Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jul 23: A grand felicitation programme was organized to honour Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige math for his outstanding work in USA. The programme was held at Rajangana hall, Sri Krishna temple here on Saturday, July 22.
Sri Sugunendra Swamiji of Puttige math took the initiative of building a new temple of 'Kadegolu Krishna' at New Jersey USA. A church was bought and modified into temple. This may be first of its kind in history.
The sanctum sanctorum of this temple, which is about 40 feet high, has been entirely carved out of wood. Both inside the sanctum sanctorum and its outside, stories of divine sport (Leela) involving Lord Krishna have been carved on the model of Belur and Halebeedu sculptures by using Burmese teak wood. A pedestal has been made from black stone which was brought from Karkala on which the idol of Lord Krishna will be installed.
Speaking on the occasion, district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “It is a great moment for me to felicitate Swamiji in his hometown. Sri Krishna is known as Jagadguru in the universe. Sri Sugunendra Swamiji is propagating the messages of Sri Krishna and Madhwacharya. He is also spreading the importance of Hindu culture to other religions and race. We commend his work and wish him well for future.”
Appreciating the work done by Puttige Swamiji, Sri Vishweshwara Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar math said, “He had done a wonderful work. It was a joy for all of us that he is spreading the principles of devotion and richness of Hindu religion and culture across the world. We hope that he continues to do many more wonders like this. He is a true ambassador of spirituality in one of the Ashta maths.”
After receiving felicitation from the Udupi citizen committee Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige math said, “The great work done by me is the fruit of hard work by many. First and foremost, Lord Krishna made this work possible. It was a Krishna leela (wishes of God).
“I will dedicate this felicitation to Lord Krishna. I understood after travelling in 25 countries that Indian religion and culture is the best. The world peace can possible only by India, because India has never attacked other countries. It will be worth to stand as Jagadguru in the world. It is said by Haridas that 'Everything happens according to the wishes of Hari (Krishna)'. Likewise, everything was done by him and I was only an instrument.”
Speaking on the occasion, Rajarshi Veerendra Heggade, trustee of Dharmasthala temple said, “As Pejawar math's senior Swamiji says, ‘India is Badaa (largest) nation not bada(poor) nation. Our nation might be lagging behind economically or its standard of living is low, but our nation is very rich and most forward country by its religious practices and cultural heritage.”
“Foreign countries hold utmost respect and curiosity about Hindu religion. They accept any tradition of India with proper interrogation.”
“In India, we are recognized by secular caste, regional language but when India's people go out from the nation, each one is recognized as Indian only,” he added.
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji was brought in a grand procession to the stage.
Sri Shivarudra Swamiji Beli math Bengaluru, Siddhaganga Swamiji Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA Kaup, Raghupati Bhat, former MLA Udupi, Suresh Shetty Gurme, businessman, Krishna Rao Kodancha, president, Chamber of Commerce, Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, president, City Municipality council, Suprasad Shetty Baikady, Devi Prasad Shetty Belapu, Mohan Alwa, president, Group of Alwas education institution, Dr P V Ashok Kumar, Nisarga Ayurvedic and others were present.