Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP/HB)

Udupi, Dec 5: Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode math who is currently taking care of Shirur Math said that the successors for Shirur math are already chosen. “We have already selected a person to be the successor of Shirur math. We have decided to appoint him in Uttarayana. We have performed the duties so far with the cooperation of Ashtamataadheeshas. We expect the cooperation of the devotees even in the future," Swamiji said.

He was speaking at a press meet organized at Shirur math held on Saturday, December 5. "Laxmivara Theertha Sripada has already taken up the renovation and rituals of Shirur base math and Udupi abode and completed it. We have decided to install the chief deity with the cooperation of villagers in the new temple. Besides, the seat of Durgaparameshwari deity near Kiloor base math is renovated with the help of villagers. As the Papuje math near Hiriadka has become weak, it is decided to renovate it."

"The expenditure for the works, the daily expenses and the expenditure for Shirur Goshala are met by the cess being received from Manipal’s Laxmi Summit building and the rent from building near Shirur math. We have not sold or mortgaged the assets of this math during our two years and six months long responsibility of the math," he said.

Sode swamiji sharing the information about progress of Kanaka Mall said, "Efforts to resolve the misunderstanding over agreement that cropped up regarding the development or construction of the deserted Kanaka mall have been held. There are indications that the controversy may come to an end. Advice of legal experts is sought to take suitable action through legal process," he said.

"A veteran businessman in Mumbai and devotee of math has taken up the construction of Kanaka mall on the basis of a joint model. Among the proposed basement and eight floors, the four floors at the top will be completed and it will be handed over to Shirur math. An oral agreement is done to repay Rs 10.75 crore loan out of Rs 26.50 crore book value in lumpsum to Corporation bank. Ten people who have reserved shops in commercial parts of Kanaka mall building have taken up the responsibility of repaying Rs 10 crore of the loan," Sode swamiji said.

"They have also agreed to pay Rs 1.50 crore pending bill to be paid to the building contractor. I recollect at this juncture the valuable contribution of Dr Ravindranath Shanbhog, professor M B Puranik, Thotadamane Diwaker Shetty, Thonse Jayakrishna Shetty and other elite people to resolve the problems relating to the building through compromise. I hope that the entire process will be over by March next year," he added

Palimaru swamiji Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha swamiji said , “After two years, every problems will be solved one after another. Good days are coming and a good successor will come to Shiroor math soon. He is pursuing Vedadyayana. The whole society will welcome them. The Kanaka Mahal will get Golden mahal. May the plans go forward without any hurdles," he wished.

Speaking on the successor appointment to Shiroor, Ratnakar Kumar said, "Financial matters are slowly getting resolved. All the financial issues occured at one stage. Economic status is recovering from a weak point. The upcoming successor will not see any financial complications. There is no deposit in the bank related to Shiroor math. It will require at least 18 months to get clearance from the financial and legal matters."

Karnataka state auditor’s association vice president and veteran auditor H V Gautham explained in this meeting about the controversy with Income tax officials about tax of the math.