Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 19: 29-year-old Sreesha S from Shiroor village near Hiriadka in the taluk was anointed as the disciple of Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji of Admar Math here on Thursday June 19. With this, he began his spiritual journey towards becoming the successor to the present Swamiji of the Math.

Sreesha was given the title of 'Eshapriyateertha Swamiji'.

After the rituals, the newly-annointed Eshateertha Swamiji said that knowledge is important and the contribution made to the world through knowledge is the most supreme of all.

Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math, who would be Sreesha's tutor, termed Sreesha as Admar Math Swamiji's gift to society and said that his anointing was not for any worldly or pragmatic purpose and was thoroughly a religious one.

Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji explained the historical significance of Pajaka Kshetra and also said that the protection of disciple is the utmost duty of a guru. He also stressed on the importance of spirituality in today's world. 

Sreesha, who has an attractive personality, was always tilted towards theism and a sense of detachment towards worldly possessions and connections. Since a young age, he used to observe the Swamijis closely, and his father had even considered of training him in priesthood when young. He was attracted to the idea of practicing celibacy, severing all relationships, and getting fully engaged in the services of Lord Sri Krishna, also because of the opportunity it offers to serve the society.

The first priority of the new disciple of Admar Math will be to study scriptures and earn knowledge of religious books. He is confident of standing up to the expectations with the grace and guidance of his Guru, Sri Vishwapriya Swamiji.

The 'Pattabhisheka' was held on Thursday June 19, beginning with rituals at Banateertha amidst religious scholars, followed by a procession to Kunjarugiri Shree Durga Devi Temple, where Admar Math's Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji anointed Sreesha as his disciple and officially named him his successor. Religious procedures connected with the above have been continuing since some days at Banateertha, a water body believed to have been created by Lord Parashurama near Pajaka Kshetra and Kunjarugiri, and also Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple nearby.

Son of Chadrashekar and Gowri, Sreesha is the youngest among four children, born on March 20, 1985. Sreesha completed his schooling and PU education in Teerthahalli where his father ran a hotel business. He then completed his BE from Jawaharlal College of Engineering, Shimoga in the year 2006.

He three brothers - Ramamurthy, Rajesh and Girish - are graduates in computer science. Rajesh lives in the US, while the others are employed in Bangalore. Their mother Gowri looks after their farms and fields in Shiroor.

Sreesha had earlier taken up jobs in Udupi and Mangalore. He has also completed primary courses on religious rituals, epics and other related subjects from veteran scholar Padubidri Lakshmi Narayana Sharma.