Daijiworld News Network - Udupi/Shirva (GA)

Udupi, Sep 23: Noted astrologer and 'Jyotisha Ratna' awardee Belman Madhwaraya Bhat (92) passed away at KMC Hospital at Manipal here on Friday September 22 after a brief period of illness.

He was the son of the late Belman Lakshminarayana Bhat, who is till today considered as one of the greatest astrologers, champion of Vedic science and the late Vagdevi.  Madhwaray Bhat had been conferred with the prestigious "Jyotisha Ratna" award during the last paryaya here.

He had learnt the nuances of Vedic science from the late Krishnacharya and Srinivasacharya in the premises of famous Inna Temple.  But his father was a great influence on him during the later years.  Madhwaray Bhat excelled both in Ashwalayana and Bhodhayana branches of Triveda.

He was the managing trustee and main priest of Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple of Belman.  He has been fondly remembered for the developmental works in the temple during his tenure.  It was when he was at the helm that the temple had got the drinking water facility, an approach road, electricity and even a banquet hall.  Recently he had even fulfilled his last dream of daily food to the devotees.  Top politicians of the state such as Deve Gowda, Veerappa Moily, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former CM Dharam Singh, and senior Congress leader Jafar Sharif etc used to come to him to seek blessings and advise.

He had fallen sick suddenly while performing religious rites at KPCC president Mallikarjun Kharge's house at Bangalore. He was immediately admitted to Jaydeva Hospital. After the treatment he had come back home.  But of late he had fallen ill once again and was admitted to KMC Hospital.

He is survived by his son, relatives and friends and lot of fans.