Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)
Kasargod, Jul 9: Kuntaru Subraya Tantri (81), who was a renowned scholar in technicalities related to religious rituals, and was looked upon as an expert of the highest order in the matter of religious issues and temple rituals all over Kerala and Karnataka, breathed his last on Tuesday July 8. He has left behind three sons including Ravish Tantri, a well-known orator in spiritual matters, and state vice president of Hindu Aikya Vedi.
Subraya Tantri had studied Vedas and other scriptures under the tutelage of Laxminarayana Acharya from Bhagamandala, a stalwart of his time in these matters. It is said that Tantri had made up his mind to go to Sri Lanka in search of a job, and had boarded a ship for this purpose, but returned due to the inner urge to undertake higher studies in Tantric and Vedic rituals. He had guided Brahmakalashotsava procedures of a large number of temples in Kasargod, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu districts, and was well-versed with procedures relating to re-construction and renovation of temples. He used to conduct 'Sudarshana 'Homa' on every new moon day at his home for the general good of the world. He was the force behind giving a new lease of life to Kaudinkana festival of Adoor Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple, where celebrating this festival had been stopped about 450 years ago.
Tantri not only had a large number of fans and followers in southern India, but also was in close contact with heads of various mutts.
A number of dignitaries including representatives of Kaniyoor and Yedaneeru mutts, RSS leaders like Kalladka Prabnhakar Bhat and Kajampady Subrahmanya Bhat, Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple managing committee president, Nanya Achuta Moodithaya, a number of well-known astrologers and religious leaders and others, made a beeline to the house of Tantri to pay their homage to the departed soul. Union railway minister, D V Gowda, and Dakshina Kannada MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, have also grieved the death of Subraya Tantri.