Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, May 9: Sri Sri Sri Brahmarishi Umamaheshwara Swamiji of Trimbakeshwara Annapoorna Math, Kalya village, Karkala, is well-known for his gesture for treating everyone equally in the society.
Moreover, Swamiji is a Karate instructor and has taught the martial art to many students free of cost.
Sri Sri Sri Brahmarishi Umamaheshwara Swamiji of Trimbakeshwara Annapurna Math, Kalya village, Karkala, taluk in an in-depth interview with Daijiworld editor-in-chief, Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld 24x7 channel's 'Yatishreshtaru' programme, reveals what led him to become a Sanyasi.
Excerpts
DW: Swamiji, tell us about this Kshetra. Who founded this Math?
Swamiji: I am running this Math since 16 years. I returned from Maharashtra to my native to construct this Math. This Math was constructed during Hanuman Jayanthi in 2005. A donor named Narayana Poojary helped us financially in constructing this Math.
DW: Basically, you are a Karate instructor. We have heard that you still teach Karate to students.
Swamiji: Yes, in Maharashtra, I was training Karate to the commandos. I was teaching Karate to students in schools. A club from the United States had invited me to teach Karate. I had planned to set up a Karate studio. Never had I thought that I would come into this spiritual life. We should teach what we know to others in life. I teach Karate without charging any fees to the students. Many poor students learn Karate. A company had sponsored Karate gear to the students when we went to the Karate tournament. If donors support my cause, poor students will bring laurels to the country. I have a plan to start many others arts and games here.
DW: Where were you born?
Swamiji: I was born in Bobbariya Bakariya house in Hermunde village of Ajekar, Karkala. Our family is from the agricultural background.
DW: How many siblings do you have?
Swamiji: I have three siblings.
DW: Where did you complete your schooling?
Swamiji: Though I was born Hermundi, I was brought up in Yerlapadi village. I was so mischievous in school and hence discontinued schooling. I studied up to the fifth standard.
DW: Who is your spiritual guru?
Swamiji: My guru is Niranjan Swamiji of Sunkadakatte. He gave me Deeksha in Mumbai. My guru served the society a lot. He gave me a new birth. Niranjan Swamiji gave me the key to unlock the power of knowledge.
DW: What types of programmes do you conduct here?
Swamiji: Utsava will be held during Dasara. There will be 'Seva' during 'Sankramana'. During the Amavasya, without taking any money from the devotees, I will offer solace to their problems. Human beings should help each other. This is the principle of humanity. A spiritual guru should not demand money from his devotee. He should accept whatever his devotee offers to him. In this nature, devotion is the greatest asset.
DW: Do devotees visit the math daily or only during the religious ceremony?
Swamiji: Usually people will come. Surrendering your soul to God is the real devotion to God. All human beings are selfish and live with expectations. In this world, only God will love us without any expectations.
DW: Swamiji, did you come to spiritual life from Grahastashrama?
Swamiji: Yes, before obtaining Deeksha, I was married. There are scriptures where it is mentioned that seers were married. Because of my wife, I am so strong. She never interrupted in my spiritual life. I have a son who is running a garage. I have told him that he should look after this Math in future.
DW: What was your name in Purvashrama?
Swamiji: My name in Purvashrama was Umesh Karkera.
DW: What is your daily routine?
Swamiji: I wake up at 5.30 am. I do yoga. After Yoga, I will take bath. Later, I go to perform 'Jappa'. Then I offer pooja to God.
DW: What is your future vision for this Math? Do you have any plans to attract devotees?
Swamiji: I do not have any plan to do business or earn money. The development of this Kshetra depends upon the deity here. The sufferings of people should be solved.
DW: Swamiji, can you share with us the moment of extreme happiness and pain in your life?
Swamiji: Once I had to live without food in Maharashtra. Later, my friend came to know about it. He came gave me a bag of rice. From then, I never lived without food. During the pandemic, a devotee from Bihar sent me Rs 11,000. From that money I purchased an idol of Lord Ganesha. After three days, I had no rice to cook. I was thinking what to do next. Fortunately, a girl to whom I supported for her education through a donor, came to me and gave Rs 2,000. With that money I purchased rice.
DW: What is your message to our viewers?
Swamiji: We have seen youths in the present generation deserting their parents. Parents are our first God. We need their blessings. We should obey our parents. Guru is important in our life.
Watch Full Interview: