. “He was pro-poor and always mingled with people. He liked art music and cultural activities very much. He nurtured talents. Sometimes, people felt that he overindulged in these activities,” he said.

“We were always cooperative with him. But as he did not follow celibacy, we had some issues with him. He also drank liquor. He had relationship with two women. That disqualified him from offering pujas,” he informed.

“On the day he consumed food with children, it is said that he smelt liquor. But the allegations that we held secret meetings against him are untrue. We always respected him. We just wanted him to change his behaviour and make himself worthy of offering pujas to the idols,” Swamiji said.