Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/DC)
Udupi, Dec 27(DC): President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, took part in the festivities being held here on December 27 to celebrate completion of eight decades of Pejawar Math Swamiji, Sri Vishweshateertha’s initiation into asceticism, religious services, and dedicated service to Lord Krishna.
Sri Vishweshateertha (87) happens to be the 33rd Swamiji in the lineage of Pejawar Math heads. He was born at Ramakunja, Puttur taluk on April 27, 1931. M Narayanacharya and Kamalamma were his parents. His childhood name was Venkataramana. His Upanayanam was performed when he was studying in Ramakunja Sanskrit elementary school, at the age of seven. He became a Sanyasi at Hampi on December 3, 1938, after undergoing procedures to renounce worldly pleasures and tread on the path of study of religion, worship of the Lord, and philosophy.
President on the occasion congratulated Pejawar swamiji for his achievements and liveliness even at the age of 88. Pejawar swamiji also gave information regarding the history of Sri Krishna Math and preachings of Madhwacharya.
He also honoured the president and his wife in a traditional manner on the occasion.
Speaking to reporters about president's visit to Udupi, Pejawar Swamiji said, "President has visited Sri Krishna Math and he will have blessings of Sri Krishna. It is similar to nation getting blessings of lord Krishna. I have requested president to start Madhwa Jayanthi and open Madhwa vishwa vidyanilaya in Pajaka. At present residential school is there in Pajaka. They should upgrade it to college."
Commenting on Ram Mandir, he said, "Supreme Court verdict is not clear. Discussion in this regard is underway."
Reacting to Dinesh Amin Mattu's statement that Pejawar Swamiji gives confusing statements due to his old age, swamiji said, "When Dinesh meets he respects me. But from behind he speaks ill of me. Let him speak to me directly instead commenting in my absence."
He also clarified that he does not oppose saha pankti bhojana.
On the occasion Palimar Swamiji game him a Krishna idol. President said that he would keep it at president's bhavan.
Palimaru paryaya Swamiji Sri Vidyadheesha said, “We were very happy that the President graced the occasion. There are many temples in Southern and Northern India. Udupi is a connecting bridge to them. President of India came to Udupi today. I believe that it also the getting together of two different directions. The main worshipping god of Palimaru Math is Lord Krishna. He is the guardian for the deprived.”
Receving honour, president Kovind said, “People call Lord Ram as Maryada Purushottam. Ayodhya was an ideal state. There may be difference in worship of Ram, Lakshman and Seetha. But all Gods are one.
“There is a need of building affection between human beings in the world. God has created many organisms in the world. Among these, man is God's best creation. Love and mutual relationship between humans is essential today,” he said.
The President, who was impressed with the welcome by pontiffs, he said, “I was thinking of visiting this place since long time. Today, my wish is fulfilled. I am very thankful to your traditional hospitality. Let us establish love and peace on earth. If everyone follows Lord Ram's life, humans will lead peaceful and happy life. Only then, a nation will develop. All should get united for religious coordination. He also wished Pejawar Swamiji a long life.”
Sri Vishwa Prasanna Swamiji of Pejawar Math, Vidyavallabha Swamiji of Kaniyur Math, Vishwa Vallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Math, and Ishapriya Teertha Swamiji of Admar Math were present.
Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind landed in a helicopter at Udupi helipad amid tight security in the district. He was greeted by diwan of Pejawar Math Raghuram Acharya at the presence of Governor Vajubhai Vala, Nagaland governor P B Acharya, district-in-charge minister Jayamala, Kota Shrinivas Poojary, MLA Raghupati Bhat, DC Priyanka Mary Francis and ZP president Dinakara Babu.
MP Uma Bharathi, who is known to be close to Swamiji, was absent during President's visit since she had to attend parliament session.