Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 14: Sri Sri Sri Mahabala Swamiji of Chamundeshwari Kshetra Kaniyoor is well known for treating everyone equally, irrespective of their religion, caste, community, through his spiritual and social service.
Mahabala Swamiji in an in-depth interview with Daijiworld’s editor-in-chief, Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld 24x7 channel's 'Yatishreshtaru' programme, spoke about life before he took 'Sanyasa' and his social work.
Excerpts
DW: Swamiji, in short, please brief us about Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra.
Swamiji: I came to know about the existence of the deity here in 1978. Later, I began to worship the deity through Bhajan. As a challenge, I accepted the responsibility of the temple. Later, the idol was shifted outside the house. Several devotees visited the temple and for many, their problems were resolved.
DW: In which year were you born, and from whom did you obtain Deeksha?
Swamiji: I was born on July 6, 1956. Vasudeva Rao gave me Deeksha. He used to worship Goddess Sharada. My life changed thereafter. A Brahmin taught me how to perform puja and other religious activities.
DW: Now that this temple is under construction, how do people support you in this task?
Swamiji: Many have supported. Those who came here have contributed to the temple in their own way. The work of the temple was undertaken with a budget of Rs 1.5 crore. Many donors have donated in the form of cash and other construction materials. Odiyoor Swamiji has donated Rs 4 lac. We have also received a donation from Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala. From the government, I received Rs 8 lac. We have fixed a date for the Brahmakalashotsava.
DW: How was your life before you took Deeksha?
Swamiji: Then I was a 'Samsari', now I am a 'Sanyasi'. Family members have supported me. I am happy.
DW: What are the challenges you are facing now and how did you achieve success?
Swamiji: I could succeed in the task as I believed in the thought 'Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu'. Without any religious barrier, even Muslims and Christians are invited for special occasions. People from various communities visit this place.
DW: What is your opinion on today's youth as they are now more into modern technologies like mobile phones? Are they concentrating on devotion?
Swamiji: There is a total change in policy here. We give importance to the deity instead of grandeur of celebrations. Nowadays, children are intelligent. But they are not using technology for good reasons. They do not listen to their parents. Now devotion is only for showing off.
DW: How do you begin your day?
Swamiji: I wake up at 5 am. Later, I perform puja. Usually, people start coming here at around 6.30 am to share their problems. After understanding their problem, I offer solace to them.
DW: Can you share with us the happiest experience of your life?
Swamiji: Fixing a date for the 'Brahmakalashotsava' was the happiest moment for me in my life.
DW: What is the most painful experience you have had in life?
Swamiji: It was the death of my mother. That was the most painful thing.
DW: What is your message to society?
Swamiji: Today, people have ego issues. No one is superior or inferior. There are feelings of superiority and inferiority even among us. We should worship God with devotion. It leads us to Mukti (salvation). We should respect all religions.
Watch Full Interview
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