Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Jun 10: The internal differences between different Swamijis of the eight Maths associated with Sri Krishna Math here came out in the open on Monday June 9.

Repair and renovation work of Lord Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples standing amid the eight Maths has been undertaken, initiative relating to which was undertaken by Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Puttige Math. It is said that the Puttige Swamiji sidelined six Swamijis in doing so.

The Puttige Swamiji however, told the media persons that he had personally met all the Swamijis on this issue and that they had not opposed the idea of renovating these ancient temples. He rued that these spiritual heads of Maths had been now opposing the renovation work for no apparent reason. "Lord Anantheshwara Temple is very old, even dating back to much before Sri Krishna Math was established here. Wood used for the construction of this temple has become brittle and weak. Therefore, the temple is being renovated, and work has been taken up," he added.

As Puttige Swamiji heads the management committees of both these temples, he thought it right to renovate the temple, roof of which has been leaking since sometime.

Sources said that Kaniyoor Math Swamiji attended meetings organized by both the sides, and chose to play his cards safe. Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji of Admar Math was absent. The other six Swamijis heading Shiroor, Pejavar, Krishnapura, Palimar, Sode and Admar feel slighted by the overbearing zeal of Puttige Swamiji.

Puttige Swamiji has been in-charge of Lord Anantheshewara and Chandramouleeshwara temples since the last two decades, and there are rumblings within the Maths about management of these temples. While the other Swamijis seek equal right in administration of this temple, Puttige Swamiji is reluctant to meet this demand.

The above temple falls under the department of Hindu religious and charitable endowments department, and the government has released Rs 4.5 crore for its renovation. Interior works began at the temple on Sunday, and works outside are being attended to with police protection. The other Swamijis rue the fact that Puttige Swamiji has been showing autocratic behaviour, by overlooking opinions of other senior Swamijis. Both the temples have good income, and have assets worth crores of rupees. The other Maths feel that the Swamiji is not agreeable to share power with others with an eye on assets of the temple.

Now, the six Swamijis who are opposing temple renovation work without their nod, have given power of attorney to a third party. On their behalf, a petition has been submitted in the district court here against the renovation works. The court has taken up investigation, but the Puttige Swamiji has gone ahead unperturbed, without bothering about the legal wrangle. He is planning to complete renovation work at the earliest. In all possibility, a stay order may be issued to the ongoing renovation work in three to four days, sources feel.

The grudge of other Swamijis centres around the fact that Sugunendrateertha Swamiji has not taken them into confidence before undertaking repair and renovation work of the temple, and obtained from their suggestions and opinions. He knows about their specific objections on the issue, they assert. They feel that these two temples fall under the supervision of all the Maths and therefore, every Swamiji has a right to get involved with decision making process concerning renovation, and express their opinion over these works. At the same time, no one is sure why Puttige Swamiji wanted to take up renovation work in such a tearing hurry.

Sri Krishna Math is a religious centre where total devotion and service to society should prevail above all other petty issues. Everyone is aware that there have been differences between the spiritual heads of different Maths on various issues. But the Swamijis, who apparently are detached from worldly pleasures and attachments, need to hold open discussions in a healthy atmosphere and sort out issues without taking the fight to the streets, devotees opine. Because conflicts give rise to confusion in the minds of the temple and various stories get floated, and the image of this internationally famous religious centre is likely to take a beating, if they give prominence to their individual egos instead of universal good.