Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 5: Paryaya Sri Pejawar Math Sri Vishveshateertha Swamiji launched Datta Mala Abhiyana by garlanding Sri Dattatreya devotees. The programme was held at Sri Madhwa Mantapa, here on Sunday December 4.
The abhiyana was organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists.
Swamiji addressing the devotees said, "Sri Dattatreya is a Guru as well as a God. This Abhiyana has been carried out for many years with good intentions. Such pro-Hindu activities must be organized frequently at Sri Guru Dattatreya Peetha to protect Hindu dharma. This is one of the holiest programmes. There should be no scope for violence and it should be carried out peacefully."
He blessed all the devotees present and wished them success.
Coordinator of Bajrang Dal, Sharan Pumpwell explained, "Swamiji has symbolically launched this Abhiyana. Thousands of devotees might have worn Datta Mala as part of the Datta Mala Abhiyana in the state. Over 50,000 Datta Maladharies from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasargod and Kodagu district will be attending the Sri Datta Jayanti Fest – 2016 to be held on December 13."
The devotees will observe a week's ‘vrata’ in order to take part in the fest. On Monday December 12 night, a procession will set forth to Sri Guru Dattatreya Peetha at Chandra Drona Hill Chikmagalur to receive Darshana of ‘Paduke’ which is a distance of 8 km on foot.
He also stressed that the Supreme Court has handed over responsibility of solving the Datta Peetha issue to the state government. Hence, the government should give up the Peetha to the Hindus and make it free. The state government should appoint an archaka for performing pooja for Guru Dattatreya everyday. The issue should be closed at the earliest.
The devotees offered prayers through bhajans at Madhwa Mantapa.
Vilas Nayak, district president Vishwa Hindu Parishad, M V Puranik, Dinesh Mendon and others were present at the Abhiyana.