Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 29: Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo on Sunday December 29 expressed condolences on the demise of Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, who breathed his last on Sunday morning after a brief illness.
In his messaged, the bishop said, "He was a senior seer, an eminent scholar who fought against untouchability. He was a pioneer and we are shocked by his sad demise. May God grant peace to his soul.
"I got an opportunity to see him in hospital where he was admitted. I prayed to God to heal his pain and bring him back to health, so that once again he could be in the service of the Lord.
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"He is much revered not only in Udupi, but all over the nation and also in other countries. He was a mountain of knowledge. No one could match his knowledge of philosophy. He was known as a senior scholar who dedicated his life to social service. He was opposed to the practice of untouchability, and was upset at the exclusion of a section of society," the bishop said.
"Pejawar Swamiji used to have food prepared at the Math. He was known for his simplicity. He was influenced by Gandhiji's thoughts and his simple lifestyle, and Swamiji's khavi (saffron fabric) was the best example of this. He used to always stress on the need to respect other religions. He would share his valuable thoughts whenever he came to participate in Udupi diocese programmes. He was a straightforward personality.
"Pejawar Swamiji played an important role in promoting and maintaining harmony among the heads of the Ashta Maths. With his demise, people of Udupi are feeling orphaned," the bishop added.
"It is difficult to believe that Swamiji is no more with us. I would like to say that he is the greatest personality of this century. The Udupi diocese is saddened by the departure of Pejawar Swamiji. We wish that his values may live forever. On behalf of the priests of Udupi diocese and well-wishers, I pray that God grants eternal peace to his soul," the bishop said.