Mangalore: Through vehicle, disciple keeps memories of Achutadasa afresh

Yashodhara Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 17: Harikatha exponent and spiritual leader, Bhadragiri Achutadasa, who was also fondly known as an encyclopaedia in human form, left us for heavenly abode sometime back. However, the divine stories he delivered in a fashion that was unique and sublime, and his habit of interspersing discourses with interesting anecdotes and wholesome humour, have left behind indelible marks in the minds of people.

A vehicle Achutadasa used during his last days now moves around the streets of Moodbidri town. Sudhakar Nayak from Alangar near Moodbidri, who was the personal assistant and ardent fan of this great personality, who was regarded as a god man par excellence, also doubled up as the driver of Achutadasa for a number of years. Nayak had worked as personal assistant, driver, as well as assistant cook of Dasa, as per the demands of the circumstances, for 33 years. Sudhakar Nayak had travelled with his master to famous pilgrimage centres like Badrinath, Kedarnath, and others. After the demise of Achutadasa, Nayak has returned to his native place, with lingering memories of his illustrious guru.

The family of Achutadasa, having regard to selfless and earnest services rendered by Nayak, and as a token of abundant affection the late Dasa had towards Nayak, handed him the Tata Sumo vehicle which the Harikatha scholar used during his last days. In addition, one of the sacred Saligramas Achutadasa used to worship, also was also given to him. The vehicle continues to bear the devotional and spiritual declaration in Sanskrit, ‘Sadaya Dhavala Hasam Vittalam Chintayami’, and a saffron flag, which remained the hallmark of Achutadasa’s vehicle during his lifetime.

When Nayak built his own house in Alangar, ‘Mahamaya Kripa’, he had ensured that Achutadasa laid its foundation stone. There were times when the revered Harikatha scholar stayed at this house during his visits to this place. Nayak, who says that Achutadasa, who was divinity personified, used to follow what he preached.

"Whatever my master said or predicted, used to materialise. Because of my long association with him, I have been tremendously influenced by him and his preachings, and I am filled with good thoughts and principles. Everything for which the Dasa provided guidance went on to be completed successfully without any hitch," Sudhakar Nayak says.