Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 28: “Shiroor Math has not become orphaned. There is no hurry at present to adopt a disciple for the Math as successor to Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji. Worship of the Swamiji will resume when police complete investigation and return the possession of Math,” said Vishwavallabha Theertha Shreepada of Dwandwa (parallel) Sode Math.
Speaking to reporters on Friday July 27, he said that he wants to undertake the customary 'Aradhana' of the late Swamiji once the Math premises are handed back by the investigating team. "Although we had planned to perform the 'Aradhana' on July 31, which happens to be the 13th day after his death, we find that unless premises of the Math are given back, it is difficult to make arrangements as per established customs. Therefore, we will take up this programme once we get back the Math premises," he explained.
No objection for investigation
“It is a week since the police took over the Math saying that they need it for three days. There would not be any hurdles or problems for undertaking investigation. Cooking, pooja and homas will be difficult to perform till the Math premises are given back,” he explained.
“Vrindavan (tomb) for the Swamiji would be built after one year. Though the Math is currently in the custody of the police, daily pooja is continuing. Devotees are not allowed inside. Special Rangapooje will be held on July 28. We have appointed two experienced people to look after puja and other things at the two premises of the Math,” he stated.
Committee of five members
“Two people are appointed as in charge for Udupi Shiroor Math and Hiriadka base Math. They are guiding the police in their investigation besides conducting day-to-day administration and puja. Formation of a committee of five people to take charge of property of Math and its maintenance is in progress," he stated.
Search for the disciple
“We are searching for a deserving candidate who is over 18 years of age with good features and characteristics with an inclination for asceticism for being adopted as a Shishya (disciple). We are prepared to accept a suitable person if available even today as there is no bar in accepting a disciple even during Chaturmasa period. At the same time, we do not know whether Shirur Swamiji has chosen anyone as his disciple. The rumours that certain candidates found suitable by us have refused to become Shiroor Math disciple are false,” he stated.
“We are getting cooperation and support from all the Maths. Gold ornaments worn by Shiroor Swamiji at the time he got admitted into hospital have not been received back so far by the Math," he clarified.
Sode Swamiji said he is ignorant about any missing register of Shiroor Math. "I came to know that DVR is missing only after being informed by the police. Further action regarding the projects announced by Shiroor Swamiji will be taken up after ascertaining the financial condition of the Math. About property records of Shiroor Math, action as per law will be undertaken. Once an heir to Shiroor Math is chosen, the officials will be responsible for managing the Math," he said.
I do not intend to provide fodder for TV debate
“We are very sad that the heads of seven Maths were targeted for the death of Shiroor Swamiji by conveying this information in the form of breaking news. Therefore, I refuse to appear in television," he explained.
Sode Math Swamiji added that he does not want any publicity. At the same time, he clarified that he cannot continue to tolerate malicious propaganda. "We can bear charges only if we have caused injustice, and I refuse to provide material for television speculations," he said.