Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (SN/SP)
Mangalore, Jan 29: Through a historical verdict, a court in Tirupati has ordered Sri Raghavendrateertha, who was dethroned from being the ‘Patta Shishya’ of Kashi Math and divested of his position and rights after being the heir apparent to succeed the Math Swamiji Sri Sudheendrateertha some years ago, to hand over the idols of presiding deity, other idols including all the traditional marks of honour and also all the paraphernalia of the Kashi Math presently in his position, to the Math Swamiji Sri Sudheendrateertha. Judge T K Sundar Kumar, through the judgment, dismissed the application made by Raghavendrateertha claiming that he is the 'Matadhipati' or spiritual head of Kashi Math and that he rightfully deserves to get all the honours and rights to which the top spiritual leader of the Math is entitled to.
Raghavendrateertha has been given a month's time to hand over all the Kashi Math assets back to Sudheendrateertha Swamiji along with the suit costs. A large number of devotees had gathered in the court premises when the judgment was pronounced. It may be recalled that Raghavendrateertha had, through a letter dated November 4 1999, requested Sudheendrateertha Swamiji to relieve himself of the Math duties and accordingly, he was discharged of all rights and duties by the Swamiji after consulting the devotees, on July 19, 2000.
The supporters of Shri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji, who were elated at the verdict, which came after a long wait of about nine years, gave vent to their joy by bursting crackers and revelling in front of the local Sri Venkatramana Temple. They were also seen raising slogans, hailing Sudheendrateertha Swamiji and Kashi Math.
Their joy was redoubled with the arrival of Sri Sudheendrateertha Swamiji at the temple on Wednesday January 29, for taking part in the annual car festival of the temple, scheduled to be held here from Thursday January 29 to Monday February 2. On Tuesday February 3, 'Avabhruta Snana' or holy dip, the concluding ritual of the car festival, will be observed.
To celebrate the triumph, special pujas were conducted in the Lord Venkatramana temples located in the city and also in Kundapur and Karkala.